Knock off and Customize!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Wow everything looks wonderful! I have to admit your way of tracing is way easier than how I've been doing it. When the kids were little I wanted to use all sizes so I out the pattern on paper with carbon paper between and traced out the sizes! And yes I realize that I'm dating myself and lots of people don't know what carbon paper is!

[@annewhitney8809]

A yoga mat works well for pinning a garment you want to knock off. I use T pins that are used in upholstery projects.

[@joygoncalves4917]

Excellent Idea

[@MargaretSigouin-kq1yc]

Do the t pins leave larger holes?

[@IndigoSew]

Oooh! Nice idea, ta.

[@GlenysWilliams-wy2hj]

I use a piece of sound board. I didn’t even think of a yoga mat. 👌👌

[@deb.m.7458]

Catherine, you have taught me so much and I’ve enjoyed learning. With everything being so expensive, I’m grateful that I can continue sewing clothes and not spend too much money. The dresses look great on you. Thank you for being my Home Ec Teacher 👩‍🏫.

[@karenfreedman9180]

The only thing I would add it pockets! I love pockets in dresses!

[@abaigealduda2756]

Pockets, yes!

[@juliefox77]

These turned out fabulous! Thank you for showing a few “oopsies” along the way, and how you fixed them. It’s always good to learn those tricks! You are such a gifted teacher, Catherine! Thank you for all time and energy you put into your HS students and Online Community!

[@cherylrice3049]

Three great looks! From one knock off, but different, so cleverly done.

[@Seejaysew]

Brilliant! You are always so inspiring 👏👏👏

[@daxxydog5777]

I love the blue dress! I would wear that all the time.

[@ArlenePMCM]

Every video I watch of yours becomes my new favorite! The new dresses and modified black dress are just perfect. You NEVER disappoint and ALWAYS inspire 🙂

[@bettymaus7809]

Since I started watching your videos, I’ve thrifted garments into new ones that work well. Now to try copying one !!! These 3 knock offs are knock outs❣️

[@susanhrdlicka1925]

I like it much better than the original!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Glad to see this! I bought a few Walmart summer dresses for $3 last fall... for patterns. I am about ready to clone them in a bit sturdier fabric.

[@cathrynpaterson7539]

Cheaper than buying patterns and by getting a dress or top that fits OK it becomes easier to make it fit better. Patterns always need alterations and are complicated with all the multiple sizes. Also I'm rescuing sewing gadgets I've stored for years. These videos are helping me use them i.e. tracing wheel etc.

[@gm749]

Thank you, Catherine. Beautiful, all of them. And of course, we learned today, not one thing... a lot!!! ❤😊 You are a great teacher.

[@mjdevorick8404]

And you look like a million bucks on that tie dye dress too!! Thanks for the great tutorial.

[@sharonvogel931]

I think I would make one alteration to the design of the dress by lining the back of the bodice. It seems a bit flimsy I really love your tutorials.

[@katieduffy593]

The dress is already flattering on you Catherine, you look fab in it, but I understand why you want to increase the coverage a bit.

[@paulawhite3547]

Catherine, I love how you explain the details and the why of exactly what you are doing

[@carolines2088]

Oh Catherine, they are gorgeous. Love the way to sandwich the back between the front. Looks very polished. Great video and great dresses. Thank you!

[@LaineyBug2020]

The colors you picked for the stars look phenomenal next to your face!

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

WOW!!! This video was a great one!!! 👏👏👏 I loved every minute of this video. You always have such wonderful ideas. Thx so much for this one. 💗💗💗

[@l.baughman1445]

Love it. Also I appreciate seeing the in-process challenges that happen and how you work through them. Helpful. That original thrift find with those skinny adjustable straps was functionally more of an undergarment slip than anything else. Not a “slip dress” - that would have had proper straps.

[@kathrynevans3835]

They all turned out so cute. I think the blue and white is my favorite.

[@CatherineSews]

Mine too!

[@claudem673]

Found this session very informative and helpful.

[@Cynthia2v]

Yes! I love how methodical you are, breaking down a pattern/design and figuring out how to duplicate it. Yours is better than the original! Great video!

[@CatherineSews]

Yay! Thank you!

[@lindadelacy9330]

And you LOOK like a million bucks, too! Love all three garments, but especially the gray one with the mandala design. Beautiful as usual!!!

[@debbiepollock8458]

I love watching your tutorials. I don't sew a a lot anymore but I feel you are a great inspiration if I want to alter something. The dresses are beautiful.

[@lesleypurmal6005]

What a great knockoff. I agree, I especially love the blue tie dye! And the little top from the original dress is darling. I consider myself a very good sewer having learned by watching my mom make matching dresses for my two sisters and me, but I still learn so much from you. I made a fitted blazer with tailored collar and shoulders in my 20s, but you are so creative with your ideas and can see things I’d never have thought of. Thank you for stretching my imagination!

[@anneoconnorao]

Love this! I had flat patterns in college and never really did anything with that knowledge, no skill development. It was fun to watch you put those concepts into action with such lovely dresses and top as results. Bravo!!

