Sharing my entire collection of woven summer dresses | Sewing inspiration | Handmade wardrobe

Hi everyone Thank you for watching my video sharing my entire woven dress collection. Everything I talk about is listed below where possible but please do feel free to ask me any questions if you’d like to. Obviously some of these dresses were made a while ago so I’ve linked to specific fabric where I can and the shop I bought it from if not:
My Instagram account is - / secret_life_of_a_seams...
Art Gallery Rayon - tidd.ly/3nH5f6O
Friday Pattern Company Wilder Gown - tidd.ly/2XEQ57g
Watch my makes video here - • What I've been sewing ...
Read my write up here - www.minerva.co...
Black and yellow floral fabric (gifted to me by Minerva in exchange for a review in my own words) - tidd.ly/3lFSybP
True Bias Ogden Cami pattern - tidd.ly/36Mpb1o
Watch my sew along video here - • Chatty sew-along video...
Myosotis Dress Pattern by Deer and Doe - tidd.ly/3fbIG7x
Watch my video here - • Sharing my 10 favourit...
Viscose bought from Stoff and Stil - www.selfmade.c...
Darling Ranges Dress Pattern by Megan Nielson - tidd.ly/3aWxVEk
Art Gallery Cotton Poplin - tidd.ly/3w4Who7
Read my write up here - www.minerva.co...
Blue floral viscose - www.1stforfabr...
Embroidered chambray - www.higgsandhi...
Elephant chambray - John Lewis
Atelier Brunette Viscose - tidd.ly/38VYUAr
Scottie print cotton - John Lewis
Watch my Darling Ranges Collection video here - • My Darling Ranges Dres...
I also have a blog all about my love of this pattern here - www.secretlife...
Tilly and the Buttons Lyra Pattern. - tidd.ly/3uI0i1R
Dashwood Print Rayon - sewsewsew.co.u....
Watch my full review of this pattern here - • Tilly and the Buttons ...
The fabric I use is an Art Gallery Velvet Collection rayon - tidd.ly/3w19Chj
Davenport Dress pattern by Friday Pattern Co - fridaypatternc....
Watch my sew along video for this dress here - • Sew a Davenport Dress ...
The Lulu Mini Dress by The Aware Collection - makeri.st/lulu-...
Floral viscose twill fabric from Minerva - tidd.ly/3bouyWD
The patterns I used to create my pink floral dress were the Megan Nielsen Sudley Dress/Top - tidd.ly/2PVzcRK and the Fibre Mood Mira Dress www.fibremood.....
Watch my video talking all about this dress here - • One Fabric Two Pattern...
Evelyn Dress from Simply Sewing Magazine
Tiger print viscose - www.abakhan.co...
Blue Floral Viscose fabric from Minerva - tidd.ly/2BdizNX
The patterns I use for the dress are both taken from the Tilly and the Buttons Make It Simple book which can be ordered here - amzn.to/30oLh73
Watch my sew along video for this dress here - • Sew That Look | Recrea...
Emery Dress by Christine Haynes - christinehayne...
Broderie Anglaise from Minerva (unavailable)
Sew Over It Vintage Shirt Dress - sewoverit.com/...
Fabric from Sew Over It
Sew Over It Eve Dress - sewoverit.com/...
Orange Viscose from Minerva (unavailable)
Thanks so much for watching! Don't forget to consider subscribing to my channel if you haven't already, you can also subscribe to my blog to receive an update every time I post something new. You can also follow me over on Instagram @secret_life_of_a_seamstress for more photos and behind the scenes sewing and making.
Have a lovely day! Sally xx
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[@buzzi2k]

I've never been sure at all about the look of the wilder gown, but it looks amazing on you! The elasticated waist and short sleeves make all the difference

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you! These little changes can make all the difference can’t they x

[@maureencullen1008]

