making an Alemais dress that I can't afford out of Ikea doona covers (for my graduation!)

French seam tutorial: • thrift flip! marimekko...
Ask me anonymous questions here ngl.link/steph___kennedy or leave them in the comments!
I made this dress from Ikea quilt covers and was inspired by the beautiful dresses by the brand Alemais. I can't believe I pulled this off!
ikea bed spread details:
white one - JÄTTELILJA ingka.page.link/rsRSpmNQ2YhFn...
navy one - NÄSSELKLOCKA ingka.page.link/DMcLJhqgMCYXu...
patterns used:
Simplicity 8014 for the bodice and neck band/collar
Vogue V9299 for the sleeves
Vogue V8184 for the skirt reference piece - but mostly this was just a gathered rectangle skirt - www.carbonchic.com.au/2014/12...
the alemais inspiration:
alemais.com/products/hotel-la...
steph___kennedy
~my machine~
My sewing machine is a Bernina B215 which isn't made anymore, but this machine is the closest one available now - Bernina B325:
amzn.to/3SwnGxx
~my filming setup~
my camera - Canon 90D with kit lens: amzn.to/3FtfBlR
my other lens - Canon Nifty Fifty 50mm f/1.8 amzn.to/3QtqrP1
my microphone - SmallRig Video Mic: amzn.to/3Sb1Fo9
This video was recorded on Wann, Bede, Dharug and Gundungurra Country. I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I work and live. I pay respect to Elders past and present.
Music credits:
Hero Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@curlew-3592]

It’s so lovely to see a young person making their own clothes. I remember 50 years ago buying a piece of brocade silk fabric on my way home from work one Fridayto go on a first date (sadly now my late husband) the next day, Saturday. The shop I bought the fabric from is still there and I can never walk past without memories. Making clothes is so special compared to buying something over produced. All the best.👍😁🇬🇧

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Sorry for your loss. ❤️❤️❤️. My husband has cancer. We’ve been married almost forty years. I hope we have a lot more time.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

What a special story - thank you for sharing. I hope you had a lovely life together ❤️

[@arianafaustini42]

My mum used to make quite a lot of my clothes when I was a child. When I started high school, we went to the fabric store together and picked out a bunch of mix and match patterns and fabric to make several outfits for school.

[@ej3016]

@@arianafaustini42 was a kid in sixties / seventies - we wore a lot of “previously worn clothes” from older cousins - what we still needed my mother sewed for us - unfortunately my mother lacks imagination and many times cost won out - the consistently best pieces she sewed were pajamas - flannel in winter cotton in the summer - by the time I was 14 yrs and in hospital for over three months - she was able to make “scrubs like pjs” for me without much thought or effort - her portable Singer sewing machine was ancient when she got it wedding gift 1958 - it’s used more for repairs and alterations these days - but at 85 yrs great grandma is still sewing 🧵🪡

[@JessieI]

You are so right @curlew-3592! It's because they have made clothing in the markets so inexpensive, (but cheap), that girls don't need to sew anymore. I used to sew much of my clothing, but once or twice we were so poor I sewed for money and it made me just HATE sewing and I stopped. I want to love sewing again because you can make beautiful things that no one else is wearing!! Plus I have promised to teach my new daughter, (daughter of my heart, she came with my dear SO), to sew and she has innate talent I want to encourage.

[@Pbav8tor]

Your dress is prettier than the pricy ones.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

I agree!!

[@kaugusta1]

I think so, too!!

[@grayfae3]

me 3.

[@joeb4142]

It’s more relaxed but still stylish and elegant.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you to everyone who thinks so!

[@blackcatz1364]

It looks great, congrats on your graduation! Another tip for cheap linen, H&M do 100% linen doona/duvet covers and when they are on sale you can get a lot of fabric for a really good price. I also feel like people don't realise how long it takes to make things. I have had people ask where I got something and then ask me to make them one and offer to pay for the fabric (with no consideration of the time and effort it would take for me to make it),

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Haha people definitely underestimate how long it takes to make something!! Thanks for the tip on the cheap linen - I'll keep an eye out 👀

[@jilbertb]

Making quilts as well. Someone offers to buy fabric and pay you $100 for a weeks worth of work, plus the time and cost of longarming it, is the ultimate insult.

[@mandylavida]

​@jilbertb I made a quilt for someone and they used it to line their dog's basket...

