You know how after a sewing project is finished you nearly always end up with scraps, sometimes of such a decent size you can’t toss them out… but not enough to do anything with on their own. So sometimes I try to actually cobble these scraps together to make some sort of wearable thing. This is a plan that meets with variable success…
In spite of which, I’ve made a simple little day dress, out of some of my most recently generated scraps. I think it will be OK for this summer. Basically it was a free dress. Oh, OK I did have to buy a zip, so technically it cost a couple of dollars.
I used New Look 6699 again, modified. I kind of winged the skirt, as I didn’t have enough fabric for anything. This one falls somewhere in between the two in the pattern; more A-line that the pencil version, but not as wide as the other. The lower tiers are all attached under the hem of the top skirt. I hemmed some but not all of the tiers, because I like the idea of the skirt getting a little raggedy and frayed, I think this look will accentuate the vaguely peasant-y vibes the dress has already.
I also altered the neckline of the bodice and put in a picture below of the bodice and pattern pieces, for the following reason: My sister-in-law and I were recently discussing a pattern which she had dismissed because it was a V neck, but of course the neckline of a bodice is the easiest thing to alter about a pattern. You don’t have to cut along the lines of the pattern, just cut out the one you prefer. Also this pattern has sun-dressy straps with buttons closure at the back while I wanted a one-piece back bodice, so I just pinned the two pieces together and cut out as illustrated below in the photo. One thing to keep in mind, if you do this you will need a longer zip… This fabric is the leftovers from Sam’s shirt.
This is a close-up of the shot cotton fabric I used for Craig’s shirt, the leftovers of which are the midriff and the lower tier of my new dress. Here you can see the bright blue warp and the neon yellow weft. Amazing to think such a subdued colour can come from these brights, no?
The bodice is lined with the leftovers of the primrose voile I used for the petticoat of my Christmas dress. The scraps of the Christmas dress itself have been used as one of the skirt tiers, and as bias binding on the neck and armhole edges. Actually I think this bright floral bias binding against the black and white check turned out to be my favourite feature of this dress.
The other blue skirt tier is from the very last leftovers from this shirt and this dress.
The skirt front and back is the leftovers from this dress.
Detail:
Dress; New Look 6699 with modifications, partly my own design, various cottons
Sandals; Mican by Joanne Mercer, from Hobbs shoes
Nail varnish; BYS Mint Condition
This is very cool. I've been looking at something similar – making tunic tops from knit jersey scraps.
What a great idea for all those scraps. You look wonderful in it!
All those fabrics combined so well. Isn't it gratifying to be able to use up scraps, and come up with a wearable freebie.
That's amazing! I love how the prints, though different, work so well together!
Very creative, I don't think I ever would have thought to combine such different prints. Looks great!
You are *really* really good at this sort of sewing. A beautiful dress.
Hi Carolyn, I am new to your blog and I must say I am impressed. Not only with this dress, but also with many others as I have scrolled down through your blog. The edges left without hemming and the bias neck trim are those special touches that take your dress from a multi-scrap collection to a dress that really looks cool and hip. Those little details make it look like you intended to bring all of these elements together all along. I love the combination. I think the way you omitted the straps in the back also makes the dress more wearable to a variety of occasions. I am looking forward to learning from you. Carolina
This is such a cute dress! By the way, I haven't missed any of your posts. Love them all. Sorry I haven't been commenting as much. Still here, though.
What a great way to use up your scraps! I haven't gone beyond planning to make a quilted duvet with mine, but you're such an inspiration! Love the floral bias binding and the future raveling hems. Cool!!
This may be my favorite of all of your dresses. I LOVE the contrasting bias trim. You've inspired me to dig through my scraps.
What a brilliant idea! My scraps always end up a lot smaller and oddly shaped than that though, so no scrappy dress for me.
I really like the bias binding too. I'm always thinking of trying something like this since I have bins and bins of leftovers, yikes!! But I can never seem to come up with anything creative. This is cute! Mine will probably get made into a quilt someday before they overtake the sewing room …
I love this dress!
When I scrolled to your dress in my blog reader, I went, "Ohh!!!" Then I went on to read that you made it from scraps. Way cool! They sure blend together well. I love the print bias trim on the check too. It really ties the skirt together. Another plus, I'm guessing, is no need for a slip.
Brilliant use of left over fabric. No one will ever know. Lovely dress!
Really cute! Love the layers. You should check this idea out – http://feathertysews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dalsland-wrap-anthro-knockoff-with-tute.html
I know it's a little warm there for this right now, but thought of you when I read the tute.
This is so lovely!
One of my favourites! So bright and fresh looking. A plus is that you will co-ordinate with the men in your life.
This is the most fabulous way to use up scraps EVER!
Lovely! You know, since Desigual, the scrap-look is definitely in… 😉 I really like the colorful binding.
Wooww, it is so pretty.
I like your dress very much and you are also looking fantstic in it.
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