Recreating a designer vintage dress for less

[@susanrussell8195]

My sewing construction teacher in college taught us a helpful tip about sewing collars. She said to cut the underside piece about 1/8” smaller than the top piece. This prevents the bottom from rolling out larger than the top when the collar is attached. This has been a very useful tip over the last 35 years of sewing.

[@kimberlyknowles6967]

Jackie Kennedy would have loved this!

[@Avierra]

That brocade is really beautiful. And the entire ensemble turned out super glam!

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Indeedy.👚

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

It's so beautiful!!!

[@judithcatlett8518]

The lining of the coat next to the dress is beautifully perfect.

[@jessiebennett-wilson8282]

This is one of the most beautiful dresses I've seen done by someone who is not a designer. Absolutely fabulous. 💕

[@goodmomma100]

That is a Haute Couture masterpiece! ❤ The quality work you did really shows in the final work.

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰 this has to be one of my best pieces just for the material alone.

[@liorajimenez3085]

@@SewRena Absolutely beautiful! My mom sewed men's suits and she would love to see your work. Bravissima!!

[@cageybee1154]

I absolutely love it: you look so glamourous. Gold shoes and gloves and a matching hat will look great too. Well done.

[@yvonnetomenga5726]

@SewRana • There are so many reasons I love watching your videos. First, you're brave enough to use non-traditional fabrics, like brocade. Seeing you step outside the woven cotton or polyester knits helps me think beyond available patterns to what I really want. I love that you are always willing to modify the pattern to suit what you like, e.g., the side seam pockets, the inside welt pocket, the monogram, the lined bodice, etc. I also really love that you are willing to do the extra work to make a quality product, e.g. the hand-picked zipper and turning under the undercollar. I think if this were the 1950s, everyone would be coming to your house to find out how to do something or ask for your advice and opinion. Not just because of your knowledge, but you are so pleasant to listen to. This outfit came out beautifully. I hope you get your accessories and create the hat. Thank you for sharing your creative vision and expertise with us. 👍

[@SewRena]

Thank you so so much I really appreciate your kind and thoughtful comment 🥰💕

[@Smellslikewoodsmokeandrain]

@yvonnetomenga5726 what a lovely, thoughtful and eloquent comment. I concur. ❤

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

I’m a big fan of the sixties, probably because I was born in 1958. I love brocade but have been scared to sew with it. Your dress is fabulous!

[@judithtitterington9862]

You are so clever, i don't have a sewing machine, i can knit, crochet, sewing, not so much.

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

I love to knit & crochet in addition to sewing. It’s all my “therapy.”

[@cherylhuot4436]

This is really pretty. The pink lining with the custom Monogram is perfect!! Well done. Using patterns you already had and then converting a dressing gown pattern into a coat was brilliant!!

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad I finally made the pattern even if it’s not a house coat.

[@TinaMerrill]

So Beautiful, love the outfit!

[@Lisargarza]

That is an outfit that would open doors. Well done.

[@maggieporter310]

Thank you for modeling the finished product longer so I can really admire.

[@VivianMcall]

dress and matching jacket- can't get any better!

[@sharoncontini3284]

Right. It's just so upscale.

[@hannahstraining7476]

Wow! At first I thought that brocade was just too much, especially for a large coat. But, you were right, and I was wrong. It is so beautiful against your complexion. And the dress is s stunning. You look tall, slender and regal. I would love to see you saunter into the Ritz in this. Every eye would be on you.

[@magee113]

Just WOW! You, dear lady have an awesome gift!! It's even more fun when you give us a peek and YOU make the dress look perfect!!!

[@JelaneJ]

The coat and dress are gorgeous! And so are you! Amazing work!

[@quazylade90]

I am gushing right now. That brocade is beautiful! You are absolutely gorgeous.