[@elainebradleyceramist]

@@mandylavidaJesus! They had no idea what you’d given them? They love their dog so immensely a handmade quilt was merited? Ask for it back/cease friendship.

[@robynwilliams460]

⁠​⁠@@mandylavida Did they explain themselves?

[@nancychestnut8928]

Ok. This is something I would have done when in my 20's. No one could stop me! If I had an idea everyone knew to just get out of my way. I've been sewing since I was 7. I got my Singer machine at 15 and now I'm 73. My sewing machine is sitting on my dining room table ready and waiting for the next adventure. You're fantastic. Keep going.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Love it!!

[@dejahdanger]

Absolutely stunning. Congrats on your degree and the dress. “I can’t afford it but I want it” has been the biggest factor in my crafting skills all my life.

[@rendaowe]

The exact same thing here!

[@DaintyDiaries]

The dress is STUNNING ❤ I will never look at an Ikea bed sheet the same. You look beautiful in it

[@HRHDMKYT]

Oh, and don’t shortchange your effort. You forgot to include your planning and designing time, your materials shopping time, and even transportation costs!!! This was a Herculean effort, fantastic success!

[@Scotty7268]

In the early 1950's my mother made dresses for my sisters and myself, recycling the full circular skirts of her own dresses. She taught me to sew and aged 12 I got my first Singer treadle sewing machine. At 18 I bought my own Bernina and made my wedding dress and every other item of clothing except underwear! I did the same for my children, and made my daughter's wedding dress and the wedding dress for a friend. My sewing machine has never ever been 'put away' - it has been out on it's own table every day for the past 60 years. (even though that table has moved from South Africa, to the UK and now to Austria! Sadly, I am not too comfortable sewing nowadays but the ability has given me a standard of living that I might not have had! When I see the price of ready made clothes, curtains, duvet covers etc I cringe!! Your achievement with your graduation gown will set you up for many more wonderful, individual, exclusive garments

[@santinahunsberger1956]

I never heard of an Alemais dress until this video. " No judgements please to anyone out there" I just looked it up online. You nailed it! I actually like yours better.

[@Spangletiger]

Your dress is far more beautiful and elegant than the one that inspired it.

[@lindaodom1322]

I agree!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you so much for the kind comment!

[@rendaowe]

Now there’s a girl who does whatever it takes to get the dress that she wants! I’ve been doing this my whole life, ever since my AUNTIE gave me an old sewing machine for Christmas one year. I was a young teen and taught myself everything. LOVED THIS SOO MUCH. I know so many women who would give anything to have your figure, no lye. AWESOMENESS! Absolutely loved this video and your determination, you Rocked it! Congratulations honey, so proud of the woman in you!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Oh thank you so much. I'm so lucky my mum taught me these skills and has supported me! Her genetics are also pretty amazing so I'm grateful for that too! Thanks for watching 💕

[@thecraftykiwi8756]

I sewed for all three of my daughters. I reckon I saved thousands. I also made bedspreads from on sale sheets. I’m still doing repairs and makeover clothing and stuff for my friends and family. The latest was a quick school uniform repair for my neighbours daughter. I’m 76 and it’s still not stopping. Lol.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

That's the way to do it!

[@gabrielles1851]

That's pretty much a main reason I sew...making stuff I know I can't afford. Other reasons are: doesn't come in tall, my size, or in my country. Congratulations on finishing it and having a piece come from your head into reality.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Definitely! I love wearing something I know no one else in the world has 💕

[@nylyessuh3056]

It looks really good, and fits beautifully, well done. I’ve been a dressmaker for 35 years, one day you will look back on this and your skills will be second nature and I guarantee the same dress will only take you 3 to 4 hrs, like everything in life the more you do it the more you learn.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Too right! I'm already surprised by how easily I can manage things that I used to find so complicated.

[@donnakoprek7005]

So true! I can now tackle much harder projects and love the idea that "yes, I can make that"! Well done❤

[@terretulsiak]

@@WelcomeToSteph Find a dressmakers model of your body- or make one! (3-d scanning)

[@deedeeblanscet4433]

People who can sew well are admirable. People who can do what you did here are super human, in my opinion! That dress was absolutely amazing ❤

[@vintagelady1]

Dress is gorgeous, looks SOOOOO expensive but is completely custom---"bespoke," I think they call it where the titled & wealthy hang out!> Congratulations on not just the dress but also on qualifying for the Procrastination Olympics which I am planning to get around to holding one of these days, not sure when or where, but eventually.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

You might not get many sign ups because everyone will procrastinate applying 😂 I look forward to it nonetheless!