I loved all of your dresses,I could have listened all day to you.With the dress your wearing I would take out the elasticated waist then re-insert it lower.It seems to look empire rather than waist position.I love the last way you tied the neckline. With the blue dress which you feel the flounce is too large and the length too short.I like the width of the flounce and I'd add either the same width flounce or gathers to the hem to length it. I agree about Sewoverit, I loved their vintage inspired designs.I much preferred their original art work on their pattern envelopes,it was much more interesting and unique.It made them stand out as a company. When I steam iron all of my clothes but especially fabrics like viscose I always allow them to cool completely.They need to hang individually to cool,then I find they don't crease as much.I hope this helps. I'd make as many clothes as you want to.It's your hobby,so enjoy because I enjoy watching the results on your vlog.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you so much I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I know what you mean about the elastic I had to insert it there because that’s where the bodice ended and the first tier joined I think it would puff up if I changed it this time but if I made it again I would lengthen the bodice and have the elastic at the waist. Thank you for the suggestions for my blue dress too. It is a shame about SOI I still love them but I wish they had stuck to their vintage style as that’s what they were known for I buy far less patterns from them since they’ve changed. Thank you for watching xx

[@kateglazier3726]

The wilder gown I totally agree with you the tie I ended up wearing mine loose but still tied. I’m here from watching your latest video of summer dresses. I find it very interesting watching thank you and best wishes from Portugal

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them xx

[@anne-mariewhelehan9650]

What a collection Sally. Enjoyed watching video, and will come back to it again. Thanks

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you very much I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊 x

[@elainemariesews2683]

I enjoyed seeing all of your dresses. I think the pace of you video was really good. I feel like you gave enough information about each make and referencing where we could go to find out more information if we wanted it.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you! It’s hard not to waffle too much once I get going I’m glad you found it ok xx

[@NotesfromtheSewingRoom]

Such a great selection of dresses 👗 I love your various darling ranges dresses as well as your yellow and black Ogden cami hack xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks very much! I like how the Ogden hack turned out id like to try it again xx

[@_somebitsandbobs_]

Lovely collection of dresses. I'm definitely going to have a closer look at some of these patterns 🙂

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I’m pleased you like them xx

[@susankidd9963]

What a lovely selection of dresses and the colours are beautiful your descriptions were great love watching you.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much so kind and I really appreciate you watching xx

[@suzannewilman7634]

Thank you so much for sharing. Great to see the beautiful fabrics you have used. You have done a beautiful job of them all - very inspirational video.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks very much I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊 x

[@cherrb23]

Oh no! I think there's a teeny hole in the arm of your rust coloured dress! It's so lovely! :)

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh my I’m amazed at your eye sight! Yes there is I caught it when I was trimming the binding down 😂🙈 x

[@amybates7438]

Love these type of videos!! Lots of dresses now added to my list of things I need to make!! :)

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you! I’m glad to have inspired you with some news makes. I’ll have to make a winter dress collection but there are far less of those 😂 xx

[@judithaltoft4690]

All your makes are lovely i love your broderie anglaise white one, lovely video x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I really must wear that even if it does end up dirty 😂

[@vickifenlon2235]

Wow! Love this, Sally!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you xx

[@maureenbessant3109]

Another great blog, and I love the wilder gown dress on you. That colour and the light bright colour's really suit you 🌈🌺

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you very much I’m glad you like the Wildergown I’ll have to wear it more and see how I feel 😊 xx

[@rhodamurphy2097]

Absolutely love the dresses. Such lovely fabrics and simple styles. Very wearable.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much I’m glad you like them xx

[@kimberleyjane2338]

Hi, they put a large interfacing on the inside of the black dress, so that your dress looks beautiful and more polished, even when its on the hanger. This is why it sits as long as the neckline. I love the dress you are wearing and the necktie just loosely tied.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching and explaining about the facing xx

[@lottiebiscottie3798]

Amazing sewing. The two that stood out for me were the SOI vintage shirt dress and the Eve dress and I think I’ll put them on my list to make. I love your videos, you are very inspirational and enjoyable to watch!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much! Yes agreed I love both of those patterns I wish they would consider keeping their vintage styles in some way. I’m so pleased you enjoy my videos thank you for watching xx

[@pattyashcraft4518]

Love the all white dress. You look lovely in it. Well, actually all your dresses are beautiful on you. I do have one suggestion. When you put up the pictures of you in your dresses, keep them up longer. I think some were only up 5 seconds. I like seeing how they look on a person and not just a hanger.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much and thanks for the tip I’ll definitely take that into consideration. I always wonder how long to leave them up for as it obviously splits the screen and I didn’t know if that was distracting… Thank you xx

[@judiesiewert248]