[@genevievehandley7106]

Just love watching your sewing projects. I've been sewing for 60 yrs and I never stop learning. ❤

[@emtodd859]

Oh my word!!!! You are fantastic!!! I just today found your channel. You are so talented. I am from the 60’s and I love love love what you do. Better than the 60’s are the 30’s and 40’s. Unfortunately I was, underline was, your size but not any more😞. I wish you could teach me to make things like you do. I have noticed that Princess Catherine’s clothes are based on 40’s and 50’s styles. That is why she looks fantastic. These styles are classic. I have always wanted to be able to look at a picture and make that item but I can’t. However you CAN. You are soooo talented. I’m a fan from the first video!!!! You rock. Keep doing what you are doing. I so admire you and your talent. Why aren’t you a famous designer making bespoke for buckets of dollars? Make me a first customer but on my budget😂😮😅😊. Many many kudos to you. ❤️

[@laurareneehall]

I don’t usually comment but I wanted to thank you for your content.

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much for your kind comment

[@ConniRandwulf]

A pink dream! You're right, that shape of dress flatters you. It's amazing! 😮❤

[@barbaraperry6955]

Gorgeous!! Lining and monogram pocket bring it to another level ... beyond Glamorous

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰 I’m so glad I added that detail.

[@tomdye4306]

I love that you know your personal style and body type. Your ability to make small but critical adjustments show your commitment to this. Classic dressmaking at its best! And the monogram thrilled me❤️

[@karynsuepohlmeier2109]

This haute couture brocade dress with pink lining and monogram is STUNNING!! You are an amazing seamstress and YES, I love your dress more than the vintage, $1800 dress. This is just perfection!! 🩷💖🩷💝🩷

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

This brocade ensemble is a beautiful design. I really enjoyed watching your sew along, for this dress. Thank you. 🪡🧵

[@MC-qb1jg]

You are inspiring all of us to get out our sewing machines.

[@Sewprano]

Oh. My. Goodness. This fabric is stunning! Great work, as always. ❤

[@SamanthaP48]

I LOVE the fabric you chose!!! Personally I would have loved to see the original slit Cape (I’m in a cold climate for context) but I back you 100% on the fitted inner dress. Also the pocket liner was a great addition. So glad you are done. I see you out a lot of work into this piece.

[@SewRena]

The cape would have been wonderful I agree.

[@RMFeminine4TheWin]

*OMGosh Sewrena!!! just in time for Barbie season too!!! that Brocade is absolutely darling!!! Bravissima!!!* 💖🪡🧵

[@SewRena]

I didn’t even think of that!!! You are so right. Thank you so much

[@RMFeminine4TheWin]

😘

[@CathyDoherty-hr4mx]

I love the suit.

[@StephanieCanada]

Oooooo…. That is a great outfit and I think the gold gloves will go very nicely.

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much love!!! I can’t wait until they get here and I hope they fit 😂

[@lydiaschumann3945]

My goodness! Positively gorgeous!! Your version suits and complements you to a “T”!! Never admit to anything less than bespoke!

[@nadiasews]

Wow! This looks SO expensive, Serena you killed it! I also like your version better. The monogram on the inside is a classy touch. On a side note, sometimes I buy 108" "wide back" quilting cotton that's meant for quilt backings to make dresses with fuller skirts because 1. easier to work with and 2. more cost-effective in some instances.

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much! That’s a really good tip. It’s not often I see fabric that wide, but now I’ll purposefully look for it.

[@nadiasews]

@@SewRena backside fabrics is where I buy from just because I’m overseas and they have a wide selection. Fat quarter shop has some sometimes too.

[@teleriferchnyfain]

When cutting out the facing from the lining, remember to take the seam allowances into consideration You did a beautiful job!!!!!

[@SewRena]

Yes! I should have mentioned that in the video. Thank you

[@teleriferchnyfain]

@@SewRena I learned from bitter experience lol

[@suzanallan5440]

Nothing less than fabulous! You were absolutely right about eliminating the center back seam. Ditto the pink lining which I frankly thought was risky. I was wrong! The small inside pocket with your monogram was the final jewel. Again, fabulous!