[@HRHDMKYT]

Oooh!! Please make sure one of the Categories of your Olympics is “grudge holding”; my whole family could medal🏅!!! 🤭

[@vintagelady1]

@@HRHDMKYT I will take that under advisement...eventually. LOL

[@RetiredWithHobbies]

😄🤣

[@pollyg4160]

This posting makes me chuckle because as a senior in High School I made a (Mary Quant) dress out of a Damask type bead spread and wore it to an awards ceremony and I won. I was in such shock that I blurted out, "even my dress is made from a bedspread!' and got much applause. (I should have stopped before I took song requests...)

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Hahahaa that is excellent!!!!!

[@lauraoneal5146]

I LOVE THIS!! I mean the whole thing from the want to the IKEA shopping spree to the thrift buttons to the CONCEPTUALLY CUT HERE TO KEEP THE BIRDS to the marathon work/sew cram session. You looked STUNNING in that concept dress on graduation day. Girl you deserved your diploma just for this dress alone!! CONGRATULATIONS!!🎉🍾🎓

[@WelcomeToSteph]

You truly understand me 😊 thanks for watching!

[@crystal8160]

Lyocell is one of the nicer types of rayon fabric,very breathable and drapey. It was originally made to be a affordable silk alternative. Your fabric choices came together beautifully. Congratulations on both your graduation and completing such a wonderful project.

[@jilbertb]

Beautiful dress! Love seeing a young person, sew properly. So many videos out there where young people just hack things together, it makes me cringe. I french seam everything, even say, a flannel shirt. And i do own a serger. I had made my own wedding dress from 3 different patterns and it worked great. I went to a bridal shop, found the dress I wanted, ($700 in year 2000) and made it, including Chantilly lace bodice and sleeves, all for $200. I hand beaded it as well, as the pre-beaded lace was $200 per yard! Again, you did a spectacular job!

[@dulciemidwinter1925]

I'd love to have seen that wedding dress! Sounds gorgeous.

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

Technically the button bands are plackets, so you're not wrong. I was just reviewing Ikea's bed linen selection. Your dress is gorgeous 🤩

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Oh!! The more you know!

[@MsLylianne]

My maternal grandfather lost most of his money in the Great Depression. So my grandmother put out a sign in the front of their home on a busy street indicating that she was taking in sewing with her Singer, hand cranked sewing machine. My sister and I, as her grand daughters, have always taken pride in the fact that Grandma, through skills, supported the family during those lean years.

[@donnaliffiton7087]

Great thing about IKEA bedding is that all the patterns and colours in any current collection are all matched for interchangeability.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

The more you know! I hadn't thought that was intentional but it makes sense.

[@user-mk2xh3wj8u]

It pays to know how to sew. I applaud you. You did a magnificent job. I have done most of my important dresses in my life. Started sewing since I was 10 and I am now 84. Thanks to my wonderful grandmother who taught me. Don't ever stop sewing. Congrats!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you! My mum taught me when I was a teenager. How fortunate we are to have our teachers.

[@trudi1962]

I'm always on the lookout for discounted good quality quilt covers. You never know when you're going to need more fabric 😉 Op shops are also a treasure trove of beautiful patterned linens just waiting to be turned into features, pockets, or binding. Nice to see another 'no nonsense' Australian channel I can watch while sewing my day away.💚

[@susann9365]

What is an op shop?

[@susann9365]

Congratulations! I love your dress.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Op Shop is what Australians call a thrift store - short for Opportunity Shop

[@marymeyer8185]

Absolutely love it.

[@mademoisellem3529]

Always on the lookout for these in opshops. Made a lovely reversible Japanese style apron using a duvet cover and some of its existing seams.

[@prsnurse1318]

I have been sewing since I was 5 or 6 years old. You did a fantastic job! That dress is gorgeous! I have used sheets, thrift bedding, thrift oversized dresses (for the material), and vintage quilts, pillowcases etc for years! Up cycling is always fun and great for our earth. 🌍 Great creativity as well. Woot woot! Job well done. 🎉❤

[@MarionFeltham]

Coming from a generation where all our clothes were home made, patched, handed down, altered etc, it is a joy to see that sewing is back, and goodness what a great job you did. Congratulations on your Graduation and keep on sewing!!

