Making Stephanie Canada's Favorite Dress

I got together (from afar) with ‪@StephanieCanada‬ this week to challenge each other with our favorite dress patterns!
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[@CraftsyPenguin]

"The higher the hair the better my brain works." - I love that and I shared it with my husband and he called those buns "the cooling towers" and I just... 😂😂💜💜

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I can't think without having my hair up high!

[@theelizabethjoy]

No but why is this 100% accurate?

[@whyamIaraccoon]

*ventilation*

[@betsymcgovern3267]

So, so cute! A tip from ancient times when I took home economics in 1971: Baste the seam closed, press it open, and then lay the zipper over the seam, making sure the zipper lies on the seam, and secure it with a few pieces of scotch tape. Then sew right over the tape, and peel it off after. Sounds weird, but has been working for me for 43 years. I love watching your generation sew with confidence and creativity! Yay!

[@cherylhuot4436]

Exactly how I learned to do zippers! Dont do it that way anymore, but whatever works for you!!

[@romeoslover817]

me too

[@nickiecarlson1837]

Before I discovered invisible zippers, I used the scotch tape method and loved the results!

[@ebunni5862]

Me too! But I hand baste into place instead of tape. I'll have to try tape next 💚

[@cherylhuot4436]

@@ebunni5862 I stopped using tape because I found d hand basting got me much better results.

[@jodammerungii6134]

Fun fact: My first successful zipper insertion came when I followed the directions written on the cardboard it was stapled to.

[@nataliegray8019]

Very cute results, Charlie! You did well. When making clothes from vintage patterns, though, half the challenge is keeping in mind the type of undergarments you're going to wear with it. That type of dress was designed to be worn with a bullet bra, hence the weird pleating. The designer made it that way to accommodate the shape of the bra and give the wearer a sharper silhouette. With that in mind, it makes sense why you felt there was so much extra fabric where it shouldn't have been in one place and not enough in the other. Can't wait to see what you make next! 😊

[@jomercer21113]

Yes, the proper foundation garments make all the difference, regardless of the era.

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

If you ever watch SewRena’s channel, she actually sews her own bullet bras to go under the dresses she sews from 1950s patterns. I’m not sure I would want to sew and wear a bullet bra, but SewRena looks nice in hers under her ‘50s creations.

[@ketagilliland6931]

@@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778

[@JosieAreSee]

That opening speech on your carousel pony. Queen!!

[@sewlovecats]

Fitting a pattern that’s pretty much your size is one thing. Resizing a pattern, at least in my opinion, is one of THE hardest things you can do! So kudos for you!

[@clarebrady1532]

Ngl, the laying out all the pattern pieces and then running off to do less stressful things made me giggle. 100% something I would do XD Patterns are scary! Almost as scary as cutting into the 'perfect' fabric. Also I love Stephanie so this colab was joy!

[@gypsi812]

I think that this neckline is so flattering on you. If this dress was done in a knit fabric, I think it would be super cute.

[@phyllisruchalski5037]

After following Charlie for a long time,and then connecting with Stephanie’s segments ,I thought there personalities were so similar that I thought they were sisters ! I loved this segment!

[@donnawoodhouse8776]

i too thought they were related - the similarities is uncanny

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

Gotta love those sisters who sew in chaos! ❤😂

[@marymugge1523]

Two of my favorite KZbin sewing folks collaborating? Let me get my popcorn, this will be awesome! I love the fabric she picked for you.

[@vivienrubio8129]

I love all the creative procrastinating. It is entertaining to me to see what lengths others go to to procrastinate because I do that too. 😁😄

[@meghanmerchant657]

A chaotic match made in heaven! This is amazing.

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Two of my FAVORITE creatures! OK was that a talk to text fail, or talk to text WIN?!

[@AleesaTana]

The welt of the pocket should go on the other side of the pocket opening, so that your hand goes in behind the welt, rather than your hand going in front of the welt like you've got. I love those colors, and the way the stripes angle in to make a V. Having gathering run parallel to the stripes makes the most sense to me for that fabric, rather than doing the typical under-bust dart that would interrupt the stripes. It's possible that when you made the alterations from Steph's pattern that the apex of the breast wasn't moved to where it needs to be on your body, but I've never tried down-sizing commercial patterns before. It doesn't look like Bianca over at Closet Historian has done this exact dart/gathering placement before, but it is close to the shoulder tucks she does in her "Dart Manipulation Explained" video in the section about using darts as tucks and gathers. This was a very entertain collab, thanks for the video!