[@lanceortega1366]

What a beautiful set! The brocade is absolutely lovely and the entire ensemble looks amazing on you! Can't wait to see the notions when they come in :D

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰

[@lindeehopkins6439]

An absolute 💯 & I deff love your version better!!

[@VIpanfried]

Just look at the inside! For those of us who love their garments to be beautiful inside and out, this is just the best! I tend to copy any original exactly, whether it’s a garment from a museum, a classic recipe, whatever. But you’ve made me ask, why? I agree 200% yours is best! Congrats, beautifully done. The hair is gorgeous. This is a TRIUMPH!

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰 sometimes I wish I could do replicas, but the process is always so boring because I got a preview of the end results. The excitement of finishing something I haven’t seen yet really pushes me to finish.

[@janisdressler7380]

I found and bought the vintage Mccalls pattern in my size and I'm following your instructions! They are super helpful and encouraging! I'll line the bodice and maybe the skirt too. Thanks for the confidence boost!

[@SewRena]

That’s so exciting!!! I cannot wait to get a follow up on your project.

[@amandamanning6133]

Absolutely stunning dress. The material is just beautiful, and the color is gorgeous on you. I definitely like your design better than the eBay dress. Great Job!

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰

[@freezo244]

Your version is so much prettier than the “inspiration piece”!!! Keep up the good work!

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@robingillespie4467]

My barbie had that same outfit in 1959. You look so lovely in your new dess!

[@andrewdrayton4236]

I am a couture fashion designer and I must say that you look STUNNING !!!! and did a fantastic job on making a designer set. You have truly inspired me.

[@SewRena]

Awww thank you so much I’m honored 🥰🤗🤗

[@HJKelley47]

That brocade is absolutely beautiful. Another quality outfit you and that Kenmore have produced! You look glamorous SewRena. Vogue 1950s. What did your hubby say about this stunning work?????

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much! He was actually very impressed with this make. I have a feeling he’ll love it even more when all the elements are put together I might wear it for date night next weekend.

[@Lazydaisy646]

Oh my absolutely stunning

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰

[@lindeehopkins6439]

I love watching your sewing & mini cooking moments...so fun to see a young woman sewing & cooking with such joy! You inspire me to keep this creativity in my home even at 69!!

[@cassidystraub4509]

My heart skipped a beat when you opened the coat up just having the dress/lining exposed in the try on 😮😍 extraordinary

[@SewRena]

Awww thank you so much! I’m so glad the lining worked especially since I didn’t buy it specifically for this

[@Angel-a417]

Stunning! You're 'sew' talented! 🤩🌟

[@sharonrimsza7960]

This is a beautiful Haute Couture dress and coat. So glad you made the dress sleeveless. The opera gloves will be a perfect addition. Love it!

[@jennydame]

I learn so much watching your videos with your tips on changing up the pins and needles with the type of fabric. When you said, “ I don’t care if I sweat to death, I’m gunna put it on” I FELT THAT 🙌🏼💗😆💗🥰🥰 And your monogram lining is so perfect it all turned out amazing! 💗💗

[@teddy-3765]

Absolutely gorgeous, especially worn open with the flash of lining visible - the monogram is a lovely touch too.

[@SewRena]

Thanks! I love it open. I almost considered leaving the collar off so I could wear it open, but I couldn’t I’m a sucker for a large collar.

[@teddy-3765]

@@SewRena Open with the collar still works. I think the collar adds that nice extra bit of flair to the overall outfit.

[@MultiMichellerose]

Wow you look stunning. 18000 is not too much for something custom made by hand with beautiful fabric, and the outfit you made is definitely worth that, I like your dress better😊

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much and I don’t disagree if this outfit were made for me, but it’s a lot for ready to wear that I would have to alter

[@KMx108]

Very nice!! My grandmother's fur coat from the 50's has her name embroidered on the inside.

[@SewRena]

Thank you! I love that detail on vintage coats it makes it that much more special.

