I had to stop everything and make this dress | Romantic era day gown

[@Diniecita]

I love the idea of sorting patterns into manilla envelopes. I love the fabric. I live the dress. I love everything.

[@alaskacosplay]

The extant dress which this dress is based on is one of my dream dresses in terms of casual dresses of the late 30s/early 40s. I've made a pattern of this dress and it's more on my shoulder to give me more support on the armhole and mobility for me to raise my arms above my head so I can dress myself.

[@stevezytveld6585]

That little darting, pointing finger gave me flashbacks to my childhood. Thank you for that. Lovely cinematography and editing. Well done, Madam. The dress is beautiful. And the fichu makes me want to buy lace (darn you). So looking forward to CoSy. I just finished up my second workable draft of my version of a 17th century tie-on-pocket to use for fishing. My pocket has many pockets. Because I need the space for a thermos of coffee, tuna sandwich, water bottle, minimal med kit, minimal fishing kit and a watercolour / sketch kit. The rivers of downtown Ottawa are fishable so me and Grandpa's gear are going to spend the rest of the summer doing a variation of a Group of Seven vibe. Grandpa was a Northern Ontario union rep so he'd fish the same rivers when he came into town for work and conventions. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you! I’m looking forward to CoSy, too. Your pocket sounds very practical. I wonder how a 17th century pocket differs from pockets of other eras? Enjoy the rest of your summer! And you do watercolor? How cool!

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@DixieDIY Yup for watercolour. Technically, I'm a mixed media artist and writer/poet (sculpting, photography, lino printing, what-have-you), . But it's been years since I've had anything up on a galley wall or published. Bad case of 'life-happening'... The pocket was/is fun - it's nice to build something to spec. And it's a heck of allot cheaper than buying one of those chest packs that encourage you to carry too much (the boys really weigh themselves down with the stuff-of-it-all). I need something where I can drag my gear through public transit as well as not abandoning stuff on the bank. Eventually I'm building a cross-body back sling for the vintage spin, cast and fly rods... Pockets through the centuries. Now there's a research rabbit hole to wander about in. You guys have a very, most excellent, extremely chill rest of the summer. Safe travel. Wear sunscreen. All that good stuff...

[@michellecornum5856]

@@stevezytveld6585 I had to laugh about your pocket having pockets! Have fun fishing!

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@michellecornum5856 Thanks so much. I've been having a blast. Two days ago I was out in the middle of the walkable part of the Rideau; just off one of the city parks. Got caught in a sudden unexpected thunderstorm. Made it to the shoreline without a problem. Beautiful, exhilarating and kind of scary. Everything you want in an afternoon adventure. Caught the bus home...

[@michellecornum5856]

@@stevezytveld6585 Hahaha! How fabulous! I can just picture it! Stay well!

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

I love this dress; this era is one of my favourites.

[@sayakota3054]

I was rewatching your video for motivation, and after I finished it I went on pinterest to look at my 1840s board, and I found a photo from 1842 of a girl wearing basically that exact dress??? this is beyond coincidence lol

[@barbaraleaweaver-mercado1820]

OMG, that is exactly what happened to me with that same pattern and I love it so much! I made it out of vintage cotton I found on Etsy. It needs the hook and eyes anddone.

[@DixieDIY]

It’s a great design! I haven’t seen any other finished versions yet, tho. I bet yours looks fantastic!

[@faydreamsmystic4]

That third helper hand was adorable! Also... lovely work.

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks!

[@ellacowin9974]

Thank you for the inspiration and for showing even the ugly parts of the struggle! Knowing that practiced creators have issues is helping me to not be so hard on myself when I make goofs.

[@michellecornum5856]

That was some WILD looking fabric! It came out SO BEAUTIFUL!! "I have a kid, so I can't sew all of that time!" HOO HOO! Tell me about it! I had 6 of those little monsters! Now, I have 4 cats. MUCH less work!

[@DixieDIY]

haha yeah sewing with kids has made me appreciate my free time a lot more! thanks for watching!

[@LauraIngallsGunn]

This dress is simply enchanting! The pleated sleeves are just gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing such beauty with us and attending the tea!

[@DixieDIY]

Aww, thanks for giving me motivation to make it! I had such a lovely time at the tea!

[@xiluvOreox]

I love how real you are in your videos. I can be so scattered so I can relate to not reading instructions and cutting duplicates and doing unnecessary work and its just nice to watch a video where someone still managed to make such a beautiful garment at the end but which also includes the frustration we all get. Thank you for that Dixie! Also the bo Burnham reference of feeling stuck in the sewing room 👌🏼

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks so much for watching! It means a lot ❤️

[@taimatsuko]

