My First Garment!

It’s official…I can say I’m a garment girl now! For the last 6 years I’ve been a quilter, but never have I touched any kind of garment pattern until now. Three weeks ago I took this washi dress class at Dry Goods Design in Ballard and came out with this beautiful dress. After taking this class, I feel like I finally understand how to properly read a pattern now. The class was so much fun! It was taught by Keli (owner of Dry Goods) and I learned so much from her.

You can find the pattern here and here if you’re interested. There’s options to alter the pattern if you wish. I decided to make mine sleeveless with a scoop neck and I brought up the hem (the length is usually past the knees).

For those of you that follow my Facebook page, you might recall the above post I made asking for your opinion on which fabric to use. Thanks for all your feedback! Out of 50 comments, 37 voted for the top print. The print is by Reshida Coleman, Washi collection called Petals and Leaves. It’s an older collection, but I managed to find it here.

Here’s some close ups. I learned to make a bodice with darts (a sewing term I never knew existed until now!), as well as pleats and how to attach facing to hide all the raw edges.

I also did shirring on the back of the bodice to make it stretchy so that a zipper is not required. It looks complicating but honestly it was the easiest part. Among all these new techniques I learned, I also learned to properly hem. Yup, I’ve never hemmed a garment. My friends know that I sew so I’ve been asked several times if i can hem their jeans, etc..but i always reply with “I only know how to quilt.” Period.

Anyway, just wanted to share with you this new milestone in my ‘sewing world’ ;)I’m so happy with my new dress. Whenever I look at it i think ‘did i really make that?!’

Happy sewing!

 

11 Responses to My First Garment!

  1. Delores April 16, 2013 at 9:31 pm #

    It's so interesting to me that you knew how to quilt, but not 'sew'!! I think most quilters come from a sewing background, as I did. I did all kinds of sewing, fashion, children's clothing, homegoods, for over 40 years, before I tried quilting.
    Your dress looks awesome, congrats!

  2. ~Laurie~ April 16, 2013 at 11:06 pm #

    Congratulations!! I think clothing is much more difficult than quilting. You've done a great job! PS – Love the pups in the pictures!!

  3. MaureenM April 17, 2013 at 1:20 am #

    Great job! It's fun, especially when the outcome is something that looks so pretty and fits well 🙂 I starting making garments (for my girls) and have come over to the quilting side. I just wish they had invented the internet back then :/

  4. Jean(ie) April 17, 2013 at 1:35 am #

    That turned out adorable! Love it!

  5. Marilyn April 17, 2013 at 2:20 pm #

    Sew cute! Will you make an outfit for your son?

  6. Patches April 17, 2013 at 11:08 pm #

    Such a cute dress. No wonder you are proud.

  7. Cindy April 17, 2013 at 11:08 pm #

    Great job! I've been wanting to make a garment as well. Maybe that is the dress to start out with for me.

  8. Nita April 25, 2013 at 7:35 pm #

    I love this dress! Thanks for sharing the pattern link…I've been wanting to make a summer dress for awhile. Do you think it could be made with quilting cotton?

    • Quiltingintherain April 25, 2013 at 7:40 pm #

      hi Nita – thanks for the comment. Yes, you can use quilting cotton to make this dress. that's what i used! It's easy to work with too 🙂

  9. Dawn Frisch May 6, 2013 at 1:28 am #

    Hi Jera,
    I just happened to find your website and I must say that I really love the things that you have made! Your quilts are so beautiful and this dress is absolutely adorable on you! You certainly have done a wonderful job in making this – you must be so proud! I've been trying to find this pattern though. It seems like Dry Goods no longer carries it. Do you happen to know of another source? Thanks for all your help. Have fun sewing and quilting!

  10. Quiltingintherain May 6, 2013 at 3:42 am #

    Hi Dawn – thanks for your kind comment! 🙂 You can buy the pattern directly from the designer's website: http://www.made-by-rae.com/washi/

    Happy sewing to you as well! 🙂

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