Upcycling & Sewing vintage linens into a dress | Vintage sewing project + sew with me

Today I am sewing a dress inspired by Fillyboo but using vintage linens I've thrifted over the years. I am going to use two 1950's patterns, one reproduction by Lady Marlowe (No. 719) and I used an authentic vintage 1950s sewing pattern Simplicity 1625.
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00:00 Intro
03:10 Cutting & sewing the underskirt
04:33 Sourcing & Washing the linens
06:48 Check in
08:04Cutting & Sewing the Ruffles
18:11 Check in
19:31 Sewing the bodice
31:36 Reveal
32:56 Cost breakdown
36:50 Wrap-up
Fillyboo inspo: www.fillyboo.com/collections/...
List of sewing favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/haleymari...
(Note I am an amazon affiliate and receive commission, however these are all products I use every-time I sew!)
Pattern Used: ladymarlowe.com/products/v-719
Other videos you might like:
Sewing a 50s peasant dress: • Sewing a 1950s Peasant...
Sewing a princess coat by charm patterns: • Sewing a Princess Coat...
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Haley Marie
PO Box 17486
Seattle, WA 98127
#vintagesewing #sewing #vintagepatterns #1950s #upcycling

[@joiedevivre2005]

This isn't just a dress, it is truly an art piece. Beautifully done!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@ReneesatItAgain]

Yes it is!!! I'm still blown away!!

[@kirstenwolff8742]

Your dress is really beautiful and looks like it suits you. For some of the issues you talked about, here are a few suggestions: 1) Zipper - when you have a challenging fabric (or fabrics, LOL) try inserting it by hand. A hand picked zipper is not only beautiful, it makes a garment look more expensive and you have A LOT more control. 2) Waistline - to help support the dress at the waist, insert a waist stay. Use grosgrain or petersham around the waist on the inside keeping it free for a few inches on either side of the zipper. Sew a pant hook on the ends so you can hook it together before zipping. This also helps support the weight of the skirt. 3) Weight - to help support the weight and make the dress more comfortable, wear a corset. The structure, boning, and close fit will take the majority of the weight on the skirt. A big part of corset wearing is for this exact purpose. It doesn't need to be tight-laced, just snug enough so it doesn't shift around. Hope this is helpful and I look forward to seeing more projects from you!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yeah I definitely plan on adding in a waist stay, I've used them before but totally forgotten about them, I also wear a corset a lot and definitely next full day of wear will be wearing one!

[@tempestgrey4629]

Yep the length and flutter sleeves added so much this is an heirloom art piece. Beautiful

[@ValerieSaubrement]

WOW. I was very much not convinced as you started putting the linens together but my jaw dropped when I saw the final result: stunning! Great job!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes this was such trusting the process moment haha

[@niamhbain6558]

👏👏👏👏👏 obsessseeedddd!!! What a beautiful elegant and history filled dress, if ever a garment has emphasised historical “women’s work” this is it and I could not be more impressex

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes! I can't imagine how many hours went into these linens before I ever even touched them!

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

This is a gorgeous dress. I have a lot of linens embroidered by my mom and grandma, as well as other vintage aprons and handkerchiefs, that I have been trying to find a good way to make them useful. The appreciation for these types of items just does not seem widespread today. Maybe I will make a dress!

[@akashanumberfive199]

Can I just say how much I appreciate the cost breakdown including labor?! Like I've been wanting to get into sewing because as as large chested woman with small hips it's hard to find things that flatter and fit properly. But everytime I look at fabric I'm shocked at the cost b so I'm like you know I could just upcycle fabrics. I've been collecting. And then I think how much is this piece actually worth once it's done, if I do it right and it's high quality workmanship, it's worth it in the end to have as piece I couldn't have paid for, but that keeps my hands busy and is a valuable skill

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Totally agree, sewing is a huge investment but at least for me it has been a very rewarding one!

