Alright, let’s talk about this summer skirt dress project I just finished. You know how it is, summer rolls around, and suddenly you realize you need something light and easy to wear. I kept seeing these cute dresses in shops, but honestly, the prices were a bit much for what they were, or the fabric just felt cheap.
Getting the Idea and Supplies
So, I thought, why not try making one myself? I had this piece of floral cotton fabric stashed away for ages, just waiting for the right project. I vaguely remembered buying it on sale, thinking “this will be perfect for a summer dress someday.” Well, someday finally arrived.
First things first, I had to decide on a style. I didn’t want anything too complicated. I was aiming for something flowy, maybe with a simple elastic waist. I sketched out a rough idea – basically a comfy A-line shape. I didn’t even bother with a proper pattern for the main body, decided to just measure and cut based on a dress I already owned and liked the fit of. Risky, I know!
The Actual Making Process
I laid out the fabric on my dining table – my cutting skills are, let’s say, developing. I measured, then measured again, then held my breath and started cutting the main pieces. Surprisingly, that part went okay. No major disasters. I cut out two main panels for the skirt part, and then some simpler rectangular pieces I figured I could turn into a bodice.
Then came the sewing machine. My old trusty machine decided this was the perfect time to act up. The thread kept bunching, the tension was all over the place. I spent a good hour just fiddling with it, changing the needle, re-threading it like a hundred times. Honestly, I was close to just giving up and going to the shops. But, I took a break, made a cup of tea, and came back to it. Finally, it started behaving.
I started by sewing the shoulder seams for the top part, then the side seams. For the skirt, I sewed up the sides, leaving the top open. Then I had to figure out how to attach the top to the skirt and create a casing for the elastic. This is where not having a pattern really made me think. I pinned everything together, tried it on – it looked a bit like a sack at this point, not gonna lie.
I did a lot of adjusting. Took it in at the sides a bit. Then I folded over the waist edge to make a channel for the elastic. Stitching that neatly was a challenge, especially keeping it even all the way around. I threaded the elastic through, tried it on again. Much better! It actually started to look like a dress.
- Measured and cut the fabric.
- Fought with the sewing machine.
- Sewed the main seams.
- Figured out the elastic waistband on the fly.
- Hemmed the bottom.
The last big step was the hem. I wanted it to be just above the knee. I put the dress on, got my partner to help me mark it evenly, because trying to do that yourself is just asking for a lopsided hem. Then, I carefully folded it twice and stitched it. That final stitch always feels so good.
The Result and Some Thoughts
And there you have it. One summer skirt dress. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. If you look closely, some stitches are a bit wobbly, and the inside isn’t exactly haute couture. But you know what? It’s wearable, it’s comfy, the fabric is lovely, and I made it. I actually wore it out the other day and got a compliment, which felt pretty great.
This whole process, it reminds you that making things takes time and a bit of patience. Sometimes it’s frustrating, sometimes you mess up, but you learn as you go. And there’s a certain satisfaction in wearing something you put your own effort into, imperfections and all. Way better than just buying another fast-fashion thing, if you ask me. Plus, I saved some money and used up fabric I already had, which is always a bonus.