[@mammastreed5070]

So nice! All 3 are winners! You look like a million bucks in the all! Fun, fun, fun! Such a quick and easy pattern!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@lyndapeters1243]

Hi Catherine, I am a novice sewer and a thrift shop enthusiast and you have completely inspired me. I look at clothing differently and see so much potential now. I am still hesitant so I'll keep watching for more inspiration. Thank you x

[@irenepeek3211]

Yes, you did a fabulous job on that dress, it looks soooo much better than the original. Bravo 👏 the new dresses are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing 💯👍

[@christinegraham2579]

13:24 Catherine, for your straps, if you like, you could use matching or contrasting ribbon to the width you want. There’s a nice variety of ribbons available.

[@michellemabelle100]

Wow, all three turned out beautifully! You're right, that blue and white dress is a stunner. Amazing work!

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

As always you have inspired me! Love the summer dresses they look great on you. Great job and thank you for teaching the knock off skills again. I am still in awe of your former silk dress knock off. I have done a few shirts with some success thanks to you and your teaching :)

[@hezzermarie]

Love them all but that blue and white one- WOW!!! Stunning!

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

I've learned so much from you!! I really appreciate you talking through all your thoughts through all the little obstacles and showing that you unpick and do test strips. Those are all things a lot of other channels don't show. Thank you for your channel!! Could you do a sweater upcycle showing how to reattach the cuffs or hemline to crop it? Maybe make it short puff sleeves? I've been eyeing up those vintage sweater girl sweaters but I'm not brave enough to try just yet.

[@betsybrittingham930]

Catherine, I love your techniques and styles sooooo much! You and I are a lot a like. Keep sewing and showing off your talents 💖💖💖. The tips are also very helpful! The dresses are devine!!!!!! 🩷

[@colleenaase1042]

Darling dresses Catherine! You have so many creative ideas!

[@auntiezann5146]

You certainly maximized that black slip dress! Even using some of it as the bodice lining, but then taking the skirt and making that adorable shirt! And the blue is gorgeous! Love the, all!

[@barbaracarlisle8930]

"Hope you learn something and get inspired..." This is your strength, but I also appreciate your emphasis on accuracy (even to ripping out) without being preachy. Sometimes a little correction is what takes a garment from homemade to custom made.

[@statewench2828]

You look like a million bucks too! I honestly think this is my favorite ever!!! IT's so cute that I'm hoping you put a pattern on your site. PLEASE, please please.

[@abaigealduda2756]

wow... Wow... WOW!!! I thought you looked very nice in the original dress, but as you stated, your own versions are just stunning on you!

[@SharonRStudio]

Such a great idea. I love the changes you made. And the Cricut design is wonderful.

[@Mspuppylove212]

Catherine, I just discovered the overlock foot for my sewing machine!!! Now I can really have a serged effect without the serger I've been dying for!!!

[@rosariacarlostella9105]

These turned out gorgeously…again 😝. You never fail to impress. The blue one looks incredibly beautiful on you in too. Actually both dresses do. ❤

[@kathyreston9933]

I use a walking foot for knits on my sewing machine as it helps reduce the stretching during sewing.

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I have used a piece of foam core to pin to, it isn't as resilient as cork board but I hardly ever copy garments. This is a super cute summer dress. I was going to make some winter things but I realized that I need to change gears and do spring or summer sewing now.

[@helenwood3199]

Very flattering, all 3. Love the circuit design you did. Now you need a trip to a warm place for break. 😉

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

All three look wonderful on you.

[@dorisamstutz5888]

Two great dresses and a top love them all!

[@lilaholland5764]

Was kinda bummed about not feeling well today, but the big plus was getting to watch this video straight through. It was packed with tips & info! Thanks Catherine!

[@cathym1257]

Wow! Well done, Catherine! Such pretty dresses. They look great on you! Thanks for sharing!

[@patriciatufts4969]

You look amazing in your new knock offs. You never disappoint. ❤❤❤❤

[@katrineverdeen2147]

Thank you so much for all the explanation. I feel so confident after this video that i'm pretty sure i will be able to make my first knock off dress. Thank you for all your teachings.

[@patriciaoswalt6464]

Very impressive! Three winners, but the blue and white is my favorite.

[@dawsie]

I like the idea of the iron on vinyl but not the huge amount of wasted vinyl that happens with larger items, I would look at designing the pattern to be done in sections so that it cuts down on the waste. I like to save the bigger pieces so they can be used on something as well. The dresses came out pretty, I like the blue and white one the best.😹🤗🤗

[@GlenysWilliams-wy2hj]

I love your way of teaching. Just nice and conversational. I did have a little chuckle when you had to cut into the dress and now have to make a top out of it! Another alteration for you 😀

[@elaineforan4751]

Hi Catherine. Have you ever considered a tutorial on converting a wrap dress to a faux wrap? Knit and woven. I love the look of my wrap dresses but i hate struggling to put them on! I much prefer a faux wrap but i dont think it is as easy as just sewing up the sides.

[@kimberleigh1985]

Team no belt here. I especially love the navy details, I think they make the pattern pop more than the original design.