Love, love love 💗 this video! Really gives me some ideas for making dresses… so far I have only made the Betty Dress and the Sudley dress ( which swamped me a bit!) . Don’t feel you have to rush through or you would bore us! Not a chance! So much great info to listen to! Funny how you have stayed clear of zips, but all those buttons!! I am not afraid of zips, but buttons really scare me!!🤣 xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you I'm so glad you found the video enjoyable, it's hard to get the pace right sometimes :). I think the Sudley is a funny one for sizing, I'd always say size down if you're in between because it does come up on the larger side doesn't it. It's so funny what we avoid in sewing isn't it. I think I prefer buttons in general though, I don't own many ready to wear garments with zips either... Thank you for watching xx

[@farmwife7944]

Your dresses are lovely. For the facings in the tiger dress, tack it down at the bottom edge of the facing to the seam allowance that is on the back seam of the dress, I think I saw a seam there. . (Tacking only requires a few stitches to secure the facing). Facings should generally be tacked down at the shoulder seam allowances and back and front wherever there is a seam allowance to secure them without the stitches showing in the body of the garment. It makes a big difference in comfort when wearing the garment but also the dress will wash and dry with the facings all neatly laying inside the garment which makes for fewer wrinkles and ironing challenges. A tip for removing wrinkles right before wearing is to hang the dress on a hanger somewhere in the bathroom while you take your shower. (I push back the bathroom curtains and hang it over the window). The wrinkles will disappear for the most part thanks to steam working its magic.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you and thanks so much for the tips 😊 I have racked the facings where indicated in the pattern but I think you’re right it could do with more. I could even probably sew it to the back with the machine but that might be risky. Thank you for the tip about creasing too 😊 xx

[@AnnabelleC888]

I love that you're making these "sharing" series. Love all of your makes as always. Happy birthday!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much I'm glad you enjoyed it! If you have any other suggestions for collection videos you'd like to see I'll be all ears :). Thank you for watching xx

[@jenniferewart]

Thanks Sally, I really enjoyed your video and found your in depth descriptions of patterns used and choice of fabrics incredibly helpful. I only use woven fabrics so this video was particularly great for me. I love your choice of patterns, all very wearable ,not too ' fussy' ,I just need to get to grips with perfecting the art of sewing buttonholes.......Many thanks again.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much I’m glad you found it helpful 😊 it’s funny what we do and don’t like about sewing isn’t it, I don’t mind buttonholes at all but avoid zips wherever possible 🙈 xx

[@henriettejosephine]

All your dresses are lovely. I think you look especially gorgeous in bright colours.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you very much I'm glad you like them x

[@kathisews9425]

Love all your dresses as always! Maybe you could dye the white cotton eyelet dress to get more wear out of it? Sorry if someone else already had the idea 💕💕💕 xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you!! Oh yes that is a possibility- you were first to suggest it 😊 xx

[@PsychicKathleen]

Another inspiring video Sally! Thank you :) I think you're so right that we all need to get out our makes (thematically as you have here) and note what we like and don't like about the pattern and/or fabric used and what we could do to improve/make them stand a better chance of getting worn. I've been thinking about my Coram top that I made up last year into a dress in a beautiful viscose. The fabric wasn't the problem, it was making it too short on the side and it doesn't hang right. I really need to shorten it to a top and I think it will get much more wear. I'm making up my second The Assembly Line Wrap jacket that I absolutely LOVE. I can just keep making this jacket in all the fabrics :) My first was in a textured, very pale yellow linen and my second is in a viscose/cashmere/silk blend that is extremely floaty, and see-through. A nightmare to manage! In the end though it will be a gorgeous cover-up for summer. This is my second The Assembly Line pattern and I'm so happy with it, I now want them all :)

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you!! Yes it’s a good idea to have a little analysis of our wardrobe isn’t it. I’ve not made any Assembly Line patterns so thanks for the tip I’ll look them up. Your makes sound lovely xx

[@sewquirkymakes9045]

Happy Birthday 🥳! Have a great day. Loved seeing all your makes, my favourite type of video. 👍🥰

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks very much I’ll have to think of more collection videos 😊 xx

[@foxeymoore]

I really like this kind of video and find inspiration in them. Your dresses are lovely and you have a wardrobe to be proud of.🌹

