Get In Kiddos, We're Self-Drafting a Bridesmaid Dress!

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Last time I sewed a bridesmaid dress, it was months before the wedding, and I used a pattern. This time... well, not so much.
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[@suzettecowan7829]

Make the elastic channel as close to the size of the elastic as possible. Turn over the end of the elastic where you attach the safety pin. This makes it less likely to twist.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I also find that different brands of elastic work better than others but, honestly, I can't remember any names.

[@lindafraser2044]

I also find that passing the elastic through the channel as you go rather than letting a whole heap bunch up in one place then pulling the elastic through helps. Hope that makes sense! (But I do need to say, do as I say not as I do!😝)

[@naughtscrossstitches]

There is a thicker elastic that has vertical stripes that you can buy that won't twist/bend as well which works really great.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

@@naughtscrossstitches yes, I think it used yo he called pajama elastic!

[@charliethesquishywitch340]

I stumbled upon your videos a few weeks ago and couldn't quite pin point why I liked them so much (except from, you know, the beautiful projects and the humour and the realness) and on this one I finally figured it out : you have the best rythm in your videos ! Slow enough that we can copy what you explain, but fast enough that I'm never bored, i never look away from the screen ! Thumbs up for your editing skills

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Aw I so appreciate that! Editing is still kinda a struggle for me, so it means a lot to hear that it's working for you all!

[@23Datcat]

Elastic is a pathway to hell sometimes. Making sure your casing is not smaller than the width is a good start, edgestitch the top of the casing (where the fold is) as well as the bottom, and yes as others have said, folding over the end of the elastic before threading is good. I would suggest that for the wedding, make yourself a cotton voile or lawn full length petticoat. This will help you keep cooler, help with the swish factor, and avoid the risk of "skirt wedged in the buttcrack", that can happen with these slinky soft fabrics. But, I have to say, I adore the flexibility of your bride, in giving you such freedom on what you are wearing, and your colour and design choice is fabulous!

[@bob8mybobbob]

Ah yes, the eternal problem of wanting a fuller skirt, realizing the insane amount of fabric needed, and then wrangling all the fabric as you try and fit it under the machine. But it always comes out so cool in the end!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

The pink is lovely, the dress is a great choice for a bridesmaids dress. As for the pockets, I do historical re-enacting. It is amazing what a hot mess the inside is in a lot of extant garments. The moral being, let go of perfection. If it works and looks good from the outside it's fine. Also, if someone compliments you, the proper response is " thank you", it is not providing a litany of where you went wrong.

[@BookCat18]

Pro-crafting-nating for the win!❤

[@ace_r_ola]

I should be cleaning, but I'm sewing Halloween cushions for my nieces. Now there's a name for it, thank you so much 😂

[@nasyatana123]

I have a wedding to go to today and the dress i bought feels like a trash bag. This looks SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE omg

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Oh no, not a trash bag dress!

[@bam9429]

This has become one of my favorite channels for that serotonin high

[@charliesharp6450]

Hiiii im so happy you uploaded. I needed to see this today. Also thank you for being so real with your sewing it has really boosted my confidence with my own craft. No one ever talks about thier stuff not being perfect. Or things that they would change. And even less frequently, do I see creators go in and actually remake things that they like I love your content it’s seriously changed. how I see my sewing completely

[@winterstar4813]

i can listen to her humor all day long she makes me laugh and lifts my heart

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Aw thank you so much for these kind words! It means so much to me to hear that I could encourage anyone or give them confidence to create - thank you for brightening my day!

[@AngelCCD]

I wore that style for my prom in 1982 and my wedding in 1985. I made my own wedding gown😊

[@gettheetothestitchery]

That's amazing!!

[@elisabethmontegna5412]

It looks really lovely and just the right level of fancy but not too fancy that you want for a bridesmaid dress. For elastic there’s “non-roll” elastic but it tends to be a bit stiffer and thicker than regular elastic so it’s not always the most comfortable thing to use (okay for waistbands but I don’t like it around my upper arm or wrist).

