Dopamine Sewing: Self-Draft Your Dress and Embrace Imperfections
Romy top hacked into a dress made with FS All-purpose Tangelo Fs Signature Finish Linen
When I saw this eye-popping Tangelo linen on Kelsey, it was love at first sight. My dopamine levels skyrocketed. Bright, bold, and unapologetic- this fabric screamed, “Sew Me!” I planned on making the Romy Top from Tessuti Fabrics into a dress with itty bitty straps, square necklines, and a chic straight-lined skirt.
I am not much of a toile-r in this season of sewing- it’s been too busy to work through adjustments or drafting. But, I needed to do this linen justice. I quickly worked through the bodice adjustments and dived into my first simple dress by extending the hemline and adding a front slit for mobility.
Romy top hacked into a dress made with FS All-purpose Tangelo Fs Signature Finish Linen
Something wasn’t right. The dress felt…plain. Not that plain is bad! It just didn’t live up to the gorgeous color and soft texture of the linen that I would eventually use.
Back to the drawing board.
I have been an artist for most of my life and have always kept a sketchbook. Sewing is no different! I use my sketchbook for mini drawings and to track my projects, sizing, modifications- everything I can to help me stay organized.
Romy top hacked into a dress made with FS All-purpose Tangelo Fs Signature Finish Linen
I sketched variations of the skirt and looked to several friends for advice, to solidify a foundation to support the bold Tangelo colored linen. After five toiles, I worked out the design, construction, and teeny adjustments needed. The final dress has a curved waist seam, front middle slit and two skirt panels- a straight hem and a full panel of 1” knife pleats (using this tutorial from FS). I could already see myself strutting down the street and causing a mini fashion revolution with my sartorial genius. (It’s not called aspirational sewing for nothing!)
The all-purpose 5.3 oz linen from FS is my favorite to use. There are so many color options, and its weight is versatile for pants, blouses and dresses! After pre-washing, I had my fresh rotary blade, sharpened chalk, and new machine needles to start working! The transfer of my vision to the linen felt controlled (granted, I had made 5 versions prior, so a little muscle memory helped). The pleats stayed crisp in the linen and I was on cloud nine seeing them come together.
Romy top hacked into a dress made with FS All-purpose Tangelo Fs Signature Finish Linen
Dopamine sewing is a rollercoaster – with both highs and lows. Emphasis on the lows. I once again, got a little caught up in my frenzy and skipped the interfacing. We all know the ending to this story…When I tried on the dress, it was like the seams grew before my eyes. (Insert crying emoji here.)
However, I couldn’t let a few extra centimeters get in the way- I had a photoshoot to go to!! I ultimately turned the dress around and wore the back as the front. Genius, right?
I constantly need to embrace the imperfections and roll with the punches. Sure, I may have forgotten to reinforce my fabric, and my dress might have ended up 1-2 sizes too big, but that didn’t stop me from owning it (luckily, I know a gal who can alter it *wink*).
If you find yourself in a sewing pickle, remember to laugh it off, flip it around, and embrace the adventure and share your stories!
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About Author
Caitlin Snyder
Caitlin is a self-taught sewist living in Los Angeles, California, with her extremely patient husband, happy French Bulldog, and skeptical cat. Her painting and design background inform her need to create. Sewing her wardrobe is her current passion (some say obsession). Laughing over a meal and wine is a close second. Instagram: @caitsnyd_sewsLeave a comment
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5 Comments
GINETTE PERRAULT
Cette robe est absolument SUPERBE ! La couleur ,la matière le rendu ,tout est superbe ! J’aime l’ampleur et cet effet de légèreté donnés par ce jeu de plis asymétriques ! Bravo à vous pour cette création ! Un tutoriel ou un patron me plairait tant ……
Encore BRAVO
GINETTE
Marie Weber
It’s not backwards, it’s just reversible!
In the first photo, I thought “hmm, interesting” to put the pleats in the back. I like the effect.
I’d say it’s a happy accident… also a dopamine producing moment.
Love the color : ) Beautiful work
<3 Marie
Patricia Saab
The design and color suit you so well! Just gorgeous!!
Diane Powers
Absolutely stunning!!! Your creativity and knowledge is inspiring!!
Greta Johnson
Caitlin,
I is a stunning design. I also know impatience and getting ahead of myself. Glad you can laugh it off and still find a way to enjoy your make. It really is lovely!
Greta