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you very much I’m glad you found it enjoyable 😊 xx

[@jacquelinemoss3709]

Really enjoyed that. I'm nosey too so I love to see your fabrics and patterns. I lack imagination so you really inspire me, I'm not a floral kind of girl and I tend to wear a lot of black!! Loved the Myosotis though and I've made it a few times myself, not all black! Not sure about your Wilder gown,think I'm with you in that one. Thanks again.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you!! I don’t wear a lot of black but this summer I’ve definitely gone for darker colours. Black really suits some people. Hmm as for the Wilder I’m not sure if I’ll make it again but I’m glad to have tried it xx

[@dorothytomniuk4106]

You have used a lot of different colours for your dresses. Usually people tend to sew a variation of one or two colours. Lovely makes!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes that's true although I do think I go for blue a lot haha xx

[@kathisews9425]

Oh yes I'm also very very sad about Sew Over It leaving this vintage style inspired patterns path. This was soooo unique and so right uo my street 😪😪😪 xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes it’s such a shame maybe they will bring it back in some way. I definitely don’t buy as much from them these days x

[@kathisews9425]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress me too. Let's see what the future brings 🤞 xx

[@paulab7517]

Lovely selection of makes Sally x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much xxx

[@alishacooper9423]

Happy birthday! A really enjoyable vlog Sally. Your dresses are gorgeous. I have made a couple of the patterns (darling ranges and myosotis... definite faves) and I have a few of the others but not had time to make them yet. Thanks for sharing!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you!! I love the Myosotis I need another one - time is the problem sometimes isn’t it 😉 xx

[@anitalaff]

Great Ogden cami hack!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much xz

[@sewcraftyjean3525]

Happy Birthday! 🎂🎉 Your dresses are lovely. I need to get my dresses out to remember what I have. I forgot I'd got the Heidi Day Dress that I made for Frugal frocks and haven't even worn yet! Xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It’s a good idea isn’t it. I don’t think the weather has helped, aside from the little heatwave last week it’s been rubbish hasn’t it! Thank you for watching xx

[@physioontheriver7325]

I really enjoyed your vlog. I really like the wilder gown you are wearing and particularly when you tied the neck tie loosely (the last way). I’ve never thought to elasticate the waist and being short I’ve shied away from the long version as I think it would swamp me but that’s a great idea. I’ve also got the Darling ranges dress pattern but have never got round to making it up - must find some chambray! I also love the SOI vintage patterns and have lovely versions myself of the Vintage shirt dress and Eve dress that i love. Diana

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I’m glad you like it I think it just feels a little different for me that style. I actually am thinking about adding another tier to the bottom to make it more midi it’s kind of an in between length at the moment. The darling ranges is a lovely make. It’s a shame SOI wouldn’t bring out a few more vintage styles isn’t it 😉 Thank you for watching xx

[@majellaimlach379]

Happy birthday for today nad hope you have a wonderful day. As a beginner sewer I love watching the videos and getting inspiration. Any tips for what would be a good dress pattern tp start with and all your makes are wonderful.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you! In my series coming up 😉 I do have a video on beginning and a couple of easy pattern suggestions but I started with the SOI ultimate shift dress which I found a very easy sew. I hope that helps xx

[@celestecompton2346]

Loved this post.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it xx

[@tracycharalambous5223]

Another good vlog Sally. Thank you. It's interesting to see which fabrics you paired with different patterns & to hear about your adjustments. Like you I'm only 5' 3" so I'm always shortening things. I'm trying to work out how to adjust bodices on dresses. My torso is short but I need length in the front to accommodate a larger bust. This means I have too much fabric in the back as my neck to waist measurement is quite short. Still scratching my head with that one. I've just bought the Darling Rangers pattern & looking forward to trying it. Take care x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah yes fitting is so difficult and it’s actually something I need to be better at I tend to wing things and make adjustments where I think are best. It’s annoying shortening everything sometimes but I suppose at least it’s a fairly simple change to make. Thank you for watching xx

[@lorrainewalker9426]

Fabulous video, loved seeing all your makes, have you made the Sew over it ‘Charlotte ‘dress pattern yet 🤔x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching, no I haven't yet made that one, I'm not sure if it's my style. Have you made it? x