[@charliesharp6450]

Would love a closer look at how you’re doing the pockets I side of pockets.

[@daalelli]

I second this motion.

[@d1c2b3]

Yes! Purse pocket tutorial please!

[@pegturner6748]

Yes, please, a big pocket tutorial

[@JariDawnchild]

Mom taught me to fold the fabric over the elastic and try not to sew it between the layers when sewing the channel. Needless to say, I use the safety pin method.

[@lynn858]

The fold the fabric over and around the elastic -method is definitely finicky. Especially if you're also trying to fold in a raw edge. If the fabric takes an iron crease really well, it's pretty do-able. I guess being able to feel the edge of the elastic is also going to help. If the elastic/fabric combo doesn't allow for that, yeah... probably not a great option. Commercial sewists with guides and jigs doing it over and over with the same materials every time...sure. But at home... nope.

[@mala3isity]

Your mom def knew my mom. LOL

[@lynn858]

I ended up opening up an existing waist band on the front side, all the way around - because I couldn't get the elastic flattened out after threading it through. Straitening the elastic, and blind hemming the fabric back down. The day after this comment. I absolutely could have machine stitched it - IF I'd had enough matching thread to go through the machine. Which of course I didn't.

[@marymugge1523]

I love the hummingbird feeder and totally get the mood sewing. I only get snatches of time to sew so I have to sew regardless of mood. Your mood sewing is a lot nicer looking than mine.

[@dianemiller7994]

I see a new video from you posted, and I automatically go to the freezer, get some ice cream, and sit down to enjoy watching your latest adventure. I’d better never binge watch your videos. I’ll gain 5 pounds!!!😂 Thanks so much for sharing the bridesmaid dress make and have fun at the wedding!

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Hahahahaha so happy I could give you a reason to eat ice cream!!

[@wingzofice]

Good to know my cat isn't the only one attracted like a magnet to my sewing project! Doesn't matter if I'm cutting or pinning, it's time to roll all over it!

[@TeamD2012]

I wore biker shorts under my matron of honor dress last year. Was able to carry my phone & the bride’s. I love biker shorts under dresses.

[@CJGem1994]

Even if you just did it as a short, I'd love a more thorough purse pocket tutorial. I watched the first video where you tried it but still struggle wrapping my brain around how you did it.

[@victoriavidaud]

I’d love one too! I assume it’s mostly just doing a top hem on the inner pocket pieces, and then just adding them to the sides of the normal pocket’s and sewing the sides like normal? It all depends on what you want them to hold, obviously, but I’d love a tutorial as well 😊

[@jennifersdoglife]

Agree about purse pocket tutorial as well. Pockets are a must! Love the swoosh of the fabric.

[@gettheetothestitchery]

I've heard this a bit now, so I'll definitely put it on the to do list!

[@KitOfTheWeirdWoods]

The ADHD vibes were extra strong in this video! Loved the dress, I would also definitely have had to get more fabric for the swoosh!

[@vanessajohnson1944]

Would love a follow up photo from the wedding day with your hair done up. Beautiful dress, as per usual! My fur baby is in my lap, a She girl kittyKat keeping me from turning the heel on a knitted sock...😁

[@TeamD2012]

Ya gotta love “helpful” pets 😹. Our oldest cat, as a kitten, “helped” hubs remove the keys off his work laptop! We still have the alt key 😂

[@NanaVonn3]

My mom was like that! She works from home, and she dresses up for work... When I worked from home, I had a variety of work clothes that were matching loungewear sets from Costco!

[@Aiko2-26-9]

My bridesmaids in 1979 wore yellow dresses almost identical in design to yours. I had 4 bridesmaids and made all the dresses for them. I learned to sew in the 70s and looking back, it was a good time to learn with these easy-fit peasant dresses so popular.

[@heidiclarke2333]

Reminded me of Ariel's dress from Footloose, so definitely 80s vibes .