[@lauraseale8520]

That dart video was amazing

[@purplkaret]

This is the comment I was looking for! I feel like the welt would support the pocket better on the bottom of the opening. Also closet historians dart manipulation video was life changing for my sewing journey!

[@nancybennick7949]

So happy you commented because I thought that also but not an expert on welt pockets and wasn't sure. What you commented makes perfect sense.

[@SandraL489]

Yeah, I was instantly thinking of @TheClosetHistorian as well. I actually made a shirt last week with the same shoulder yoke and gathered bustpiece - I just closed the side dart and opened it into a shoulder dart after chopping off the piece for the yoke. Easy to do but it will probably take a few tries to get that perfect curve and perfect yoke.

[@Avotts]

Zig zag the edges....totally acceptable....especially for those who dont use a surger. When I was a kid and learned how to do a zipper...We used the machine to loosely sew/baste the part of the seam where the zipper was to go. When on a side zip, you would sew and backstitch above and below the zipper area...then when the zip is in....you just pull the basting stitching...no seam ripper. The gathering on the sholder area is a n accent.decorative touch. I like it. It turned out cute as a button and looks great on you.

[@jessiepfeiffer210]

"If I can learn to do it, you can learn to do it! Something in your nose and you'll pull through it. Tell yourself it's easy (and it's true!), you can learn to do it too!" 17:40 made me think of this, the Anastasia soundtrack really is underrated :(

[@leadidee]

Pausing the video at 11:54 to say that the decision paralysis from needing to make moves without actually knowing what you're doing is SO REAL 😣

[@kristendarnell5997]

When you can't do French seams, you can use the overlock foot from your presser foot video to finish them! No serger needed :)

[@cherylrosbak4092]

But that's boring! I'm with Charlie -- pinking is the way to go

[@KnitzyKitzy]

@@cherylrosbak4092some fabrics will still unravel with pinking though challis for example and it is such a shame when your hard work goes to waste for the sake of a bit of extra time.

[@margodphd]

​@@KnitzyKitzyEspecially with modern washing and tumbling. I used to love pinking as a very flat finish but I've noticed that machine washable stuff is starting to look.. rough. I'm going to have to bind the seams>.>

[@KnitzyKitzy]

@@margodphd I had a lovely lawn unravel on me at the seams despite pinking. Luckily it was a gathered skirt so I could could cut it a bit narrower and used an overlocking stitch on each side. That skirt is still around a decade later with no issues other than a longer piece of elastic needing to be inserted in the waistband as I have fluffed up.

[@mlatham23]

As a pattern girl here first off I want to say that you did a great job resizing. Resizing by that much is not something that most pattern users do very much of. However, I think Stephanie does a lot more of it because of the use of vintage patterns. That zipper technique is the one i recomend for non-invisible zippers. I am perplexed that it gave you problems. I would love to do a Zoom call or something and see if we can figure it out. The bottom line is that even without swoosh, that dress is amazing.

[@cammixc]

I came over from Stephanie's channel. I admire both of you for sewing your own clothing given the amount of translation needed to to read and follow a pattern. Great job!

[@rebecca7766]

Another option for finishing seams on woven material is to use a thin bias tape to cover the seam. I have some cotton voile that I’ve used to do it with before and it turns out really nice, without the bulk of a normal bias tape. Your dress turned out super cute!!

[@pearshapedbrit]

Love using bias to cover my seams- my overlocker was out of action due to the foot holder breaking into separate pieces (it's finally fixed) but bias tape was one method I used- the other was french seams

[@KGlena-kx1df]

This is giving Sound of Music curtain dress in the best way! From here it looks pretty perfect, and your stripe matching is impeccable 💛🧡🤍💚

[@BuffytheRealSlayer]

Two of the Ladies of the Chaos Court collaborating? Uh, yes please. I love both you and Stephanie so this will be all kinds of fun. ❤❤

[@bethanyh5853]

The minute I saw Stephanie Canada, the moment I knew it would be an awesome video.😊

[@ALICIAGEHRES]

You did a great job of pattern matching the front bodice to create the “V”.

[@CootiePootieTootie]

I resized a vintage pattern a couple weeks ago to fit my very German body, and I had the best success by putting it together, turning it inside out and then pinning and pinning and pinning the seams on my dress form. (I got a cheap dress form and then used a Bootstrap Fashions dress form cover over it). It was 90% perfect and I got it the rest of the way by trying it on myself and getting the shoulders right. Otherwise, I had weird wrinkles in the belly and shoulder blades. Highly recommend getting either a Bootstrap Fashions dress form pattern that you can stuff yourself, or get a cover pattern that you can put over your mannequin. The covers are like $19 and the fabric for them is easy to find on Amazon (edges don't fray). Exactly your size and easy to sew. Would make a cool video!!!