[@noelinemcnamee]

Love these series of vlogs on collections. Can I ask about how you added the elasticated waist to your Wilder gown please? It’s a beautiful fabric but I would feel the same about the high neck xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed them. I stretched a piece of elastic around my waist to get the length then joined it into a circle then pinned to the waist line of the inside of the dress and sewed it with a zig zag it was a bit of a fiddle really but got there in the end lol x

[@noelinemcnamee]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress thank you- I wondered if you did this way or sewed a channel- this way sounds quicker and it works beautifully-thanks for the explanation too 🥰 xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I probably would have made a channel had I not been doing it after the dress was finished it would have been neater that way but as you say it works fine for this time 😊 x

[@annettecowburn1096]

They are all gorgeous 😍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much xx

[@susankidd9963]

Happy birthday.xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you xx

[@orlamcgettrick8309]

Love his video 😍Such gorgeous makes. Just a quick question about waist ties previously I popped the in the side seams when attaching bodice to skirt but noticed yours are positioned on the back of the dress

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think it's fine to add them either way, the Darling Ranges pattern has you add them onto the back but if you prefer you could always have them drawing right in from the sides :) x

[@melaniefrank7413]

I loved this video!! I love your Wilder gown but if you're not happy with the neckline why don't you think about making it more like the neckline on your light pink dress?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I could do that next time thanks for suggesting it xx

[@anitacollingwood4224]

You’ve made so many dresses! They all look lovely. I would like to make some similar button-up dresses and tops but my sewing machine doesn’t sew button holes properly and I haven’t yet learnt an alternative method. Happy Birthday!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh that’s a shame. You could try poppers? You wouldn’t need a buttonhole foot then - a possibility maybe? Xx

[@kimberleyjane2338]

Hi Anita, You can sew your button holes by hand. All you need is heavier button hole thread, a bigger needle. Handmade don't frey apart like the machine ones can. You can practice! 🙂🙃

[@anitacollingwood4224]

@@kimberleyjane2338 thanks for the tips! I’ll give it a go 🤓 do you use top stitching thread?

[@kimberleyjane2338]

@@anitacollingwood4224 Hi. It's literally just a small spool of regular looking thread. Run it through your wax. The brand I have is Dual Duty but I'm sure that Gutermann has it too. It says Button and Craft. I do have a button hole attachment on my machine, but honestly, I'm scared of it. Once you decide where your buttons are going, softly put a hand stitch at each end of the lines, try it on to see that the buttons will not sit funny, like opening at boobs etc, then sew a machine stitch (rectangle) before cutting. Then voila. You can do it. If you look up tailors and button holes you will see the stitch. They actually used silk thread, back in the day.

[@anitacollingwood4224]

@@kimberleyjane2338 sweet! I’ll have a go! Thank you ☺️

[@aoifehoulihan6451]

Really enjoyed this video, all the dresses are beautiful! Do you think that double gauze would work for the darling ranges dress? I love the fabric I have and I’m afraid to cut into it 🙈 And Happy Birthday 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yes I think it would work well and it would be very comfortable. You might want to interface the button band though so that it doesn't stretch out as gauze tends to do. I can't remember if the pattern tells you to interface or just recommends :) xx

[@nancynewman6592]

Lovely :)

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! 😊

[@carlalucas4284]

Happy Birthday 🎉

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! It was a lovely day xx

[@taniap9414]

Beautiful dresses Sally, thanks for sharing 😊 On average, how long does it take you to cut out and sew up a dress?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much! I’d say 3-4 hours at least including cutting, I do feel like I’m slow at cutting out though so that seems to take me a long time 😊 xx

[@heatherr9201]

Consider changing the neckline and then the wilder would look great on you and you might be more comfortable

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I’ll definitely think about changing something if I make the dress again I’m glad I gave it a go anyway x

[@katejames6439]

Dare I say that the best way to stop dresses from creasing is not to have too many of them stuffed in the wardrobe - but if you thinned them out we wouldn't get to see your great vlogs where you share them all with us, would we! Maybe you need a bigger wardrobe - - or two - - - -

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Haha yes that definitely would help! Wouldn’t make for good content though as you say… thanks for watching xxx

[@joandavis8064]

Slow down you talk to fast 💐

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Sorry about that! x