[@LoriPeace]

You don't want your dress to be normal ruffle, normal ruffle, MEGA-RUFFLE??? Whyever not? LOL It is so much fun to watch you modeling your final products -- you do it so well. 😊 And yes, you absolutely should spend money on the clothes that make you happy and comfy, that fit your aesthetic. And this dress, as always, came out just beautiful! Looking forward to next week's video!

[@annek.564]

Bodkins. That’s the answer to your elastic question. Not expensive and helps keep the elastic flat. Pretty!

[@kriskossack7231]

So many women at the wedding are going to be so jealous of your pockets! Awesome dress!

[@susanlowry701]

I do watch for the sewing - honestly I do! I really do! But your dog… I’m really a beagle girl myself (childhood dog breed) but your dog is making me rethink my life choices. I think I can actually feel the silkiness of his coat as I’m watching. So even though the dog adds to your procrastination I can’t really object. Now if you could only find a way to sell him through Etsy, 3D printing is getting so good these days.

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

14:25 omg that pink fabric goes so well with the milkmaid top! You should totally get more of that pink solid fabric and make a skirt or pinafore with it!

[@justchelsay]

i never got the chance to have my wedding day because of covid, ended up quickly getting married at a registry office (my husband was on a 6 months marriage visa so was important and i was freaking out) and honestly, if i could go back and have the wedding (we cancelled it indefinitely because we were constantly losing money) , that dress is the perfect level of swoosh i would love to see my favourite girlies in!

[@Llepidoptra]

Have you seen Morgan Donner's circle-clothing video? I think KZbin recommends it to me half of the time when I finish one of your videos. She, too, likes the swoosh.

[@gettheetothestitchery]

I have! It was great inspiration for a circle cape that floats into my brain every 4-5 days!

[@annettebroomhall8617]

Like you I love the swoosh but don't always have enough fabric for a full circle skirt. I find a 3/4 circle gives sufficient fullness with the off cuts usually big enough for the bodice pieces. Tis with a full on cringe that I admit to not liking pockets. Don't come for me readers lol. I have a small leather pouch that fits into the side of my bra a bit and fills out the hollow of the upper bust area. One day I plan on attaching a permanent pouch to this area as a well tailored jacket has padding there to even out lines. But that day never seems to arrive as my pouches work well on their own

[@neocat81]

GORGEOUS!!! i love that you got the same amount of swoosh top and bottom. this will be so much fun to accessorize!!! i want to cover you in diamonds!!! i always use non roll elastic. i make all of my pants and always use elastic tops. i will also tack it in place so it won't roll later. i don't know if that will work for you. LOVE FROM UTAH!!!

[@michellecornum5856]

I love that you bought fabric you already have, AND still had to buy more! (Isn't that always the way.)

[@WantedVisual]

I just use an elastic stringing needle. Which sounds like a very pro sewist piece of equipment but I just found them randomly one day and decided I had the 3,79 to spare. Makes it easy to get them in, makes it easy to keep them flat.

[@theclumsyprepper]

I love how you talk to your dog. I talk to my babies in the same way. ❤

[@daalelli]

I really love seeing you show up in my new videos. The only tip I have for the elastic is using wider elastic and tacking it at the side seams to keep it from twisting after everything is closed up.

[@winterstar4813]

so a humming bird tip the feeder needs to be red or pinkish to attract the humming bird lol bright colors ie how i discovered this was i hung out a pink bright sweat shirt one time and the humming birds would come around it they loved the color it is also why if you notice in the store most of the humming bird feeders are red

[@Haffina]

I freaking love pineapples - so loving the bird feeder. The dress is awesome too!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

In addition to everything else wonderful in your videos, I love it when you so effectively use classical music

[@erinshear8026]

Rewatching this video while I self-draft a bridesmaid dress of my own! 😂

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

Pineapple humming bird feeder?!?!?!?! -adds to cart-

[@vernieplummer5148]

I have never had the problem you’re describing about putting the elastic in and it’s twisted before you’re even done. However, I have a foolproof way of making sure it stays flat once I get it flat. All you have to do is sew over the elastic crosswise several times after you get the garment ruffled way you want it. With that ruffle that you’re making, I would probably do it six or eight different places around the perimeter. It does not decrease the stretch at all, and it seems to work pretty well. I have better luck with this when I am using thicker elastic, but I think it will help with that thin elastic you’re using. I realize that by the time I’m watching this you’re already finished, but you could do it later, and it could certainly help with anything else you make in the future. I also find that if you make the slot a bit wider that you’re putting the elastic into, it gives you more room to straighten it out.