All your hard work absolutely paid off, the result is wonderful!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Was a lot of fun to watch. I don't do a lot of costuming but some at times. I do a lot of retro pieces that I work into a modern wardrobe. In that way, I envy you to have more play in ypur persona budget. When I sew, its a refuge from this world and a time in which I can block out the stresses plaguing me. I've done this with several kids running about the living room as I sew in a corner. The time when both my husband and I were home at the same time was priceless and he happily occupied the kids so that I could sew. Please don't take this as any sort of criticism against you as I'm simply talking about my own sewing style, which reflects my Autism. That said, I plan out every aspect of a project, including having an extra yard or two on hand. It's my insurance policy on a more complicated or advanced design or project. I include extra trimmings and all the notions. All of this before cutting patterns or fabric. I then label pieces on the wrong side of the fabric because I want to prevent screw ups. I read everything thrice before starting construction. Then the grunt work such as making buttons, bound, marking and organizing a plan of attack, which at a glance looked like a battle plan drawn up in the Marine Corps. I love the construction process immensely. The most difficult part is getting the customer to understand that I do at least three fittings for certain projects. For myself, fittings are much easier as I do a bodice mock up. I always learn from.watching how someone else does something.

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks for sharing your work methods. Before I had a kid I could sew for hours at a time and knock out huge chunks of sewing at one time. Now I just head into my sewing room whenever I can squeeze out a free moment. It’s been hard to adapt to the fact that I need to be much more organized in my process. To leave myself reminders, take notes, and even write calendars. Because in my mind I’m thinking “oh I have to leave this project for now but I’ll be back in a few minutes” when instead, it’s a few days. Being diligent about the organization aspect really helped on this project as I was nearing the end. When I got sick I couldn’t think straight so I had to write each step down just so I wouldn’t forget anything. Having that kind of structure can seem like more work at the time but I think it makes things easier in the end.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

@@DixieDIY You're welcome. I tend to get so into my sewing that the world around me is a blur. My style developed as a way of meltdown reaction reductions. They are something children shouldn't see. I evwn had to write things like have a plan B, C, D, E, & G ready. Something I learned from living in Norway & Sweden Sewing with kids, my mother chased us out of the house to play and we adhered to strict schedules. Just how it was done as a kid. My own parents thought I hovered too much around my kids. I had boxes if stuff for them to keep them occupied and Sesame Street and such shows were a Godsend. These days, it's assumed that my parenting was horrid. I did ignore tantrums unless injury was going to happen. My kids all had space from an early age on to explore and create. Most of mine are Autistic like their parents. We are old enough that Autism like we had didn't exist then. We found our own way while staying away from our birth families & most folks. Years later, we had foster kids along with our own. Once had 17 kids in the house at once with 13 being teenagers. Sewing outfits for the kids helped me cope with a huge family. I really am still sane after so many teenagers at once. Just sewing for the Homecoming, prom, tolo and such required major organization. Heaven forbid if any of them develop a microscopic pimple on the morning of a dance day... The crazy drama! I would like to create my own version of Dido Belle's dress from that portrait. Would work well as an evening dress to wear to the theater, opera, symphony & ballet. These days I'm considered overdressed but I don't care.

[@ladycerebellum]

This came out so good! The lace fichu is so convincing once it's all sewn together

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you, honestly I was surprised the fiche turned out as good as it did

[@lauramcguire7970]

Loved seeing the little hand popping in. This dress might be my favourite from any costuber. Just beautiful

[@DixieDIY]

aww, thank you!

[@haliku9705]

I clicked so quickly when I got the notification for this video because I LOVE this extant so much. It’s one of my favorite historical dresses despite this era not usually being my thing, and yours turned out just gorgeous!

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you! I had seen the extant before so when I saw the pattern I recognized it. It’s a cool design with the ruffle. I hadn’t seen another dress like it.

[@carosamchwa3081]

Same here!

[@claire2088]

I love the ruffle and the sleeve bands are ridiculously adorable

[@annazann7236]

Beautiful. Exquisite details, especially sleeves. Love it!

[@AntelJM]

That’s absolutely stunning. So much so that I may have just ordered the pattern and ten yards of that fabric. In these times when most sewing youtubers (quite understandably) seem have been doing very little sewing its a real treat! Thank you for showing us the process.

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you! Good luck with your dress project

[@crystal8160]

Oh my gosh that dress is one I saw on the museum website last year and I fell in love with it. I had no idea there was a pattern released based on it. Also I have a problem with craft room project piles. Lol Yours turned out so beautifully though! That fabric is gorgeous and you used it perfectly.

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you! Black snail bases a lot of its designs on extants so I was excited to see this new pattern! And piles are my nemesis lol

[@PinkLilyGarden]

Wow just yesterday I was wondering when you’d post another video. I’ve really missed you ❤️❤️

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks! Summer travel has been keeping me away from the sewing room lately but there’s nothing like a deadline to keep you motivated!

[@celticgoddess81]

I'm in love with that fabric!

[@sarahmwalsh]

I felt that kiddo hand reaching for the needle deep in my soul. This turned out so beautiful and I love all of the details!! The lace fichu is perfect and you did a wonderful job with that lace!

[@denisebennett3144]

Bravo! You look gorgeous. What a wonderful dress

[@rachaelhall1164]

This turned out so cute. Sometimes it pays off to just follow the wild hare of inspiration wherever she may take you.

[@DixieDIY]

Yes, definitely. Thank you!

[@Samanthasnow]

I recognized that lace immediately!

