Oops! Did I Choose the Wrong Fabric for My Dress?

[@KTquiltsandsews]

First of all Sarai, your dress looks very pretty on you. I'm not sure anyone would mention a bed linen if you didn't say it first. After all, a lot of thrifters encourage us to buy bed sheets and make dresses out of them because sheets can come with so many beautiful patterns. Now, you asked about us. Well, I just made my first Seamwork Coatigan. I'm super happy that I was able to sew it. For the fabric, well, I'm not so sure. My last Jessica Simpson coat that I had for at least 5 years was white and fluffy. I loved it and thought it matched my personality well. I gave it away last year thinking I would make myself a coat and plus it was a little small on me. So I saw one of your videos that mentioned Sherpa and started researching. I love natural fabrics so found a cotton Sherpa from Minerva in bright pink. My Coatigan does look like a robe I used to have and gave away as I just don't wear robes. Couple of reflections...maybe the Jessica Simpson coat looked more like a coat because it was lined and had more structure. I did get one compliment today at work so maybe if I don't mention the word robe, people won't either. Of course, as soon as I finished it, my husband laughed and said it looked just like a robe. That's my story. xx Karen

[@K8sRyno]

I don't think it looks like an old bed sheet, but strangely enough, I was making a muslin out of an old bed sheet, and I loved it so much that I added the facings and finished the seams, so now I wear an old bedsheet all the time! but no one can tell! I think this dress is gorgeous! I can hardly wait to try those sleeves myself. Maybe with a bedsheet?

[@SeamworkVideo]

I love that! Embrace the bed sheet!

[@lysaszarka4627]

It does look fairly bed linen-like, even on your dress form. But then, once it is on you it comes alive and looks marvelous, every single way you styled it! And what a great and relatable video of your process and outcome.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thank you so much!

[@maryjanegibson7743]

Yoo did a lovely job, but I agree that you would enjoy the pattern more in a different fabric. The one you made is attractive and you'll enjoy wearing it, but a linen type of fabric would be a better choice. But I don't want to sound critical, because you have made a lovely dress that you'll always enjoy wearing.

[@robinhatton5602]

Oh my goodness! First off, I think its super pretty! But I could not resonate with you enough when you spoke about becoming so nit picky about small details in a garment we make that you forget to admire and appreciate the overall product and feel pride over your accomplishment! I am in a journey of learning to fine tune patterns through fitting and even delving into a bit of pattern drafting of my own and I can so easily catch myself focusing on the small way I could fit the item better instead of just enjoying the *almost* perfect fit of the overall garment! Thanks for sharing!

[@DoloresDeeBodnar]

I think the dress is lovely 😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thanks!

[@katebroege6083]

It's a pretty and romantic dress. I love those voluminous sleeves and love that they land at the elbow. The clogs and straw bag really pull it together. Invisible zipper feet are awesome. Thank you for the bias tape tips!

[@janicevisger497]

Beautiful pattern, and I love the fabric!! I also love the fine sheer weight challis. The fineness of the fabric is amazing, and it just feels wonderful. Beautiful dresss!!😅

[@janicevisger497]

😊

[@janicevisger497]

😅

[@KayL6303]

It definitely reminds me of a 50s dress my grandma in rural Missouri might have worn (when she was younger)...love it.

[@annalynn9325]

I like how you styled it with a sweater vest

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thank you!

[@freimitemail]

Sometimes it’s also an idea to involve other techniques, if a project didn‘t Turn out as planned, isnt it? If this was my dress, I‘d probably dye the fabric very slightly or put another print pattern over it in lavender print technique. And for myself I would take out the sleeves, they make it so big and bulky and the fabric can’t stand up to that. Thank you for sharing the process!!! ❤

[@shannonagain89]

I gotta second the overdying suggestion! ☺️

[@Lorij83]

I think the dress looks really nice. You can rock a full sleeve!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Oh thank you!

[@lindakrol5376]

Adding a self belt or straw belt would make it look more intentionally a dress I think that is what I would do. I always underline -Adding structure makes it look more expensive in the end -even if all you use is muslin-

[@cassiek6531]

I'd like to see that fabric in the bonus sleeves, I think they'd be a better choice.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Interesting, maybe the next version!

[@torysonstroem9666]

It is a very nice dress, but I agree with some of the other commenters that the fabric isn't wonderful, at least not on you. It would look fine on someone with delicate coloring and features (like a baby) but you, Sarai, have dramatic coloring and features. Either a neutral or saturated solid color would look great on you. A floral print with a dark background, a border print, or an ombre print would also suit both you and the cut of the dress, IMHO. I love your videos and podcast!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thanks for sharing!

[@pamelasavard7493]

Very cute with the big hat!!! :)

[@Beth_Ann_K]

I don’t see a bed sheet, just a very well made feminine dress-nothing wrong with that. I do agree with one comment that the sleeves may be too much for the soft fabric. Could it be the sleeve lining is too structured for that fabric? The fit is very flattering on you. Thanks for sharing.

[@vivienlee610]

I love all your videos but I'm sorry to say Id feel like I'm wearing a sheet with that fabric...maybe it looks and feels different closer up. I wouldn't line the sleeves either, but that's just a personal thing. I do love the main pattern and I always think it's great that you share all these things to help us become better at sewing.

[@shif7905]

I love the fabric

[@DaniK719]

I love how you made this dress and learning about the process. The dress is beautiful and I wonder if a lightweight denim would work? How would you do the sleeves? I've always had problems with doing sleeves and loved your tips on the gathers.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Lightweight denim or chambray could be really pretty, that's a great idea.

[@jacquelinehazari4012]

I think you just need a belt or some waist definition to cut up the line of the fabric from your eye then it'll be perfect.

[@melissatrotter1225]

How can I find the pattern for the blouse you're wearing?

[@SeamworkVideo]

You can find it here: www.seamwork.com/catalog/dara

[@pamnugent7961]

I do like your dress. But I think I would want a bit more color for myself.

[@Cambrilsbirds]

Unfortunately I hate to say it because I sew a lot with bedsheets and about 50% of them come out, looking like a wearable muslin the others come out looking like a bedsheet. This looks like a bedsheet I’m sorry 😢

[@SeamworkVideo]

Haha, no need to apologize! I pretty much agree with you. 😬