[@aimeeh400]

The masking tape on the sewing machine is such a good hack!

[@janicewebber5584]

I use thick rubber bands.

[@Lynn_Nice]

Both ideas are great. TY

[@uppereast74]

ingenuity is the mother of invention. Gorgeous dress and you in it. Congratulations on your graduation

[@LoveJoy4Jesus]

All of your fine details, especially from the patterning/colorblocking, make this dress shine 😁. I prefer yours to the inspiration! Excellent work

[@sewcrazybaker]

I'm a 71 year old woman and I have loved to sew ever since my Mother taught me how more than 60 years ago. About 50 years ago, I was making a dress to wear on a date. I don't know what kind of fabric it was, but it was beautiful! All I remember is that it was very good quality and felt rich, while being a fine fabric. The color was a dark red, which is my favorite. I somehow sewed part of the skirt to the bodice. I have no idea how that happened! After staring at the HORRIBLE mistake for a few minutes and wondering what to do, I did what anyone would do. I yelled for MOM!!! (I had to yell because I was on the 3rd floor of our house and Mom was on the 1st floor of our house in Ohio, USA. She "fixed" it by using a seam ripper to remove the stitches. But there was a small hole in the bodice. She fixed that by sewing a fabric flower over the hole, which was on the upper left side of the bodice. Thanks Mom! The dress was quite pretty and I wore it on several occasions. I LOVE your dress! PS... Except for pajama pants, I don't sew clothing anymore. I'm a quilter. I've made quilts for all my nieces and nephews as they marry, one for my sister, several table runners for my sister and other quilty things.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Haha Mum to the rescue!! My Mum has helped me with sticky sewing situations more times than I can remember!

[@br6480]

Congratulations on your degree. Good lord that dress is absolutely gorgeous and it’s nice to see I’m not the only one who uses bed linens or shower curtains in non traditional ways.

[@sherrillsturm7240]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, INCREDIBLE, WELL-DONE, AND AMAZING RESULT. HARD TO IMAGINE YOU DID THAT IN HALF A WEEK.

[@sasunshine5866]

That dress turned out absolutely adorable, and how clever of you to get IKEA bedspread material! Who would have thought of that. I love the combination of the white with the navy. It is just beautiful and so original. You will be the big hit at graduation! You should also be a dress designer!!

[@allyncollins359]

I wear pretty much only 10th century dresses...nothing fancy but I love it when my "mistakes" or my creative ideas come out brilliantly!! Congrats to you!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@lorriedilucente3965]

I salute you on your beautiful dress. It's a real compliment that a family member asked if it was indeed an Alemais dress...it speaks to your drafting and sewing skills. Congratulations on your graduation, too!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you so much and yes I was very chuffed 🤗

[@avrilcrisp5725]

The dress looks really classy. The colour combinations really work. Well done. And well done on your graduation.

[@storeytwinb]

You did such an amazing thing designing and making this beautiful dress! I have that very IKEA duvet. I've often thought it would make a beautiful dress. Great job!

[@archetypo]

This is the best IKEA hack video I've ever seen. Your dress is so much more elegant than the original! Congratulations on your graduation - I studied Industrial Design but never graduated. Surprisingly, not because of procrastination (I also apparently work best under pressure lol); it was more an ideological conflict to do with being complicit in propping up an unsustainable economic system. I'd much rather normalize the idea that we are each capable of developing our creativity and skillsets in ways that improve our quality of life, both individually and communally. The fact that you've ALSO documented and produced an excellent video is just the cherry on top. I'm a little in awe. I would love to sew, have accumulated a ridiculous amount of fantastic fabric (mostly African wax prints and batiks) and even a couple of lovely vintage sewing machines, but so far I'm still in the 'visualizing numerous projects' phase. I really appreciate your meticulous approach to constructing a garment, especially your explanation of French seams. I will definitely be using those myself - one step closer to actually sewing! I'm following because your thought process is so similar to mine. Thank you for the inspiration 💜👏

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you for being here!! And the best way to learn is just by doing. I think starting with a simple dress or skirt would be a way to learn some skills and those fabrics sound perfect for a project like that 👌🏼

[@capodicasa4038]

Absolutely lovely! I think anyone who is just beginning to make their own clothes will find your thought process, working out how to do things, very useful. Also, putting elements from different patterns together is something beginners might not have thought of doing. I think you deserve another degree for the dress!!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Honestly it hadn't occurred to me to put different parts of patterns together until more recently than I want to admit - my brain just didn't think of it. So I guess that's why I want to share my process these days - I'm glad you can see that!