[@imwithyou6187]

Charlie... You literally melted my heart when I saw you with the rose bush😭 such a dream, so beautiful 😍🥰🌷🌸

[@moncorcoran5697]

I love how perfectly you matched the bodice pieces 🤩. My 2 favourite sewists challenging each other 🥳

[@ridiculouscuteness3]

I love detailed instructions. But I have definitely cried from frustration while working with a sewing pattern.

[@effie3798]

The cut of that dress is so flattering to your figure. That’s what I love about vintage. (I Will admit, I would love to see you in that dress with your hair done in finger curls and with red lipstick for full effect ;) )

[@mariaaguadoball3407]

Came here from Stephanie's channel. Instant subscribe!

[@Rhaifha]

That pinafore dress you wore during the making of the project is *amazing*

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

She's got a video making it! :)

[@thejaneymac6385]

Oooh this is going to be so fun! I love Stephanie and you! ❤

[@VintageVermilion]

The happy rabbit hole of discovering creatives: Rachel Maksy lead me to Stephanie Canada who then lead me to The Stitchery/Charlie. Pleased to report I’ve been binging on your content for days now.

[@lindak8664]

For future reference, you can just pull the prong off a belt buckle with a pair of pliers. Ezy pezy 😊 Love the bodice on that! The gathering doesn’t look anywhere near as baggy on this side of the screen. The welt pockets are a nice addition too, better choice than adding a pocket to a side seam zipper. That’s complicated! Not going to comment on the pocket bag being on the wrong side of the welt when i’ve done far worse things with welts 😂 All things considered, good job 👍🏼 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@CrownedLily]

I have been sewing for 4 years now (well it will be 4 years in late July) and I have only used one pattern. I looked at the pictures on the instructions and that's it. It still came out decent. Mostly I just make my own patterns using my measurements or clothes I already own. So I'm totally with you on the self drafting being easier.

[@petapendlebury9024]

Resizing a pattern one or 2 sizes is easy, resizing that many sizes is hard so well done for even attempting it! The 30s and 40s loved gathering higher up and was only partly to do with giving bust space. I have a blouse pattern that has loads of gathering from a straight yoke piece on a size 12 - literally no bust! Oh and btw that front angled stripe? A chevron. And beautifully pattern matched 💛

[@twinnish]

The dress is totally cute and I love the way it fits you. I see the issues kind of around the neck with the shoulder stuff, but it doesn’t detract from the cuteness of the dress. The little gathers from the shoulder to the bus, I know why they seem counterintuitive to you, but they kind of work because they just are different way to manage the fullness then say a dart would be. Very cute and the yellow and stripes do suit you. Excellent job.

[@ShesSoHuggable]

The dress turned out so much better than I thought it would!! You placed the stripes so perfectly too!!

[@meowdee]

Oh yes!! A collab between two of my favorite creators! ❤

[@meowdee]

For the bust gathers question, you could try to draft a bodice mockup, perfectly fit it to your body, and then play with moving the darts of the bodice around, transforming them into gathers. The Closet Historian probably has a video where she’s done this type of thing! If you get more into woven fabrics, a basic bodice/skirt block will enable you to draft super quickly :)

[@NatalieCrafts]

I've self-drafted woven patterns, and I find that the extra fabric up there is actually pretty crucial for letting you still have mobility. If you don't have that bit of space right above the bust, it's a lot harder to move. It's not to say that you CAN'T have it more fitted, but if you do then you need to have that ease somewhere else.

[@Just-a-girl]

I get the gather in the cup area now. You’re younger and it’s not so obvious but as we age the stuffing of the boob falls to the bottom of the “bag”. The gathers create fullness at the top again. You did a brilliant job and although I had my doubts in the beginning due to the yellows, you created a very flattering dress.

[@awilson8521]

I love this! I dislike knit fabric with a passion. I love woven cotton. Simple to sew, versatile to use.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Charlie, that pattern/style is very flattering. Keep using it! I'm with Stephanie - knits are hard.

[@karengoldie6801]

Kudos for stepping out of your comfort zone. I can see you making multiple versions of your new pattern 🤔

[@elvinabarclay6187]

I was taught to sew a zipper in by basting the seam closed, sew the zipper in, then rip out the basting stitch. So much easier to rip a baste out that a stitch. Love this dress though.