[@pjcullinane2011]

Hi Haley! I just watched this video that you put out 6 months ago, but even being so late to the game, I HAD to comment!!! WOW!And double and triple WOW! You created a one of a kind, extremely beautifully made, VERY SPECIAL embroidered dress!!! I would have to say that it is downright MAGICAL!!!! I don’t think I have ever been more impressed by anyone’s creativity, artistry, commitment, and determination-you are truly both gifted and an incredibly hard worker! I have seen one woman (From Scotland I think!) who made a very beautiful knit/crocheted dress for her wedding, and YOUR dress was certainly on par with that one!! I hope you wear it with so much pride and happiness-because that is definitely how you DESERVE to wear it! Please store it well and take good care of it-and I pray that you will someday be able to pass it down to your daughter…and she to her’s!! How amazed they will be at what their mother/grandmother has created! I know you felt it reasonable to look at your costs for materials and labor, but truly the cost has so little to do with what you put together! Its’ value far surpasses any costs! Additionally, I am so impressed with the way you honored all the women who have sat hunched over their embroidery hoops-some maybe even by candle light (Okay, perhaps I am getting carried away!😁). Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!! Well done Haley!!!!!

[@Cookontherun7391]

Well said.

[@antiquesewist423]

The way you used the borders for the flutter caps! ❤

[@mdeysenroth]

I made kitchen curtains, valance and tiers out of vintage handkerchiefs. I love them. Love your dress too!

[@apriljodoin9643]

Wow! Who knew one could use vintage embroidery to make something so pretty.

[@sewaldodiy]

Wow the dress is breathtaking!

[@EdenYell]

It's very spring-ey but the length means you can still wear pajama pants under it

[@annmark1966]

Waw...this dress is incredible...and so clever, your an amazing seamstress!!!

[@yessy2646]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@Kera.S.]

I am So excited for this video, the patterns are Exactly what I want but I didn't know it until you showed them. I was about to pause the bodice when you whipped out that skirt! SH-BAM😂

[@meowdee]

I love the tight coiled curls! You really rocked that look!

[@AliciaWeatherholt]

Agreed. Intense curls are great.

[@michellecornum5856]

Same!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@jenniferfrudd3444]

Beautiful, unique, awesome, dress and adorable on you! I love that it gets all the handy work of all the women who created them, out for everyone to see. Very nostalgic for me as my Mom, Grandma’s, Aunts, MIL, spent so many hours creating linens and dollies like these.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes, there is sooooo much skilled craftsmanship in these pieces and I am so proud to get to wear them.

[@moxielouise]

You're right, it was a fabulous hair day 😉. Love the dress

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@GrammaTink615]

Super cute. I am now on the hunt for all my unused linens.

[@ReneesatItAgain]

I spread the word as far as I could on this beautiful, genius make!!! Still blown away!!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you so much!

[@AMGW]

Love this video so creative. Words of advice from a senior, as you go through life and make clothes, save them, preserve them. I made some beautiful dresses before I had my children and then gave them away when I couldn't fit in them. I wish I had them to look at today. I would love to look at them now. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to seeing anything you make!

[@judywilliamson2068]

One-of-a-kind dress! You’re not going to find that dress anywhere. I believe the price was very well worth it because when you’re through wearing it, you can probably resell it for a good price as it is one of a kind!

[@vintageknittingparty]

Your final reveal literally made me gasp! This is a delightful piece, well done for sticking with it, your work is so worth it 🌸❤ So pretty!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you so much!

[@susanperna4722]

The pointed bits of fabric are fab. Great job, woman!

[@petarahmatalla2796]

Thank you for sharing your lovely hair day in the car, it was a great hair day, thanks from the UK x

[@leeannsutherland858]

Definitely a work of art!

[@michellecornum5856]

WoW! I like this. I can't wait to see what you come up with for the not white linens.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@taylors5145]

I could not be more obsessed with this if I tried. So gorgeous! This is a piece that should be put on display in a needlework museum in 50 years. Stunning ❤️ For the zipper, perhaps doing the method where you sew down the center back seam completely (basting the section where the zipper would be) then pressing the seam allowance open and topstitching the zipper on underneath would be a good option. It will let you be sure that things line up and you can keep the pieces out of the way as you go.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you, and one day when I get the motivation to revisit this zipper I will definitely do basting first to hopefully help

[@joannaerhardt7294]

Such a beautiful and unique dress!!!❤❤❤

[@jadiegirlcatsmith3257]

Gorgeous! I’m also glad I’m not the only one who cuts out patterns on the floor.

[@esther8897]

I am so impressed, what a fantastic dress! Wish I could make one like that.

[@prympammi]

Just stumbled on your page and all I can say is …. I’m glad I did 💗 absolutely gorgeous 💗

[@TheFeralFarmgirl]

Oh, this is so adorable! Great job! They sell a lot of these linens and doilies at the Goodwill bins. I wanted to make a dress from old doilies. But this looks cute too! I might have to make both.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

There are so many linens in the world you can probably get enough for both!