[@diamondcomputers6680]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for this video. A hat would be the cherry on top!

[@SewRena]

Thanks! I didn’t plan on making a hat at first but I had a little extra fabric left over and it’s just too cute not to use it all.

[@paulakimmel3280]

Beautiful! I do like the cape aspect of the original. I hope you make a cape , that way you can have ultra drama for certain occasions!

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

Ok! Just pick me up off the floor! Absolutely fabulous! So much better than the Inspired piece! GORGEOUS!!

[@deborahwatt473]

Stunning

[@debrajacobson6544]

this outfit is worth WAY more than $1800!! you did a phenomenal job, be proud!!

[@SewRena]

Thank you I would be more likely to spend that on my version b/c of the dress and color.

[@KarenZinman]

You look fabulous. Great for a wedding reception guest to wear

[@DonaDodson-l7u]

I have found patterns from the 1960’s and 1970’s in various thrift stores.

[@stephencotton2694]

This out fit you have made is like a work of art it is stunning and you look wonderful in it the fabric you chose is beautiful I wish women now days dressed like this you'd a very talented Lady

[@michellesCanape]

When you revealed the dress under the coat I was stunned. I think I said OMG about 5 times. I have always wanted a dress with matching coat like Doris Day used to wear. You've inspired me to just make one. I don't know why I've waited. Of course, I don't have a place to wear it, but who cares. It will be a fun project. Now I just need to find the right fabric.

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much! I think you should make it and wear it whenever. Even when my husband gets us reservations for fancy restaurants I am still always over dressed because in general people don’t dress up how they use to.

[@gavannapatterns353]

Absolutely adorable, the fabric is SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! And of course the whole ensemble fits you amazingly well❤ Tailors tip: To avoid the tedious job of hand stitching the edge of the collar, always make sure that the outer/top collar is bigger ( in brocade probably significantly bigger) than the under collar, and also stitch the collar into the neckline already rolled and shaped as it will lie when finished. Don't try make it lie flat at this stage, it's supposed to be rounded both in length and width! This will keep the underside from peeking out along the edges and give it a smooth rounded shape around the neck.

[@blufaerie]

When I say you did that, I mean YOU DID THAT! I love your version! And I love you made the housecoat work for the cape.❤

[@OnlyJT73]

I al just seeing the fabric right now and it is beautiful and great taste! It definitely looks like a party dress for celebrations!

[@cimorene8929]

Love the way you modified the original look to suit you better. I think the cuts you chose for the dress and coat do a great job of capturing the same vibe and suiting it to you and your taste.

[@thanaf1045]

Absolutely lovely

[@jennfrangi8176]

This is the most beautiful dress and duster. The fabric and design are just gorgeous!

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@Catsface99]

Gorgeous fabric. You always pick the loveliest fabrics. I think the dress pattern you chose is much nicer than the shift dress that they used for the $1800 couture dress. I love how you put your monogram inside the duster on the lining and that last minuet idea to put a pocket inside the duster was a great idea. All those little extras make the outfit more elegant. You are so lucky by the way to be the size that you are because so many vintage patterns are in your size. I wear a size 20 and that is a very difficult size to find. Thanks for sharing I enjoy watching you create.

[@stephanieshubert1247]

Our intials aree the same! I love this dress.

[@SewRena]

Yes!!! SS💕❤️

[@illisilliillisilli]

I am glad that I found you here. You are so inspiring. Thank you. It’s awesome. ❣️

[@SewRena]

Thank you! Welcome so glad to have you

[@auntiezann5146]

I just found your channel, and I swear, my mouth was open during the entire thing! That fabric! Holy cow, I’ve never seen anything so extravagant and beautiful! And you calmly started work on it, using a house dress pattern? And look at the result! Absolutely staggeringly beautiful. The collar, the lining, the dreamy fit! You are a couture designer. It was a pleasure watching this, and I just subscribed. But this project is one of the most extraordinary sewing projects on the internet. Thank you so much for sharing?