[@barbarawiltz9453]

What a beautiful dress! I started making my own clothes when I as 15. The price of fabric back in the 60's made it worth while to make our own.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you! My first dress was at 15 😊 with help from Mum of course

[@barbarawiltz9453]

@@WelcomeToSteph 😻

[@Sjiesjam]

Even Dame Kiri Te Kanawa had an evening skirt made from sheets. She loved the print and went and got it

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Dame Kiri is such an inspiration!

[@elainebradleyceramist]

It is a beautiful dress. Well done.

[@hafizismail3353]

Using another colour for the hem is nice. If it's going to be that long, it's easier to clean. Love the dress. Looks fresh & classic.

[@TruFlyFox]

Congrats on your graduation for your Master's! That is a huge accomplishment. The dress turned out amazing.

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

Congratulations on your graduation and getting your Masters degree. Your dress is lovely. It came out better than the designer brand.

[@luannschomel2642]

Ikea has some incredible prints. I used to raid the bins of showroom chang-outs to make stuff for my kids, when they were little.. everything from curtains to covering and old "sofa" to clothing. They're all grown up now, and we're still doing that !!!😂 Ikea is such a good source for nice Material at a reasonable price. Good job girl !!

[@azbeaux]

I stopped making my own clothes 30 years ago. I have just retired and wanted to start again but am hesitant as I have lost my confidence. You have given it back to me. This is a true creation. It is YOU and you look gorgeous wearing it. To me, that’s what it’s all about, your clothes reflecting one’s own personality. Thank you so much for posting this. And I would call it a placket too!!!!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Oh I think that's the perfect timing to take up sewing again!! If you're not feeling confident then sew something low stakes that isn't a garment and see how you feel 👌🏼

[@Lamara5292]

I love that you used sheets, always making somethng from something else. Good job!

[@AudriannaB-World-Peace]

The dress came out just stunning! You should feel so proud of your resourcefulnes and your sewing skills are wonderful!🌟♥️

[@lpanayi6954]

Gorgeous 😍 And excellent problem solving skills! I'm always in awe of people who can make things so skillfully. ❤

[@cestina5427]

Sewing in all its forms is completely alien to me and yet I watched, totally riveted, the entire video. The dress is beautiful and the video itself as skillfully constructed as the garment. I know from experience that these films do not make themselves and yours is a delight to both watch and listen to...thank you.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you so much! This comment really means a lot 💕

[@Thyalwaysseek]

I think bed linens are so under-rated when it comes to using them for sewing garments, great result, well done.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you! I certainly agree.

[@karendavies1468]

Congratulations on your graduation and on the dress. Looks excellent. I can understand not touching the materials until you were short on time. I do that all the time myself, I can recall years ago going to a wedding and sewing the buttons on in the car while my husband drove there. ❤😊

[@beatricev.7783]

Simply Genius in every sense of the word! Admirable your vision, drive and ambition combined. Congratulations! You must be so proud not only of your education but your sewing project! 👏

[@betheva5917]

It’s such a wonderful way to source fabric and design that is so difficult now in ordinary fabric shops. It’s very pretty and unique.

[@mecarrenard8391]

What a truly lovely Original dress. Creatives like you remind me of the ambient beauty all around us if only we look for it. In Gone with the Wind Scarlet O’Hara wore her curtains like a southern belle. You wore your duvet covers like a Queen!

[@Tavieme]

My first time watching any of your content your channel was in my recommendations and I am pleased. you did a phenomenal job. I’m so impressed and congratulations on your graduation.

[@user-xd2ml8dn9h]

Wow this is ao beautiful, whimsical and absolutely gorgeous it looks like a thousand dollar dress

[@jacsfalconer1929]

Stunning dress. I had to laugh at you leaving it to almost the last minute, I now know that thousands of us all do the same thing. Onwards and upwards with your brilliant sewing projects. 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Hehe thanks 😊

[@mehitabel6564]

Firstly, congratulations on your Masters! Secondly, you are such a wonderfully creative dressmaker. Bravo for coming up with such a great solution. And which dressmaker has not had to beast it through the wee small hours for a deadline, it's a rite of passage.

