About six months ago, I said to Jon while walking through Hobby Lobby, “I wish I could sew cute dresses.” I started sewing in June, and let me just say: CUTE DRESS ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED!
Because I’m still a beginner at sewing, I knew I needed to stick with cheap, solid fabric for my first dress attempt. No worrying about matching up prints or stripes, and no sorrow if I somehow botched it beyond repair. I was inspired by this yellow dress worn by Leelee Sobieski (source):
And also by this image I found on Pinterest, which I’m pretty sure is from J.Crew catalog (source):
So I picked up Vogue 8723 and decided to tackle my first dress in yellow cotton.
I was a little nervous, as the dress would require me to sew my first ever darts, but I tackled them and they weren’t nearly as intimidating as I expected. It’s fully lined and features pockets and a back zip. I finished all my seams with french seams, so it’s nicely constructed. Jon helped me pin and fit my bodice, which was crucial– though I made the size indicated by my measurements, I probably ended up taking the bodice in by about 2 inches, mostly from the sides and back. Getting the shoulder straps right was also tricky, as I have scoliosis, which makes my shoulders crooked. You’ll probably notice that the straps don’t look symmetrical, but there’s no gaping in the back, which is what I was more worried about. All in all, I’m really proud!
I just might wear this dress every day, I’m so proud of it. And I think Tinycat approves:
erniebufflo's south & west kitchen 
Amazing – what an achievement! Your first dress and it´s lined, with pockets and a zip…well done, hope this inspires you to carry on sewing!
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Super-cute and impressive! And that shade of yellow looks so lovely on you!
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nicely done! I’m especially impressed that it’s fully lined. Darts I can do–lining? not so much. Very cute and well crafted!
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Oooooh, great job! I am very impressed. You and Tiny look wonderful.
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Nice job! I used to know how to sew, about a million years ago.
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Adorable! I’m quite impressed, as I’ve done just enough sewing to know that isn’t a beginner project.
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How cool! it’s weird because i don’t know you, but because it’s your first dress I’m so proud of you! Love the color.
-Bianca at http://theinbetweengirls.wordpress.com/
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Thanks, guys!
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I’m so impressed! Sewing actual clothing is so far beyond my skill level you might as well have just achieved cold nuclear fusion. It looks great!
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Lovely! congraulations! And that Tinycat sure knows how to accessorise….smile
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Aww, Tinycat’s getting big!
VERY well done!!! For some reason I’m totally intimidated by patterns… I’ve done a lot of altering, but very little from scratch. Very envious right now! ;)
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You only started sewing in JUNE?! That’s really impressive and might just inspire me to try to learn to sew sometime soon :)
P.S. Cute dress!
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I’m so jealous, I’ve had my sewing machine for almost two years now and the only thing I have to show for myself is a few pillow covers! Beautiful!
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It’s gorgeous! You did an amazing job
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Congratulations! Your dress is gorgeous – the shape is lovely and that colour of yellow looks fab on you. I’ve been putting off starting my first dress as I’m finding the thought of it pretty intimidating – and the one I’m planning won’t even be lined. Lining and pockets in a first go is pretty impressive. You’ve spurred me on to get started on mine now!
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Very pretty !
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That’s the first dress you’ve ever made? It’s awesome!! I’m LOVING the yellow!! –Anne
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It’s so adorable! I’ve been sewing for a few years now and have hit a major plateau; I still haven’t gotten the nerve (or patience) to try a dress. You’ve inspired me!!
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That is seriously impressive! Love it.
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