One of my goals for long time has been to learn to sew. My nonna is seamstress, so I tried to learn from her a few times, but she usually ended up doing everything for me. Last summer my aunt let me peruse two giant boxes of vintage patterns from my grandmother’s collection. My nonna didn’t want me taking all of them, so I only kept 10 patterns, which was okay, because they sat in a bag in my basement for 8 or 9 months anyway.
Two weeks ago, I went to the fabric store with Jon’s mom, Deb, and took the first steps towards making my own dress. When I set out to do this project, I had certain ideas in my head about how the process would work. It was very different from my expectations.
With Deb’s guidance and assistance, I started to learn to sew. There were parts of making the dress that I loved, and then there were parts I despised. I hated cutting out the pattern and the fabric. I am not great with scissors, which prompted Deb to ask if I’d gone to Kindergarten. I did but I apparently failed at cutting. Surprisingly one of my favorite parts was hand-sewing hidden stitches into the neckline, even if I refused to hand-sew the arm hem or the bottom hem, instead opting to let the stitches show and use the machine.
All in all, making the dress was an awesome experience. It was nice to get to spend time with Jon’s mom and learn a lot about sewing and garment construction in the process (Thanks Deb!). And I got such a lovely dress out of the time we spent together as well, (even if I now need to purchase a white belt to match). I still have a lot to learn, and I’m not running out to buy myself my own sewing machine tomorrow, but I’m really excited to continue to explore this new craft. I just need to decide what my next project will be.
I absolutely LOVE it. Those colors are gorgeous on you too. I just find it so so crazy that you made that with your own two hands. The belt looks great with it as well. Nice job Frankie!!
Thanks Rose! I am pretty pleased with myself. (maybe a bit too pleased!)
It’s beautiful and I LOVE the fabric choice!!! It’s a little Hawaiian-y. Lovely for summer… Is it cotton?
Thank you! It’s a thin stretchy material. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but it’s so comfortable and feels so good to touch. I actually chose it mostly because of soft it was, I was unsure about the print. But now I love it. It’s a bit out there- but I love it.
Franks has this wonderful sewing talent that runs in the family!! It is even more beautiful in person! Mom
Thanks mom,
What a great result–and incredible for a first try. I love the creative thrill of sewing. I like the colour belt you have on it in the photos–a lot. It’s flattering. I’m sure you thought of this, but make sure you have good quality scissors and that they are really sharp–this makes all the difference.
Stretchy fabric is far harder to cut than non-stretch, so that was more of a challenging choice than many people would undertake for a first time. Cutting is not my favourite part either but if I just ease up on the natural tendency to be in a hurry to finish, and just sit on the floor with the fabric (and kitties) thinking slowly and taking all the time I ever could please, it helps a lot.
Thanks for the advice! You are 100% right about the fabric, Deb even had a little bit of trouble with it. Next time I’m going to opt for a non-stretchy cotton or linen.
Looks great
Love vintage stuff too. I have a sewing machine but all I’ve made are pillow covers and drapes with it. I have some patterns for clothes that haven’t been used. One more item for the to-do list. 
Thanks! I have an issue with an ever-growing to-do list. Somehow it grows faster than I can manage it!
This dress is sooo beautiful!!! and you look soooooo beautiful in it too!!! You have inspired me, I have been looking for a summer dress in stores with no luck, and seeing this post and your efforts that turned out amazing, I am totally going to look for a patern myself and explore my sewing skills too THANKS A BUNCH!!
Thank you! You are so sweet. I am glad I inspired you to give sewing your own dress a try. I can’t wait to try another myself. I’d love to see it when you’re finished
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Love the fabric you selected. Very impressed!
Thanks!
Wow for a first project, you didn’t start simple. This is a hard brand to sew. Looks great, I love the flow and the colors are sooo nice.
Thank you. Yes, Deb and I may have tweaked the pattern a bit, since it was rather cryptic at points!
Beautiful! I love the fabric you chose, and the belt looks so great with it.
It’s beautiful the fabric suits it perfectly – also the gold belt goes really well with it.
Thank you! I actually bought a white belt to wear with it but I’m beginning to like the gold as well.