One Finished Dress and Too Many New Sewing Ideas!

 

This week I actually finished a sewing project and it’s already been out on an outing! My Tabitha t-shirt dress, which I started at my Sew&Bond™ event, came together quickly…but not without a few hiccups along the way.

I’m also sharing some of the new fabrics I picked up for a long-awaited Christmas project, plus a peek at what’s next on my sewing table.

 

The Tabitha T-Shirt Dress: Ups, Downs, and Fixes

At the event, Sew&Bond™, I’d only managed to cut the sleeves.

Back at home, I cut the rest of the pieces, only to realize I didn’t have enough fabric for a back bodice on the fold.

The solution? Cut two pieces and add a centre back seam. It worked out, and even gave me a little extra shaping.

Then came a classic oops moment: while cutting the back neckline, I accidentally left the front bodice pattern piece attached. I cut too deep before catching myself. Thankfully, the neckline isn’t too low, and once on, you can’t really tell.

When I tried the dress on, it was baggier than I wanted. I took in the side seams by ⅝", from sleeve to hem.

My perfectly matched stripes shifted a bit, and on one side they spiralled slightly, but honestly, no one would notice unless they’re staring. I’ve already worn the dress and it’s so comfortable I didn’t give those stripes a second thought.

For the hem, I used my cover stitch machine again, still mostly just for hemming even though it’s capable of so much more. After four years, it’s probably time I experimented beyond the basics.

The Tabitha dress pattern comes from Tilly and the Buttons: Make It Simple.

I skipped the drawstring waist and simply joined the t-shirt and skirt patterns. It’s such an easy sew, just add tights and boots, and you’re out the door. I definitely want a few more of these in my wardrobe.

 

What’s Next?

With autumn weather swinging between chilly and warm, my thoughts are turning to my hanbok vest project. I’ve got plenty of wool and am tempted to lengthen the vest into a knee-length gilet.

I’m still mulling over shaping and front overlap...should I keep the traditional style or simplify it? We’ll see where that idea lands.

 

The Janome Event Outfit Dilemma

I’m also puzzling over an outfit for the upcoming Janome event.

I’d considered the Rose Café Bustier or the Somerset dress, but I know I won’t wear them often afterward.

A two-piece set feels more practical: maybe a fitted red t-shirt (ribbed jersey or viscose) with a coordinating red skirt.

I’m thinking of using a Swiss dot organza as an overlay, either as a full skirt with lining and tulle or even as part of a t-shirt dress.

My stash also includes a lovely red cotton lawn that could make a puff-sleeve shirt. So many ideas, so little time!

 

Christmas Fabrics & A Long-Dreamed Project

I finally treated myself to a bundle of Christmas fabrics, Father Christmas prints, snowflakes, stripes, gingerbread men, reindeer, dinosaurs, and solids.

The plan? An advent calendar. I’ve been dreaming of making one for at least two or three years. This year, I’d love not only to make one for my kids but to host a sewing day where friends can create advent calendars, reusable gift bags, bunting, placemats, stockings, everything festive that tends to slip through our fingers when December suddenly arrives.

 

Final Thoughts

This week reminded me how rewarding even a simple project can feel, especially one you can wear immediately.

Now I need to rein in my avalanche of ideas and choose my next make wisely…or at least finish one more thing before adding to the list!

 

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
Bye for now, B! xx