Recreating a designer vintage dress for less

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[@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!!

[@Avierra]

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

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰

[@Timetravel1111]

Indeedy.👚

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

It's so beautiful!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. ❤

[@kimberlyknowles6967]

Jackie Kennedy would have loved this!

[@judithcatlett8518]

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

[@JelaneJ]

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

[@maggieporter310]

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

[@jessiebennett-wilson8282]

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

[@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.

[@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. ❤️

[@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!!!

[@genevievehandley7106]

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

[@barbaraperry6955]

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

[@SewRena]

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

[@quazylade90]

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

[@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❤️

[@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.”

[@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 🥰

[@cageybee1154]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. 🪡🧵

[@saleemahfareed4790]

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

[@ConniRandwulf]

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

[@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 😂

[@helloworld5182]

I wonder how much the beautiful outfit weighs? Seems like it might be heavier than other fabric.

[@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.

[@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

[@toomuchtimeontheinternet6804]

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

[@lauraoliver7946]

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

[@SewRena]

Thank you so much for your kind comment

[@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]

😘

[@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 ✨

[@lindeehopkins6439]

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

[@Lisargarza]

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

[@debcarroll8192]

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

[@MC-qb1jg]

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

[@freezo244]

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

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@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! 💗💗

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Angel-a417]

Stunning! You're 'sew' talented! 🤩🌟

[@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

[@asbritt0519]

Yours look very better than the 1800$

[@robingillespie4467]

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

[@sargranny]

Beautiful fabric and looks AMAZING on your beautiful skin…so jealous girl!!! Just gorgeous!!!!!

[@lizcastcollaz1432]

Wow love it..

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

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

[@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!!

[@hattiecolley54]

U Rock! I just Love Watching U Create such Harmony to Self. I have that same Pattern and my Material is Similar to Brocade in Red, White and Green with Red Piping on the Walking Coat with a Pleated back to the Jacket with Red Knob Buttons and Elbow Sleeves, it is one of my Favorites. Keep it Pushing, I Love it!

[@shelliejones8506]

Lol girl you say you are not a perfessional designer. Child please you are in the top and can hang with the best re creators out there. It only cost you 120 to make it. Now add $120 to it. $240, now take $15 or $20 times the number of hours shopping and making this dress. Add that to the $240 and thats the sale price not including your state taxes and shipping and handling charge. Let's say $15x16hrsx5days/wk x 5 weeks. Equal $6,000 + 240 Final cost $6,240 before tax and s&h Your profit $6,120. Designer work the same way plus eventually ad they grew overhead cost came about and that to factors in cost. And that

[@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!

[@lydiaschumann3945]

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

[@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.

[@sharonwilbourne7256]

Consider a pillbox, hatband, or a fasinator hat style. A couple different hats could also change up the look. I remember Jackie Kennedy and my Mom frequently wearing pillbox and bandeau hats with a bit of fine beaded netting or lace. They both would have loved the facinators. Just an idea, I think it would be neat if the jacket collar could be removable to give you additional "looks." It could be reversible using a solid matching color.

[@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?

[@lesliejacobs3605]

This is absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@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!

[@RoseleeMartinez-ne1sh]

God u read my mind lololol about the hat lol. It's gorgeous!!!!!!!! And a monogrammed who are you?? I think your an Alien lol s sewing Goddess lol I and Drew and a few others are motivating me to get my sewing machine down. I barely can thread the machine making a dress by pattern is hard. When I opened the pattern it looks like Greek but now I feel comfortable I now understand a pattern how to read thanks to you Rena. Your doing ALOT for us n retailers I pray you make it big$$$$ ,my thrift store has so many patterns vintage now I now what I'm looking for. I wonder can a size 20 wear a pencil dress lol size 20 we extra on the thighs lolol I don't think they ,ske pattern with a coke bottle size

[@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.

[@sharonwilbourne7256]

Beautiful! I wish you would consider creating plain, dark and and light backgrounds. The busy background distracts from the outfits, making it hard for me to see particular details that you point out.

[@muttersmenu2422]

Compliments from Oz. The fabric looks fantastic and suits the style. Congratulations.

[@patternpouchnest9529]

Haya. Oh my gosh, beyond stunning, just SEW exquisite 😍What an incredible creation & you look dazzling 🤩The fabric is beautiful 🤩Thanku 'sew' much for sharing. Ana 🪡✂🧵🙂

[@erinmcgrathejm4985]

Stunning!!! ❤️ And, so you! You will have to find someplace extra special to wear that!

[@thymecouncil3755]

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

[@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....

[@susanpilling8849]

So pretty. I just checked out the pictures of the full outfit and you look stunning! Well done. It's probably much better sewn than the inspiration.

[@annehenderson894]

I think your dress & coat are gorgeous....I would pay $1800 for your version, but not the one on ebay...

[@delana2842]

You did a fabulous job on the ensemble, Serena. I have a vintage dress in this perforated style, except, the base is cream, flowers are red and it has a beaded crew neck. I just loved it like the McCall's 5782 pattern, which I also have.

[@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.

[@sparkyal43]

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

[@ellendoucette]

You are an amazing seamstress!!!! Loved watching you design this outfit, especially the changes to make it your own style.

[@lesw3803]

Very lovely. The motif placement was done really well! You have such mad skills! Thanks teaching us

[@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.

[@BookCat18]

A lovely color and fit!🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@tinabarringer8488]

Wow! I love this dress and the fabric is gorgeous!!! Outstanding job❤️

[@dwfaught]

Amazing! Where did you get the brocade? Can you link to that specific fabric?

[@angelapleasants8285]

Your outfit turned out absolutely adorable and so well made. You wore white gloves for the reveal and actually, I think the white gloves are the better choice rather than gold. Gold would make your outfit look too much like a costume. I don't get the sense that is what you're aiming for. Nice job!

[@leannglasman7147]

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

[@dixiecyrus8136]

❤❤❤❤gloves would look great with a hat, maybe a pillbox?🤔🤔❤️❤️

[@MarySewing]

This looks absolutely amazing! I stopped sewing to watch your video, and I now feel more motivated to get back too it.

[@kenietha]

I absolutely love this dress and coat. I'd like to find a patter similar to this dress silhouette. Do u have any suggestions? Or what are some modern patterns that u like? I'd love ur opinion

[@LRWdesign]

This was truly a gorgeous make and fantastic material selection. Looks lovely on you. Better than the inspiration. ❤

[@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!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

You look AMAZING! That dress is 🔥 Well done!!! ❤❤❤

[@kimholcomb6943]

I wasn't impressed with the coat but after you put it on I liked it And your dress is very pretty and the coat looks very pretty. I can't imagine what it's going to look like with opera length gloves

[@charlottemajewski5992]

Think i like the reverse side better

[@unaskedforadvice23]

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

[@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!

[@amycurtin7312]

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

[@odeanlawrence196]

Abolutley fabulous! Well done! It's a truly remarkable piece of work!

[@Timetravel1111]

Ohh wow ❤❤ it is beautiful on you. It’s just raising your energy up and out… It’s nice to make something so good you’ve been working on sewing for a while and so you’ve raise your skills and be able to try some thing little bit more challenging that must feel good. I definitely like the rounded scoop neck on the original one for myself but necklaces would be something you want to think about what you want to wear with it so cuddly nicely over the top of your style .

[@jennfrangi8176]

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

[@SewRena]

Thank you 🥰🥰