[@lynnephelps2370]

Use a bodkin to put the elastic through. I love having the perfect tool for the job; it brings me joy!

[@earthboundnephilim2440]

The dress turned out amazing!

[@ERYN__]

My dentist office has bird feeders outside of every window. It's really nice.

[@littlebrookreader949]

“Just go buy more fabric … “. 😂😂😂

[@rebeccamiller3248]

It reminds me of a Princess Diana Dress. Its the one that looks little like rainbow print and she fell asleep in it.

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Oh my goodness, so I didn't think of this at the time I was making it, but yeah, I was getting those vibes during the wedding reception because I started falling asleep in my chair, and I was like... why does this remind me of something?? XD

[@rebeccamiller3248]

@@gettheetothestitchery that dress became my dream dress. I am just learning to sew now in hopes I can create something similar for myself soon. Right now my crafting/sewing room is my adult daughter and son in laws bedroom. We trying to get house built They moved in because I have major health issues and my brother who has heart issues lives with us too so the craft room went back to a bed room. Hopefully we will have a new bigger house with in the year. We just got the land, well actually small farm we hope. So now we're saving for building supplies. But my son-in-law has plans to build 2 workshops with green house in between and small barn and coop and pen. He already laid out foundation lines and posts for the house and shops. He also has laid lines out for side walk to what will be the work shops. One will be his and my brothers the other will be mine and my daughters the greenhouse we all will share cause we all like growing things. We will also have some chickens and milk cow and couple pigs. The animals are on friends farm right now. My shop will have a kitchenette, bedroom, full bath and laundry and built handicap accessible so if I get tired or Shakey I can rest and not have to go back and forth to main house. Mans incredibly thoughtful. Plus it can be a guest house for family visits or in future a rental. The man encourages my creativity he bought me a dress makers dummy for Christmas last year. I didn't get an in law I got a son. He is already collecting building supplies from his job sight for the house and out buildings. He is a carpenter and building contractor. I am excited about being able to get to creating again.

[@haleyhoudini]

Just woke up, got this notification: best way to start my day! ❤

[@bethanycreativeside4326]

The best way to eat Cheetos I've seen is with chopsticks, but I do totally get it. They're yummy and you can always wash the outfit

[@charlarp]

Beautiful dress, I think the style is more the 70’s, my moms grad dress was this style and she graduated in 1976. However the style could very well have carried into the 80’s

[@mariannerady1137]

swoosh swoosh gloriousness! You look so beautiful in this dress

[@patchworkfarms5327]

I was homeschooled too! I actually don't recall being asked if I got to wear my pajamas for school (apparently my mom does, though). All the same, the answer was "no" from us too lol.

[@jmchau]

I had a bridesmaid dress similar to that in the early 80s. Lime green poly satin. in the late 80s I used it to make dresses for my nieces. they loved their dresses far more than I liked my dress.

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Ooo lime green! That's a strong bridesmaid choice! XD

[@apcolleen]

I love in the opener when you said yay and the dog's ears went down

[@alyssiaramirez556]

Dress for success is probably the phrase you were looking for

[@Eneri-z9v]

At least the good news is you can take it apart at a later date. Many bridesmaids dresses have ended up that way. Actually more like an eighties bridesmaids dress👗 . Love your furbabies 😊.

[@emilysmith2784]

Oh my gosh, the swooooosh!!! Love it. Make it white with the ruffle bit being lace and would make a pretty wedding dress too.

[@TealCheetah]

Dog is helpful, making you take little breaks!