[@BethAge95]

Great idea and beautiful execution!

[@angelsmith4467]

Absolutely beautiful ❤❤❤❤

[@tinaanderson3429]

This was beautiful work, your shoes and your hair are so cute. Nice sew along!

[@pamfrank3962]

Gorgeous 😍 Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent

[@rinaeperron7746]

I really appreciate all the time you took to use the pieces so symmetrically ! So many upcycles just randomly placed the doilies and linens!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

I feel like this would look wild without symmetry

[@glittergrandma]

Wonderful. All your careful, thoughtful placement of the beautiful fabrics elevate this dress to a piece of art. Everything I’ve seen you make is beautifully sewn and designed. So glad I found your channel. The dress is great and your video is wonderful. ❤

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@ShaySaysSo]

I just "discovered" your channel, can't believe you don't have a million subscribers, this is gorgeous!!

[@emma8547]

So beautiful!! It's the perfect Easter dress! This might be the one time it's worth hand basting the zipper, but maybe not.. it's really beautiful as it is

[@soniaiberti2602]

This is an inspiring, gorgeous masterpiece. Love it! ♥️ Just subscribed 😍

[@lynnnickerson6334]

You did an amazing job, it is GORGEOUS,

[@emmy8526]

Beautiful! The placement of the medallion at the neckline really makes it.

[@sewvintagebysunraedoll]

This is so pretty friend, glad you could repurpose those vintage linens are so lovely. Your sew creative 💕✂️

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@suemerritt1679]

What a massive undertaking! I don't know you, but I am so proud of your courage...🥰 Beautiful!

[@Raquelita.creates]

This dress is a beauty! This is such a involved make so big props to you for making something so beautiful!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you ❤️

[@BeverleyButterfly]

Wow what a cool idea and it really ended up looking incredible at first I couldn't picture how it would turn out but this dress is stunning xx

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@mele9952]

This is such a clever way to use vintage linens! I loved the dress, you look beautiful!!!❤

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@partyfiesta1557]

Looooved it all. You did an amazing job. Hugs from Provence

[@nicoleandtime]

What a vision, congratulations on bringing it into reality. Your hard work really paid off! ❤

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@julierosie62]

It’s absolutely stunning. I have a pile of vintage linens and doilies and plan to do similar, so this was very helpful to me too! ❤

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yay I wish you luck!

[@artsymaddieDIY]

This dress is perfection 🙌⭐️🎉Absolutely amazing 🤗

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@shonahinton866]

It looks gorgeous a great job.

[@kaytiej8311]

What a glorious piece! You look so happy and deservedly so.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you, I am so happy with it!

[@poodlegirl55]

Your dress is gorgeous! I recently made a quilt out of old linens. I was able to buy a large lot of damaged linens for cheap and used the good parts of them.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

A quilt is a great idea for these!

[@roxanahurley7360]

Gorgeous wearable art! Maybe next time you will only use the tiers as a guide/pattern and not add them as the foundation for the tiers, only the linens. Absolutely amazing!!!

[@alisonjacobs8469]

Great job! Great vision! And such a wonderful use of beautiful linens!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thanks!

[@lindagoesel3815]

Very pretty, I looked at fillyboo and they don't have embroidery in the back. Yay for you. Very nice work.❤

[@raquelseydewitz491]

It’s beautiful, and I’m inspired to pull out stash of black linen tablecloths and napkins. Great tutorial for me to follow. Hopefully I can start soon!

[@sallyeve4044]

A work of textile art!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I have a bunch of cotton and linen curtains and table cloths. Now, I'm really inspired to use them for a skirt!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Do it! And if you do tag me or something so I can see it!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

@@HaleyMarieVintage Definitely!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

so beautiful! I love vintage linens. You did them justice.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@dorcasbontrager216]

Gorgeous! A work of art! 💞

[@TheMayu]

Love the hair! Love the dress!

[@JanealJohnson]

You make this dress Super adorable. 🎉

[@sewitfits7393]

Its beautiful. I take old sweatshirts and make new jackets out of them so I understand the whole piecing process, it's very time consuming. Again beautiful job!!!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you so much!