[@DixieDIY]

Haha yeah that’s the one! I’m glad I figured out a way to use it.

[@ThePrairierider]

Very nice! I have this pattern and it was good to see someone actually make it.

[@venlafaxinequeen421]

I need to make that day dress now because of you

[@HistoricalBelle]

Now I want to stop everything and made and early 1840's dress.

[@danicourtnay]

I love the sleeves.

[@skatfan]

Wow that dress rocks! So well done and the fichu is appropriately over the top!

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks, I think the fichu really makes it feel "period"

[@marthabenner6528]

I wish I remembered that rule about stripes a month-and-a-half ago. I'm trying to figure out how to save it by learning how to make a lace panel. Pray for me.

[@munka214]

Gorgeous dress I love it.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Very cute! I love what you've done with the contrast piping and edging on the ruffle.

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks!!

[@ushere5791]

omg--it's perrrrrrrrfect!!!!!!!!!!

[@sunndoyouknow25]

Dixie, it looks SO GOOD!!! Those sleeves are absolutely perfect. *chef’s kiss*

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks!!! ❤️

[@huskamania]

Missed ya 😁

[@catherinebeauregard3531]

Wow ❤ gorgeous

[@rachelfiedler1657]

...I also have this fabric!i don't think i would have enought to make this dress but it gives me ideas!

[@DixieDIY]

It's a fun print. I love the wild and busy prints of the early 19th century! Good luck with whatever you decide to make

[@dianamckay527]

Great job looks beautiful

[@martyquinn_6784]

I was waiting for this project/video and I love it❤ the dress is fantastic and I love the fishu😊

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you so much!

[@anniehosking2408]

Beautiful!

[@lindabullock742]

So pretty Dixie…🥰🇦🇺

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you ☺️

[@coreygilles847]

That dress is gorgeous! You always make such wonderful items. (And seeing your frustration at having to redo things makes me feel better about all of my mistakes and frustrations when I create things)

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you so much! There are always challenges with every project but the outcome is (usually) worth it

[@autumn7143]

I love this!!! It’s so pretty!!! Great work!!! I seriously need to get my 1840s dress made.

[@DixieDIY]

thank you for watching! hopefully you can finish yours soon!

[@KimHazer]

I adore everything about this!! The fichu was brilliant! Even the ripping out was so refreshing to include. I just went through that myself & it'sso frustrating. I blame toddler-mom brain. 😘

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks! Can I blame mom-brain on everything?? 😂

[@magdalena-lisarobertson4143]

I just discovered your channel ☺️ you are fun to watch and very informative. Thank you for your channel 😊

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Oh that fichu is gorgeous! (Must not buy more lace!)

[@DixieDIY]

Omg I have so much vintage lace. I always snap it up when I find it in antique stores! 🤣

[@theplussizecostumer]

Gorgeous! And just where did you find the Tiger Tape? That looks like a time saver for cartridge pleats.

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you! I bought it at a local shop but I’m sure there are places online that sell it. IIRC Tiger Tape is the brand name.

[@jkabholat]

So happy to see a new video.

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks! I’ve had a busy summer so sewing is slower than usual

[@wendynordstrom3487]

That turned out LOVELY! How did you like working with the pattern? I would love to make the dress but it intimidates me.

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you! The dress has a LOT of pieces. Since I didn’t have all my fabric all at once I bounced around in the instructions, which I don’t recommend. It is certainly an advanced level pattern but if you pay attention and follow the instructions diligently you’ll be fine!

[@danielleharrison9960]

I'm currently working on the same dress and the belt part has my poor brain so confused! Hopefully mine will turn out as good as yours!

[@DixieDIY]

Do you mean the ribbon belt? Ensembles of the past has a tutorial that really helped: ensemblesofthepast.com/blog/belting-tutorial

[@vanzikky]

I made the same pattern, and it didn't fit anywhere. After weeks of tweaking and undoing and redoing I kinda gave up. I might re-tackle it after seeing how beautiful yours came out though!

[@DixieDIY]

I find that black snail patterns fit my body shape and proportions well, except in a few places (sleeves always tend to be too long on me). But I could see how this pattern might be a struggle in particular because of the off-the-shoulder cut. I’d you do retry it, I hope it goes better for you!

[@vickimajor7843]

Where do you get your patterns from?

[@missyjanehale57]

I brought this pattern. Is it suppose to have a skirt pattern or should I guess? Maybe I am missing something in the instructions.

[@DixieDIY]

If I remember correctly, I had the PDF version. It gives you the top, like, 10” of the skirt pattern then asks you to extend the length of it to full-length (rather than making you print a giant rectangle of empty pages).

[@carolbarbee5653]

😍

[@New_Wave_Nancy]

The dress came out awesome! And I don't know if it helps, but your mistakes make this inexperienced newbie feel a little better when I can't figure out what I'm supposed to be doing.

[@DixieDIY]

Aww thanks!

[@renaebettenhausen3611]

The dress is gorgeous! I do think you might be a bit overcritical of yourself, and would benefit by imagining if someone made the same comments you make about yourself about some dear friend you love'