Sewing a
washi dress has been on my list of things to do for at least 2 years! I've had the fabric and the pattern for over two years as well. That's kind of embarrassing, but I'm also very pleased that I actually got around to it. Finally! (Frankly, I'm surprised that the fabric didn't end up as a quilt back. ha!) The best part is, the dress fits me so well, with no modifications needed. I haven't worked up the nerve to pose and post photos of me
in the dress, so you will have to take my word for it. :)
The pattern calls for sewing with elastic thread. This was a first for me, and I was hesitant to do so, but I'm glad I tried it. Oh mylanta. It's was sooooo fun! I think I could sew with elastic thread all. day. long.
The dress took me about 4 hours to sew after I cut out all the pieces. That included hand stitching the bias around the arms. I asked a few friends if that was fast or slow, because I had no clue and I was extremely curious. I hear that it's a reasonable amount of time, which is good news. I've got plans for making at least a few more dresses (maybe 10, hahaha!) using this pattern. I figure that it's my duty to do so, since it fits me so well right off the bat. I know how rare that is when it comes to garment sewing and I'm going to run with it! :)
Happy Monday to you!
36 comments:
How fun!!! Please pose in it, Amanda.
How else do we know it really fits you ;-)
http://sewpreetiquilts.blogspot.com
If you haven't checked out the expansion pack definitely do that! The sleeves work on her other patterns too.
I like the variations on the site pics and I like your fabric.
Paula in KY
Congratulations! And what beautiful fabric for it.
I agree. If you find a style that flatters you, go with it. Why frustrate yourself. Different fabrics and accessories (try a belt) will add enough variety.
The washi is on my list too. I'm like you I've had the pattern and fabric squirrelled away for ages. It's taping all the off pattern pieces together that puts me off! I love shirring too. I made two staple dresses and didn't do it because I was scared I'd wreck it but then I made a top with it and it was so easy! I am seriously thinking about retrospectively putting it in. It makes me laugh how many people experience the same hesitation as me. Anyway long winded comment to say it's a lovely dress!!
Four hours- that's impressive! And why not a few more in your wardrobe! A girl can never have too many dresses!
Super cute! Love the fabric. I'm sure it looks stunning on :) :)
It looks lovely - you have done a great job. Congratulations!!
It is beautiful. Can't wait to see you in it! haha
Gorgeous dress, like a ray of sunshine.
Very cute Amanda! Good fabric choice. I wear a lot of dresses during the Summer, so comfy. Did you alter the pattern with the front neckline? Or does the pattern come with this variation? Thanks for sharing. May have to begin sewing some clothes again. I think four hours sounds fast for getting the dress sewn. Didn't even know I could purchase elastic thread!
Nice!
Just so happens that I bought this pattern a few days ago - for the whole May is for Makers movement. I used to sew lots of clothes and have been wanting to make something for spring/summer. Glad to hear it went so well. Cute fabric!!
I'm working on my second washi dress right now! I also was lucky enough to have it fit without any alterations. I love its simplicity! I left off the cap sleeves for a more flattering sleeveless version. I love the washi!
I was curious about the washi dress but haven't bought the pattern because of the mixed reviews in terms of the fit. I am so glad that it fits you perfectly! You should definitely make some more (get an assembly line going!). I tried the Tova top last year and was quite disappointed with it (it was okay, but it didn't really fit me well enough for me to love it and make another). I then tried Fancy Tiger Craft's Sailor Top and it is a winner for me! I made two and have another cut out (which might have been waiting a couple of months already...). Love those sailor tops in a jersey fabric!
https://www.fancytigercrafts.com/patternpdfs/sailor-top-pdf-pattern
I'm so pleased to hear you had a great success with sewing this pattern. I've recently started sewing clothes for myself. I had a run in with some patterns that had incorrect Instuctions. It was doing my head in, they were suppose to be experts writing the patterns and I'm the newbie. I was second guessing myself, but in the end I was correct. I've learnt, even though I'm new to garment sewing, I've been sewing for years now. I won't second guess myself again.
It's beautiful! You did a great job, and it fits! I haven't sewn clothes in years.
Good for you, Amanda! It's beautiful.
I wish we could see you in the dress, Amanda! We're all friends here on the Internet, you know. ;-) Seriously, though -- can't tell if the elastic shirring is near the natural waist or more Empire styling, and I am SO INTRIGUED that you got a good fit without pattern alterations, I want to see if your shape looks anything like MY shape (because if it does, then I have to make this dress, too!)
Too funny that the dress fabric almost ended up as a quilt back. I can TOTALLY relate to that! Great job on your lovely dress.
Sewing clothing can be a very scary thought even if you are a master quilter. Why? Taking a flat pattern & assuming it will become a 3 dimensional garment that fits takes trust. If a pattern does not seem to fit you - CHECK YOUR MEASUREMENTS. Every pattern maker uses different measurements and one should always assume you need to tweak a pattern to fit your body. Once you tweak it - it is perfect! So as a Costume Designer - find a measurement buddy who can also help you fit the garment. Pinkie swear to never reveal the other's measurements.
Bust - go over your fullest part of the bust and back shoulder.
Waist - where your belly button is.
Hip - Oh lord, I call this "sit or split" - go down from the waist at least 9" or over the fullest part of your bum. Get this wrond and you will split your pants or skirt when you sit down.
Assume all armholes need adjusting to YOUR body.
And please take a picture of you in this lovely dress!
Amanda Jean, I'm so happy for you and your FIRST WASHI Dress! Shazam that elastic thread is so cool. That's where I too first used it...can't stop now, 4 washi dresses in my wardrobe and two Washi hip length tops. Ahem...one of my intended "quilt backing" fabrics turned into a Washi Dress ...:)
kudo's to Rae for this pattern.
bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Looks great! What a blessing to find a pattern that fits you without adjustments being made.
Way to go. I hadn't sewn garments in ages, but daughter needed a skirt taken in. After that success, I sewed her a pencil skirt in next to no time. she is the perfect size for the pattern, didn't need any adjustments. What shall I make her next.
Amanda Jean,PLEASE show us how the dress looks ON. I really can't tell that it fits well unless I see! PLEASE.
What a darling dress!!!
It's a sweet dress! I have made several skirts and an ocaisional dress but have never used the elastic thread and I have two rolls of it! I will try using it. Being short waisted I stick to skirts and blouses. Now I will make a dress.
It's adorable. I put the pattern together about a year ago and got side tracked. I guess I should dig it out and do it.
Thanks for the inspiration.
so cute!
Debbie Leschisin,
The pattern did come with this neck variation. I was so happy it did, because I'm not a huge fan of the key hole neckline. It's ok, but I prefer this plain option much more.
AJ
Adding some variations to each dress could be fun.... Ie. More that one fabric, neckline & sleeve style changes, embellishments....
Have fun....
You finally made the Washi dress! I'm proud of you, Friend! It looks great!
It's such a lovely dress that I'm imagining how nice this looks on you! Great pattern ~ love the style especially the shirring & your fabric selection!
Garmet sewing... Not my thang either so if I happen to try something that fit perfectly the first time... I'd use us all my pretty making more! Nice job on this one! 👌🏼
I've made four of these and am about to make a fifth after changing out the curtains in my daughter's room and thinking that Anna Maria Horner fabric would look awesome as a dress. :) They're so comfortable I completely live in them -- over jeans or leggings with a sweater in winter, and on their own in summer. Yours looks wonderful!
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