[@tinaruiz9606]

WOW. You are amazing. The dress is way prettier than the expensive one. Well you are a true artist. Your dress is unique and one of a kind

[@barbarawarner4645]

Congratulations on your graduation (WhooHoo) and this completion of your stunning dress. Creativity abounds.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you so much!!

[@jujuarantes]

I am so glad you couldn’t afford the dress! You ended up with something so much better, 100% you in every stitch, every detail. You turned something mainstream into something unique and oh, so special! Many congratulations on your degree and your beautiful dress. Keep shining!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

That's a great way to look at it! Thank you!

[@carolynjohnson7606]

Your dress looks fabulous! It’s great to be inspired by the top end ($expensive) designers, but to then create your own very original version of a garment, which doesn’t break the bank.

[@brendasnow8255]

Architecture! You really are a creative person.

[@kathyjames9250]

Brava, it turned out so pretty and looks very smart on you, and very “high-end.” The buttons are perfect.

[@christinenewell2679]

Very good. (7years ago I made 56 (easy) girls dresses to go out to Rwanda……. yea, I loved every minute of it and I took time for some pretty embellishments and frilly petticoats. I wanted to do 60 of them but saw 4 brand new girls , school frocks in a Charity shop for £1 each ….. I had a stroke 5 yrs ago but I can still do a bit of sewing, mending which I enjoy and aprons, bags ….. straight sewing. I just adored this dress, very, very clever , it made me remember my 60s days when we made all sorts of dresses, ‘flowers in our hair’ and all that Jazzzy stuff!!!! Keep on loving your youth and vitality….. try a few flowers in your hair ….. just for fun🥰.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MsJeselle]

Wow!! Great job! I actually do not like this brand's style so I was a little hesitant to watch this video but your dress is BEAUTIFUL!!! Hands down blew me away! Maybe you should design instead of doing architecture lol! Such a wonderful job❤❤

[@paulavandieden8609]

Congratulations on the dress, and your masters! I remember what a proud moment that was. Beautiful job, new sub :)

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you so much!

[@judierenfrow8073]

It’s beautiful. And you wear it so well. Thank you for sharing.

[@esperansaloughran693]

Have faith! The dress is going to tell you what it wants....❤

[@dianewillard4269]

Congratulations on your Master's Degree. The dress came out beautiful.

[@thurayya8905]

You end up with a beautiful dress, a useful degree, and, best of all, a record of a wonderful moment in your life. Congratulations! It's a creation💛🐦.

[@bethrogers5656]

gorgeous! You’re so brave to just cut without doing a muslin mock up. But I remember finishing velvet Christmas dresses on the airplane on the way to spend holiday with family. Well done!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Oh yes no mock up, but I was using pattern pieces I've sewn before so roughly knew how it would fit 🤞🏻

[@G_Metro]

This was EXACTLY me 23 years ago! I sewed my dream graduation dress, staying till the wee hours the night before the ceremony. Thanks for sharing this (and for the trip down memory lane) and congrats on such a wonderful piece!

[@terrimills8609]

Oh my goodness! I’ve been sewing for 60 years and I’ve got to say that I am incredibly proud of your skills. The dress is stunning. Right now I am making a bathrobe for my granddaughter out of a chenille bedspread.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Wow, thank you!

[@Sorana44]

Soooo beautiful!!! Now we all know why was that dress so pricey!! ♥️

[@r8chlletters]

Omg 15 hours and you didn’t even cut it out yet 😂 for me pattern planning and cutting could take the day…

[@RosemaryStudy]

WOW!!! Amazing! I have done similar in finding fabrics - the expense is daunting - and I have used curtain panels, pillow cases and such like you have done. I bow to you - the dress is magnificent!! You look lovely in it - now order a personalize label and sew it in!!