[@aligalad9907]

I wore pretty much that exact same dress as bridesmaids to my sister in 1984! Slightly diff pink. (Not as pretty) In taffeta.

[@georgiacorey954]

Love the dress & the pockets are genius! I agree with lots of comments here on elastic installation. One I dont see is regarding quality of the elastic. See if it will roll easily between your fingers before you use it. Also I really like the quality of lingerie elastic, or bathing suit elastic which is a bit thicker than typical home makers elastic. Regardless of what you use, definitely make the casing a fraction larger than needed for the elastic. If its too narrow it will roll any elastic, even the elastic labeled non-roll, which is only good for waistbands. Personally I like to make the casing 1/4" bigger than needed (or more if you want an additional ruffle drama) then top stitch 1/4" from the edge, before threading in the elastic. The stitching on both sides of the casing (above & below the elastic) forces it to lay evenly gathered, more intentional, more tailored, not fluffy or loosey goosey on the outer edge.

[@vernieplummer5148]

Ooh that turned out great. I am really impressed with your bridesmaids dress and I’m a poet and don’t even know it.

[@kathc349]

It gives me a 70's vibe

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

23:40 there is a silky fabric similar to this that is shiny on one side and matte on the back… you could totally make a casual dress/skirt/pinafore with the matte-side out and a special-occasion one with the shiny-side out lol

[@alfredopasta218]

The dress reminds me of the one that Ariel wears to prom in Footloose

[@PreciousMe]

I specifically wait on Friday to see your video now. Love the dress. Swoosh is everything. Big Hugs

[@anafbraz]

Me too😊

[@nautil_us]

Thank you so much for the excellent subtitles!

[@mx.noname4710]

10:55 love the pineapple interlude. Also your dog is adorable

[@beatrizmedina_mabe]

I like your soundtrack. And I love your rosy dress.

[@TheTantGreen]

I must say, I just found your channel some weeks ago and now I look at something from yours almost every day. Is it to much to say that I really love you and wish we were neighbours or something. So much inspiration! Thank you so much for being creative and goofy and amazing! Love it!🎉 / Linnéa in Sweden

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Aw thank you so much and welcome!!

[@MichellesCraftsandMore]

That is gorgeous. I am making aprons. Tons and tons of aprons it feels like. Everyone girl in my immediate family has wanted aprons and now my bff's one daughter needs aprons for her and her mini me. LOL And of course now my oldest daughter wants 2 utility aprons for her and her coworker for work. And I bought some knit and need to learn how to sew with knit before I attempt a dress. LOL

[@PhoenixLilyDesigns1]

Fabric weights and a rotary cutter is the easiest way to keep the fabric from shifting while cutting. But don't use a rotary cutter without a cutting mat you'll ruin your table. But Fabric weights will help alot to keep things from shifting. I use heavy duty washers my husband picked up at home depot i think.

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

I am so happy you loaded a new video! I love watching you with your sewing projects bc i learn so much from you. I love how you explain everything that you explain you make it so easy to understand! Lol please never stop making these sewing videos!

[@emilylindstrom724]

MAXIMUM SWOOSH!

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

15:31 I believe the phrase your looking for is “dress for success” lol

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Bhahahaha that's it! Can't believe I couldn't remember that... XD

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

@@gettheetothestitchery My brain does this all the time but usually its names lol so I usually run through the alphabet and name each possible name within each letter until i hit the one im trying to remember lol

[@KudzuDragon88]

The dress turned out amazing! You are such an inspiration! I adore all your vids! Thank you so much!!

[@SolSkinn]

I was going to go check out remainders tomorrow... then all my kids got sick :( Maybe next weekend.

[@sophiaeressea5687]

The bridesmaid dress is cute and very, very swoosh but please don't forget about the dolman sleeve wrap dress. I guess I fell in love with the idea and need you to show me how to make it xd

[@gettheetothestitchery]

It's on my list for a tutorial video, hopefully soon!

