DIY Mini Dress

I wanted to answer a question I get regularly which is…… How do I come up with the ideas to make the clothes I make and what inspires me?

When I sit down to make something, I usually don’t have a clue what I’m going to make. I’m not like most people who plan the look from the fabric to every little sewing detail weeks in advance. When I’m in front of my machine, I open my fabric cabinets and randomly pick my fabric. Once I have selected the fabric I think about what that particular fabric would look good in ie: pants, skirt, dress etc. I then go to my inspiration boards to find something that peaks my interest. Once I have something in mind, I do a quick sketch then search through my patterns for something similar that pattern alterations can see my vision through. Then the fun begins!

This dress was made with a silk wool fabric from G Street fabrics which was purchased last year. The bodice used was Butterick B5556 view A and the skirt was made by:
– Cutting two pieces of fabric 38″wide x 15″ long
– Sew the two pieces together
– Attach the skirt to the bodice by lining up the side seam and remaining zipper
– With the remaining fabric in the middle of the seams, pleat as you go around
– Add a 4″ band around the hem
-Add 2 1/2″ band around the sleeves