[@Dwynfal]

Altogether I think your end result is adorable! It looks vintage but not too vintage, if that makes any sense? I think you could absolutely make a pouffy-er skirt and it would swish nicely! Plus maybe try the same silhouette but in knit fabric?

[@lynng5172]

looks great, nicely done I admire your "wing-it" attitude, mostly because I do not have that, haha.

[@ru4repeattoo]

5:51 -- 🎶Great transition! I usually hate when creators use music because the decible level is inconsistant with their voice and usually blasts my ears. You not only had a great transition, but it was beautiful music too!! 🎶 8:41 -- "The higher the hair, the better my brain works y'all." -- I totally agree!

[@IcyKitty]

beautiful summer colour that with a light brown sweater could go into fall easily

[@mewennm4387]

Very interesting collab idea. The dress is very cute and it made me wonder if I could pattern it from a block. It is a different style for you and I look forward to watch Stephanie’s side of things. Listening to your exchange afterward and hearing you talk about the ease thing with woven fabrics has made me realise that I tend to expect woven fabric to have the same fit as knit and then wonder why my woven garments don’t look like your knit garments 😅 sometimes I need to hear other people say stuff for my brain to finally pause and go « oh yeah, that’s why » and this was one such moment so thank you.

[@rebeccazegstroo6786]

Final product is cute, flattering, and summery. Really nice.

[@I.m-Me]

@gettheetothestitchery - For easy added swoosh in any amount or shape, you can make any number and height of slits you want to up from the hem and insert triangles of leftover or other fabric

[@alexandrachristiansen383]

Loved it! Bodice re- sizing is very tricky if it’s a few sizes down - you did amazing x

[@orkchild]

My suggestion if you ever do something like this is to cut the pattern as you receive it pout of muslin or scrap fabric and then baste it together with the seams to the out side. Then put it on and have some one help you pin the seams to fit then redraw the new seam lines. Take off the garment unbaste the garment, cut the piece to the correct size, iron on stiff interfacing. You now have a correct pattern to use, this only works when your down sizing a pattern.

[@miaochs7716]

Love your hair length. The dress very flattering. By the way love Stephanie Canada. Been watching her since before I found you. You’re both my favorite you tubers and you both lift up my spirits by watching you.

[@DawnShipley1977]

6:02 Such beautiful roses! Roses are my favorite flower.

[@darbysusan]

It looks wonderful. I watch Stephanie all the time as much as i watch you. Love you both.

[@uberbubble]

Love that you're saying yes to collabs despite the enormous list of to-makes, or TO spite the list maybe? 😂

[@kathleenburns7065]

The dress looks really cute! Stephanie chose some amazing colors for you! Resizing patterns is something that takes practice so I will say you did a good job on this one imo it’s easier to make it smaller than larger. I will echo that vintage garments do require vintage underwear so they are designed with those kinds of underwear in mind. But all in all great job and I hope you enjoyed the challenge!

[@dianegraydon1143]

I think the dress is adorable on you and I really liked the blue milkmaid dress...and your editing was fun..

[@annakasper6141]

I think the bodice style really looks flattering on you! Maybe try doing it in a knit .. and put a circle skirt on it. Voila! Perfect dress for Charlie!

[@AgithaCreates]

I'm not kidding when I say I'm IN LOVE with this dress, the gathering is such a cute detail once it was all said and done. I wish I wasn't already obsessed with crochet and knitting so I could allow myself to also fall down the sewing rabbit hole, but this video is really temptingggggg

[@StephanieCanada]

I absolutely love how your make turned out! The stripes are IMMACULATE! This was so much fun to do and glad we could challenge each other.

[@l.baughman1445]

You get a cookie! Seriously, the reveal was so cute and styled well. You did a great job!

[@Mamasmovietime]

That is one of the more flattering dresses you have made this far. Really good job.🎉🎉🎉

[@coal.sparks]

I agree about the V made by the stripes in the front - totally flattering! And also that using patterns is harder than drafting your own to your measurements. :) Off to watch Stephanie's vid now! (I'm loving your collabs with my fave youtubers!)

[@kittyhunt9245]

You two are so much alike, makes you both even more adorable.

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I have been sewing for close to 50 years and I have no idea how to resize a pattern that much. I know how to pattern draft and I would be tempted to just look at the pieces and draft my own instead. I love the striped fabric and the bias "v" it creates on the front.

[@daalelli]

A version of this pattern using knit fabric would be interesting, no zipper, and you could use the finished shape from this dress for the front pattern pieces.

[@BYBabbra]

Brilliant dress, it is very Stephanie Canada is style but suits you so well. You did a great job.