[@sophiaeressea5687]

@@gettheetothestitchery that would be so amazing *__*

[@annagubinskaya2260]

Re elastic: make sure your elastic channel is not too narrow. Threading the elastic with special tweezers works better than a safety pin, but this does not matter too much once you get used to the elastic's behaviour. Make sure you are not overstretching your elastic while threading it through the channel. Depending on the fabric you might want to scrunch smaller sections at once before flattening it in the channel if that makes sense. Once the elastic is in the channel, you can stitch across it at the side seams to keep it flat, or (for wider elastics) topstitch it. Depending on the design, I find it quite pretty looking to topstitch at 2mm from either side or with two equally spaced rows of stitching to form a channel in the middle for a string. With a dress like this, I would probably stitch the elastic directly to the waist seam allowance with a zigzag stitch to prevent uneven bunching and bulk.

[@lisagerdes6740]

Swoosh and pockets… love it!! ❤❤

[@conniehubbard2142]

I LOVE your dress!! You inspired me to sew two nightgowns without a pattern for my granddaughter and her best friend that live 1,600 miles away. Apparently nightgowns are not in style anymore..just try to find a pattern.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

The dress is lovely. You did an amazing job

[@mala3isity]

Maksyin view of swooshiness. 🥰 Silkies are notorious for wonky hems so let your dress form wear the dress above the floor for a couple-three days and recheck the hem. Pockets weighed down with things changing the shape/flow is one of the reasons they're not included. Also the bulge showing but since you've made the circle that probably won't count. A new rule could be circle skirts must have pockets?

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

8:15 Great compromise? Do the 3/4-circle skirt lol more swoosh than a half-circle skirt and less fabric than a full-circle skirt lol

[@demonajackson2012]

I have one word for this dress . . . EPIC! 🤩

[@sadmac356]

That's such a pretty dress!

[@CharynGant]

I LOVE that you love pockets and find a way to put them into your projects! Is there a pattern for how you make them? 😍

[@KouzyFox]

I sew just like this glad im not the only one lol

[@Sew_Learning]

Beautiful! And so is the dress! 💐🇦🇺😎

[@cynthiadugan858]

Ah swoosh❤. Love the swoosh.

[@cynthiadugan858]

Rolling, folding and twisting elastic: I always have struggles with this when I use a safety pin. Since I have less problems when using one of those bodkins that clamps onto the elastic … my little pea brain has decided that it’s because I’m pushing the pin through flat but the pin goes in slightly angled from the flat plane of the elastic making it want to twist.

[@gettheetothestitchery]

That makes a lot of sense! I'll have to look for a bodkin!

[@chelseanebe4012]

It was perfect and the pockets were perfect!

[@carolgarner5971]

Very pretty dress

[@Cindy-ef2vn]

glad you are moved in. So get back to sewing and sharing your fierce bravery in the face of fabric! Thanks for all you inspire.

[@checiegirlcreations]

I absolutely love purse pockets! ❤Could you do an in depth tutorial on how you make them please. 😊

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

13:16 lol not necessarily a bad thing bc its easier to take fabric away than it is to try and add fabric back in lol and looks better in the finished product too lol Just saying this is why i always add an inch to the patterns seam allowances when sewing from a pattern bc i then have extra fabric to adjust adjust the fit bc my body is dramatically abundant in some areas and tiny in others for someone who’s abundant in said areas (hopefully i didn’t lose ya in all that lmfao)

[@adamreynolds9816]

Gives me Footloose vibes. Love it.

[@jayanderson7072]

Oh!! I use a bodkin!! I found mine at hobby lobby for like $2 and its the best thing to thread elastic or anything through a channel

[@dollmm23]

It's absolutely beautiful! I love the flowyness of the skirt. It even has pockets! I love it even more!!!😊

[@debmarabito2486]

Beautiful dress. I love the flow of the skirt. And you are so fun.

[@GoingGreenMom]

I just use a bodkin to do the elastic..... And it typically just kinda stays because the bodkin clamps onto the flat side of the elastic.