enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

and the dress version.

Tovadress2

The second time through this pattern went much quicker. And bonus points for no tears this time.

IMG_0732

I love this fabric but wasn't thinking far enough ahead when I picked it out. The backside is very white and looked too unfinished at the top where it opens. So I added an extra strip (called a placket) to the back in addition to the front and am happy with the results. I like the bit of white backside showing through at the edges too.

The top version was sewn with navy thread which was visible on the blue/gray fabric so I had to be super careful with my stitches. I used black thread on this one and was happy to find that if I went a bit off a straight line, it was impossible to tell.

I'm seriously in love with this pattern. I need to find more to try though. Ideally, I would like to support individual designers/small businesses (like wiksten where I bought this pattern) instead of the big brands that are sold at fabric stores. Any suggestions? I know the internet has thousands of patterns, but so few seem to be something I would truly wear.

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24 responses to “and the dress version.”

  1. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    have you been here: http://www.dana-made-it.com/
    She has patterns–some free, some not. I haven’t tried any but look at and dream of the day I have the time and energy to!

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  2. ashley maureen Avatar
    ashley maureen

    so impressed with how quickly you sail through projects, elise! looking forward to what recommendations your readers have!

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  3. jodi Avatar
    jodi

    adorable!

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  4. jessie Avatar
    jessie

    i love this dress! i’m impressed.

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  5. indigorchid Avatar
    indigorchid

    And again, well done Elise! I feel my heart swell a little at another person getting into sewing clothes for themselves!
    Independent patternmakers:
    – Colette patterns have modern takes on vintage inspired tops, dresses, and jackets (well, I guess jacket).
    http://www.colettepatterns.com/
    – Sewaholic patterns only has one released pattern so far, but there should be more coming at any moment! (I’m anxiously awaiting…!) http://www.sewaholic.net
    – Anna Marie Horner have some cute garment patterns, tops and dresses mostly. http://www.annamariahorner.com/productsewing.html
    – Amy Butler has a lot of patterns for bags, but also some garments. I think these veer on the easier side of things, but I’ve never tried them, so I wouldn’t say for sure. Regardless, you’ve kind of hit the ground running, so I wouldn’t be that worried about difficulty ratings! http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_top.php
    – Oliver + S has the most adorable packaging I think I’ve ever seen. So what if they’re kids clothes patterns? 😉 http://www.oliverands.com/
    Also, Sew Mama Sew has a list of independent patterns – just beware that a lot of them are kids patterns and home sewing (pillows, aprons, bags), so it’ll take a little digging! http://www.sewmamasew.com/store/ecom-catshow/1PATTERNS.html
    I can’t wait to see what you come up with! It’s so exciting and fun to be able to make your own clothes!

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  6. JennG Avatar
    JennG

    Elise, I am so jealous of your skills on the sewing machine! I hope that I will be able to do something like this soon!
    Plus, you look awesome! You should wear dresses more & pj pants less 🙂

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  7. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    thats the trouble with working from home. hard to get motivated to dress up. WORKING ON IT THOUGH. 🙂

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  8. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    thank you so much!

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  9. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    thank you for the link!

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  10. Miranda Avatar
    Miranda

    Are you for reals Elise? I am astounded with your productivity! Big fat BRAVO to you! I love the top and the dress and will definitely be picking up those patterns.
    So, my fave indie patterns come from Anna Maria Horner and Sew Liberated. I think these designers would fit your style perfectly. You should definitely check them out.

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  11. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    Elise, you are my hero ! I admire you for taking the leap to sew clothes. I never have (probably because i’m not a conventional size) and you make me want to ! LOL
    Next time i’m on vacation, i go to the Marché St Pierre in Paris to find some fabric to make some cloth !!!!
    Thanks for the inspiration !

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  12. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    love this! really, it’s amazingly perfect. i could really use something like this to cover this growing baby bump of mine. thanks for the genius idea.

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  13. Megan S. Avatar
    Megan S.

    I’ll second the recommendation for collette patterns and say that I really like the Betsy Ross patterns as well. http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/85-sewing-patchwork-patterns?company=180

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  14. kristen Avatar
    kristen

    Wow! Elise, the shirt and dress both look awesome! Is this the pattern you mentioned wanting to try when we were at Dland? Anyway, LOVE how they turned out!

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  15. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    yes! thats the one!

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  16. Panamomma Avatar
    Panamomma

    Elise –
    I buy a lot of my patterns through Pink Chalk. She sells great basic fabrics as well. http://www.pinkchalkfabrics.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39 I have purchased a number of the downloadable ones from here and on Etsy. Good luck.

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  17. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    thank you for the link!

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  18. lala Avatar
    lala

    Saw this skirt and thought of you – Enjoy!
    http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2011/02/sewing-for-me.html
    http://vievesscrapbooking.blogspot.com/2010/08/party-skirt-tutorial.html

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  19. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    Very cute! thank you!

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  20. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    So so so cute!! Great work!

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  21. Kal Barteski Avatar
    Kal Barteski

    Yay! I love the dress version. RADICAL! I need one of these. It looks like it would be perfect with leggings and tall boots.

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  22. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    Thats what Im thinking. Tights and boots… it just needs to get colder here. 😉

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  23. Michelle Wengert Avatar
    Michelle Wengert

    Love the dress! You are so talented.

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  24. Kirsten Avatar
    Kirsten

    I love it. The sleeves are perfect.

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