[@MiffoKarin]

Two of my favourite chaotic sewing youtubers doing a collab?! LOVE IT! I think you did great, sizing patterns up/down is difficult!

[@suebrady6179]

If you don’t have a serger (as I don’t) and don’t want to do a French seam, just zigzag over the edges of the fabric before you start assembly. Easy peasy. That’s how my mom taught me in the 70s and for years I didn’t realize that there was any other way!

[@thewomble465]

woo hoo my two Favourite sewing ladies working on something together

[@concettapiekos7067]

The dress looks fantastic! I love everything about this challenge. I’ve been so inspired by the work you and Stephanie do…this was an amazing collaboration!

[@theartsypixie2771]

When resizing a pattern, mock-ups are your friends. 😊

[@CraftsyPenguin]

okay, finished watching now. I love how the dress looks on you despite all of the remarks you have to it. I was kinda doubtful when I saw the fabric choice as yellow is not something I'd go for. But it suits you amazingly and the V pattern in the front is just 👌 But I have to say from the start I was just sooo pleased with this, because collab between you and Stephanie sounded just absolutely delightful and I'm very much looking forward to Stephanie's video.

[@judidavieswebb]

Big patch pockets would be great, in the 50s all my mother's dresses had them. Remember to set them lower. 😊

[@michellecornum5856]

It's pretty! It came out SOOOOO much better than I had expected.

[@christinamoxon]

LOVE the colours on you. Yellow is such a lovely, happy colour.

[@k9kelly]

This is really cute. I was so excited to see you collab with Stephanie.

[@KJayPlays]

I love it! So cute and elegant! I really hope you will retry this and maybe perfect it 🤍

[@elainelear4982]

A fun collab. It is good to stretch yourself and end up with a lovely outfit.

[@beckymiller1840]

❤❤❤❤ I am here for the chaos and random noises!! I have found my people!! I use patterns but also completely disregard the instructions because adhd and I also have the “wing it” gene

[@ShesSoHuggable]

As someone who always uses closed captions, thank you for putting extra work and thought into them. They’re very sweet and quirky like yourself. 🥰🥰🥰

[@linvallier2269]

These were both so very entertaining, loved this and Stephanie’s projects! Personally I’ve sewn for nearly all my life, and still would be cautious approaching knit fabric. You’re very brave, and talented!

[@The.Spoonie.Witch66]

The cut of the dress is gorgeous and very flattering, especially the top!

[@elizabethdraws7844]

I have a vintage pattern that my mum used to use in the 70's, sadly she is no longer with us. But I found it and decided to make it, which took some adjustment as my mum was tiny in the 70's so I traced and increased the pattern and I have made it in long sleeve puff sleeve short sleeve and changed the neck line several times, it is a lovely top. I have made loads of them and it is so lovely. I am like you I normal draft my own patterns. I love watching your channel it motivates me. Love this challenge.

[@AshLG]

This is the epic team up I didn't know we needed!

[@lifeadventures7078]

Who knew this collaboration was needed!!! 100% amazing!!! Nice learning from both you guys and the challenging parts that each person isn’t used to!

[@rockinrileys5678]

Love it when you start singing a song and my brain has to finish it! Very cute, but definitely needs more Charlie SWOOSH!

[@mishaday7659]

Lovely make (Stephanie did a great job with the stripes - looks great on you!) and very neat to see you trade each other's strengths/challenges.

[@doodlesbug]

This was so fun to watch. Cherry pie is the best, I'd have stayed to watch that too!

[@lindap9079]

Both of you did great for working outside your comfort zones. I really enjoyed the colab.

[@odessawellington3388]

Absolutely adorable and big cheers for challenging yourself like that!! Great job!!

[@vampyran]

I love the dress! I think it looks very good on you, WELL DONE! :D

[@thizizliz]

Those colors are great on you! And the combo is especially good and the style is very becoming too. Congrats on completing the challenge with a finished garment that fits and looks cute.

[@ushere5791]

charlie, it's cute as hell!! it looks great on you! love the colors--fun!

[@bethknapp4935]

Those colors on you are gorgeous!!!! I love Stephanie!!! So excited to see this collaboration!!!!

[@jeanettefamulari3538]

That dress looks so cute on you. You did a wonderful job of downsizing it. This pattern should be put in your 'make again' pile.

[@emilylindstrom724]

Honestly that dress is super flattering on you. I would love to see you refine the pattern to fit you better and alter it more to your style with a circle skirt and maybe pleat the front into the sleeves instead of gathering to avoid some of that poof.