[@llm5726]

I started sewing as a young girl; first making clothes for Barbie dolls, then making clothes for myself. I’m 68, so took Home Economics in junior high, and 4H during the same time frame. Both of those activities contributed to my sewing skills. I made most of my clothes in high school, and my experience allowed me to work in a fabric store (styling the mannequins also) during high school and part of college. My degree was a Bachelor of Architecture - maybe turning flat pieces of fabric into 3 dimensional garments has some aligned skills to turning drawings on paper into a 3 dimensional building? I sewed my own wedding dress, as well as my younger sister’s candle lighter dress. Made most of my suits and workwear for my professional job as an architect. Made many of my kids clothes, including several prom dresses for my daughter. Went through a quilting phase, with lots of lovely fabrics to use still! I’m now sewing “princess” dresses for my 5 year old grand-daughter. Most sewing I do for me is alterations of ready-made garments. Your dress turned out beautifully, ANC’s congratulations on your degree!

[@brendamathieu1069]

The dress looks absolutely lovely on you! It was so much fun to see you choosing the material and deciding how you were going to put it together. You are a wonderful designer.🌟🏆

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Oh thank you!

[@Summers.Little.Studio]

Girl I can't believe you only have 1.74 thousand subscribers, you're awesome!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thanks! A couple of days ago I had 985 so the people have finally arrived 💪🏼

[@CathyM-uv1it]

I am in love with your beautiful dress! And those red wellies!

[@ezza1337]

Steph, you have done an amazing job on this dress. It looks absolutely beautifully made and beautiful on you. Well done!

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thank you!

[@jeanhopman5659]

That dress is STUNNING - I would wear that in a heartbeat xxx

[@1wolfpup]

Your dress turned out beautifully.

[@regalrose3365]

Well done, it's beautiful! Congratulations on graduation 🎉🎉🎉

[@penniboo5818]

Lovely to see someone do exactly what I used to do in the early 1980's. I loved designer clothes I'd see in Vogue magazine but couldn't ever afford them, so I'd make my version adapting patterns and sourcing fabric from anywhere I really Love the dress you made 😍 Well done!! I hope your video inspires others to do the same

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Great minds

[@jillanglemyer3168]

Beautiful! I remember my mom and GMA making dresses for me when I was little. They took their circle skirts apart and used that fabric. I was so proud.

[@WelcomeToSteph]

What a lovely memory!

[@barkingfromnewmexico9448]

You did a terrific job! The dress turned out beautifully, and the fabrics you chose work well together.

[@joanneblair2087]

Congratulations on your graduation and your dress. It is absolutely beautiful.

[@granniesb8145]

Congratulations....on yppur degree ! And on your exquisite desiging ! You looked so magnificent and euphoric !!! I was feeling that along with you when I saw you wearimg that magnificient creation ! When you mentioned french seams it brought back a memoty of making a very classy dress shirt for my precious little boy......it turned out beautifully. My little boy is now 58 years old now. Your suhscribers are feeling the euphoria right along with you . Watching this video has cheered me immensely. I am 81 years old now but love seeing such a great success story. I wish you total success in everything you do. Again ...thanks for the trip down memory lane ! 😊

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@ReclaimingMyChillTime]

I love French seams. Your work is outstanding! Enjoy that beautiful Maxi.

[@NarelleCustomSongs]

Well done, Steph! What a fabulous result! Your concept is gorgeous, and you look beautiful in it. I'm particularly admiring the way you balanced the embroidered portions to create a pleasing whole.

[@rosincox9799]

The dress is gorgeous .Beautiful selection of fabrics .I relied on charity shop bedlinens when making costumes for school musicals . I rarely bought fabrics from the store ,Congrats on your graduation .

[@suebabyblue168]

That's like me, pajamas and sewing! 😂 Beautiful dress! Now I'm going to Ikea to puck up some fabric😊

[@evanosek562]

Beautiful and so much better and meaningful then buying at a store you are very talented and level headed….

[@dianelodico2166]

It’s a beautiful dress! Yay for you! Congratulations on your graduation.

[@raegomez8323]

I love how you created this dress! Brava!

[@ddunnguard7746]

Not only talented and creative, has anyone ever accused you of being a brunette version of Zara Tindall ? Enjoyed this Very Much! Congratulations👍. 🇺🇸🇨🇱

[@NuLiForm]

You already know this..but i must say it again, anyway. Amazing Job & Stunning dress! i used to chop up & reuse curtains, sheets, tablecloths, whatever i found that would work..even old prom dresses, to make Hollywood red carpet dresses...people thought they were the real deal...so...i can Appreciate all the sacrifices you made to create this work of Art...Dreamy, Floaty, and it looks Wonderfully Comfortable too! Always a plus in my book

[@WelcomeToSteph]

Oh yeah it's very comfortable!