[@cynthiadugan858]

❤ turned out absolutely beautiful ❤ I especially love the cut out and the little sleeves!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you 💜

[@marieryan2541]

Hi Haley Marie. I love the dress it's stunning. I gives me an idea to use my little handkerchiefs which I don't use anymore to make a skirt out of them. Can't wait to see what you do with the cream linens.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes! Do it, and if you do I'd love to see it!

[@mvrooks]

wow! i really like your design better than what was on the fillyboo website. also, yours is a true upcycle project. the apron front, the ruffled skirt, and the flutter sleeves are amazing!!! 🤍💙💕

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!!

[@Slowbeginnings]

Love it! It’s so pretty!

[@jacqueline9483]

It looks so good! ❤

[@ginalouisedesigns8826]

Omg! Amazing! I love it!! ❤

[@allyncollins359]

I think you could have reduced the weight of the skirt by piecing the linens together without a backing fabric...yes, it would have been a bit more tedious but would be worth it in the end. Also I would have sewing the sides of each tier separately so that they "float" individually. Otherwise, what a great idea! You have inspired me to make something similar with my linen scraps!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

Absolutely lovely. I like yours so much better than the inspiration dress. The cut out is perfect.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you, I do too!

[@angiesmith3489]

Wow! Such a beautiful statement piece. I’m proud of you 👏🏻

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you!

[@crissa531]

Beautiful dress, inspirng process. ❤❤❤

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Your cat Spooky is so gorgeous, love how he keeps you company while you work. Did he try to get into the bath while you were washing out the linens?

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

No she like to roll in the leftover water drops though when I drain the tub!

[@jackiturner9228]

Beautiful, I think the placement of the linens is very balanced.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you! I worked hard on that!

[@yougotmeinstitches1847]

Haya. WOW, incredible amount of work & SEEEW worth it, looks amaaaaaazing 🤩Loving your hair with the tighter ringlets 🤩Thanku 'sew' much for sharing. 🪡✂🧵🙂

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you ❤️

[@raeniejohnson730]

I love it. ❤️ so beautiful and unique

[@BunnyStephania]

Gorgeous dress and it looks lovely on you! I have a collection of vintage handkerchiefs that I've been wanting to make into a skirt or dress, and this helps me see how I can make it work.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes! I plan on hopefully doing a handkerchief specific pieces later this year.

[@chlariepeace3093]

Amazing dress and your hair lovey it really suit you

[@tashacano3324]

I've always kept myself from collecting those beautiful embroidered linens cause I didn't know what to do with them but now consider me enabled to collect 😂

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes I am now extra enabled 😬

[@jessicahamilton398]

The end result is so pretty! I was unsure about the front doily thinking it might look just stuck on, but it blends in so beautifully! This is such a cool eclectic idea.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you! I also did not like it until I cute out the hole and was very nervous.

[@afos32]

Love this dress. I would make a sweatshirt or t-shirt patchwork

[@vanessaknight7129]

Beautiful dress

[@robyndeas1706]

Beautiful!

[@bethknapp4935]

Omg!! This is gorgeous!!!! I love it so much!!! ❤❤❤ I actually bought an upcycled top from etsy that has sort of a bustle made from linens like these, and I love it so much. This is definitely a work of art.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thank you so much!

[@gabydegraaf8567]

What a stunning dress. So fairytale like. One commenter said it before about the petersham ribbon to help with the weight of the skirt. But it is called a waiststay. Also used in strapless dresses so the wearer doesn’t have to hike up the bodice all the time because the weight of the skirt is carried by the top of the hips essentially.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes! I have used this before and definitely am going to add one, thank you!

[@WDesigns]

I think you did a great job, I always dump stuff on me when I eat as well, the curse of the large chest for me. I have a lot of linens from my grandmother and ones I've collected. Trying to figure out how to use them. I struggle with the fine details as well - and i've been sewing for 50 years+

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

It takes a lot of work to figure out how to use old linens but is so worth it!

[@Cookontherun7391]

Absolutely LOVE 😊😊

[@mandycollins8795]

I love this SO much!!

[@JillR805]

Such a gorgeous dress!

[@evanflood7038]

WOW, Just…WOW.

[@felinetherapy4782]

It looks amazing! What a great idea of using those linens that tend to be stored in a cupboard somewhere and never come out.

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Yes, I love these linens so much and hate that hardly anyone gets to see them!

[@ReneesatItAgain]

Genius!! Just freakin WoW!

[@HaleyMarieVintage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Absolutely gorgeous frock

[@DebraHowell-eo4xx]

Gorgeous dress!!