[@karenshaffer1511]

OMG!! This is GORGEOUS. I am really impressed with your skill set- that you can spot an incredible look and decide to pursue a project using it for inspiration. Using two different patterns, one of them a housecoat, making other changes as you see fit to get what you had in mind into reality. You do beautiful work. Plus that brocade! I saw the ‘wrong’ side of it and thought it was gorgeous, too!

[@toomuchtimeontheinternet6804]

Absolutely a masterpiece that you look gorgeous in !! ❤❤❤

[@debcarroll8192]

This set came out beautifully! The brocade is gorgeous and so well suited to that dress pattern.

[@marywest2896]

stunning, you really know what suits your figure.....that dress looks lovely on you...the color, the pink lining even looks good....love it all....

[@alewis2812]

Gorgeous

[@sparkyal43]

Wow!! It looks amazing on you! I like your version much better than the “celebrity designer “ one.

[@Historyofstitchery]

“😮😮😮😮😮😮😮” Thats literally the only thing that is coming to mind.

[@SewRena]

🥹🥹thank you 🥰🤗🤗

[@gaylejideofor6198]

OMG!!! I cannot believe the fabric was not $$$! Im married to a nigerian and their 'laces' or 'Georges'( the georges is indian fabric) is hundreds of dollars and you know Nigerians like family uniforms or matching fabric outfits for nearly every event! Gorgeous outfit darling so very flattering. God bless you and your work, channel and home.

[@sewvintagebysunraedoll]

Oh yay!! Love the monogram initials on the inside, may have to steal that idea for my 60’s Brocade set💕 but yours turned out very pretty buddy 🙌 absolutely gorgeous ✨

[@sharonprince6364]

Oh m g !!! It turned out beautiful !!! Love it !!! The welt pocket, the monogram, it made it !!!

[@carolinestagg6807]

Stunning much nicer than what you copied!!

[@susangray5318]

Gorgeous!!!! Much prettier than the original…I love the colors.

[@amycurtin7312]

This is gorgeous!!!!! All that work on the collar really made the extra difference

[@saleemahfareed4790]

Beautiful outfit I enjoy all your dresses making I love them all thanks for sharing 🩷😊 21:43

[@katherenewedic8076]

it's so nice to see something so well done. the matching of the fabric print just makes it so classy!!!

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@spritelybird]

Wow your version is so elegant and fresh. It's just gorgeous. You're the hands down winner!

[@asbritt0519]

Yours look very better than the 1800$

[@thymecouncil3755]

YOU & YOUR DRESS & OUTFIT ARE COMPLETELY STUNNING!!!! ❤️🩷❤️🩷❤️🩷

[@lesliejacobs3605]

This is absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@unaskedforadvice23]

Just gorgeous especially the finishing touches like the welt pocket. Brocade is tricky but so satisfying to make clothing with.

[@Missy70x54]

I love this, so retro and you would turn heads.

[@rebecca7697]

This is a beautiful dress! Watching how you put the lining into the bodice helped me solve a problem I've been having with a modern-style sheath dress I was making! So, Thank You!

[@darleneblock7575]

My goodness, you are so very talented. This set is beautiful. My Mother was a seamstress, having many clients. Thanks for sharing this outfit!

[@leannglasman7147]

I love to sew because, like you, I want to individualize my clothes in color and details. 💕💕💕 Love your channel. You are inspiring!

[@sheryllstarr7115]

This is just simply gorgeous.❤

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰

[@lavernepuller3080]

Very, very nice! I love the pink as the color for the lining, especially since it did not seem to work. I can't wait to see the entire look.

[@KMx108]

At first, I thought the pink fabric looked bad against the brocade but then, wow! The end result was stunning!

[@Mags106]

It does look bad. I.agine a dark red or gold colour. So much better. Such a shame.

[@ravery5807]

I love it. My mother made a gold outfit like that I. 1962