[@linkay6]

Love ! Love ! Love! The dresses are amazing! I love watching your videos! You're the best!

[@vickidiodato9834]

great projects!!! I've not been confident using a curved ruler, thanks for showing/telling how to use it. . .!! And using your own clothes to make a pattern, WOW, I'm going to be BUSY!!

[@runvidr]

The blue dress is my favorite!

[@birdieellenberis6741]

I really love all three items that you made. Love your videos.

[@CatherineSews]

Glad you like them!

[@KSMP]

Once again, amazing 😊. You provide all the inspiration I need, now all I have to do is find the time!!

[@CatherineSews]

Right!? That’s always the hardest part. At least this one was really fast to sew!

[@TheJaniebabe]

you look a million bucks in that dress, thanks Catherine!!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Love them all Catherine. YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION

[@normacooper6377]

Clever! I have a couple of favorites I may attempt your methods to duplicate. Thanks for showing how. 🎉

[@silverfox70]

Thanks so much I really appreciate it learn some new sewing pointers love your channel!

[@JosieStev]

Good morning ☘️ Fun

[@giselleteller3944]

You are such an inspiration to my upcycling! I am learning so much from you. Thank you for sharing your passion with us! I'll keep watching.

[@Mandy_wv8st1cb2k]

This is an amazing video. So informative and clear. The dresses are insanely gorgeous and you look brilliant. Thank you 😊

[@BevOsborn]

Thanks. Great ideas. Look like a Cricket is on my bucket list. It’s been on the back burner

[@doudou53d44]

I looooove that dress ❤❤

[@barbarawarner4645]

Your videos are always so much fun! Great inspiration. Thank you.

[@jeanfeller4961]

Catherine, you did it again!! Love this!

[@TwilightStorm]

Wonder if a few strong magnets under the mat, and on top of the bodice would work as a third hand for stretching the elastic part?

[@tammykillian32]

Thank you! You make everything look so easy to put together!! Your explanations are top-notch. It gives me the courage to branch out and try some different sewing.

[@CatherineSews]

You can do it!

[@delilahclaudio8056]

❤❤❤ new dresses and the top looks awesome.

[@abaigealduda2756]

Oh, happy to see a new post from you. Nothing pointed in that statement. Just really happy this evening that I could see what you are sharing this evening. Thank you super-much!!!! Going to watch now.

[@helenrobinson2782]

Love this. Wish I had the pattern - cannot find a dress like yours to copy. Never mind, I did copy my favourite dress last year and made it in a beautiful Japanese embroidered fabric. Thanks for great tips. X

[@catj8884]

Thanks for the video. You're such a good teacher.

[@normacarter5532]

Hi Catherine, I am fairly new to sewing and found your videos recently. Wow! Terrific ideas you have and I must also complement you on your presentation. You have a very gentle voice not at all like the usual school teachers. I love your videos and will be sharing them with my friends for sure. Thank you so much for all your knock off ideas.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! So glad to have you on board 🥰

[@mathieya]

Love the pattern hack and the three outfits.

[@sarahscott-ze1th]

Love the tie dye!!

[@susanjohnson3973]

Love to watch your amazing skill make over and create new pieces!! Beautiful work and gorgeous dresses and top!!! 🤗💖🤗💖🤗

[@carolynhoppe3196]

Totally awesome! Your redo and lovely new dress is so lovely!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

You're such a wonderful teacher!

[@mariaoropallo4224]

THey look fabulous. And you should feel great, you look beautiful in them.

[@mcremex827]

Another wonderfully inspiring video. I can’t begin to tell you how much I love your videos. The dresses look great on you and so smart to utilize the OG to make a cute top! I’m working my way though your extensive list of vids and haven’t found a bad one yet! Thank you so much for these gems!!

[@SomersetSewist]

I only think of using my cricut for slogan t-shirts. You've opened up a whole new world for me!

[@dianahampton8768]

They all look great, thank you so much for showing us how to do this

[@helenablignaut662]

A cup of coffee and Catherine Sews... me time on a Sunday evening. ❤

[@feliciamoss4871]

Wow, Looks great. Love your videos, always learn so much and you are so creative. Everything just looks beautiful and comfortable. Thank you for sharing.

[@loreleig5062]

Looking fabulous. I always learn something from your videos! Thank you

[@itcouldbeanyone]

This makes me want a circut now 😊

[@susanharber6488]

You never disappoint with your fabulous work. I learn something everting and this time is was such small little thing (it is almost embarrassing)but so very useful!!! You are a clothing magician!

[@lucilledaub5991]

Yeah just a little cover up. Only my opinion.love the dresses.

[@bitameah7745]

Your video is so well produced. Thank you for showing all of your tracing and pattern creation. It was nice to see that I HAVE been doing my tracing correctly😂

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

This looks really great on you! Thanks for showing!

[@sarahferrell5458]

Oh, woman, I ADORE you!!!! Thanks, as always. ❤❤❤❤ 🎉🎉🎉

[@sarahferrell5458]

The blue and white one is my fave!!

[@Cathy16011]

Another winner! Those dresses are so pretty and perfect for you.