This week marked an additional one year anniversary for me aside from my blogiversary – it’s been a whole twelve months since I’ve purchased any clothes for me or K. Isn’t that crazy? The last time I shelled out cash for a garment was at H&M, where I got myself a pretty pleated tank top in the palest blush. I think it was $10.
In some ways, it seems nuts that I’m attempting to make all my clothes now, because quite frankly, it’s generally not cheaper when you figure in the labor involved with the construction of each piece even if you’re using thrifted or free fabric. Well…unless you’re comparing prices to haute couture or high end fashion items, but let’s face it, I’m not making runway-worthy clothes. Sure, there are ethical benefits to creating your own wardrobe, but if you’re addicted to fabric like I am, the question of ethics starts to involve the manufacturing process of fabrics as well. I wish I could say that my reasons for sewing clothes are guided by a powerful moral compass, but alas, I’m not that deep. It’s simply this: I want lovely clothes that fit my uniquely shaped body, clothes that truly reflect my style. Oh yes — speaking of bodies, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m also trying to learn about and accept my body as is. And most of all, I love to sew.
This dress fulfills at least one of the reasons I make stuff for myself: the fabric is exquisite and I love it to pieces. The fit? Not so great. I wanted to make a Washi dress out of this fabric because of all the fabulous versions I’ve been seeing all over the interwebs, but I just didn’t have enough of this gorgeous ikat. So I used M6560 instead, and this is a very simple pattern that’s beginner-friendly. I worried that the cross-over straps with the buttons on the back might look too juvenile, but a friend assured me that it looked fine.
The fit looks okay in these photos, but after wearing it for several hours, the right side started to slip down and caused a lot of bra-exposure. I adjusted the buttons because it did look uneven (as you can see above), but it’s still wonky after the adjustments and gaping at the neckline. I think I could have gone down a size, but I’m not sure. You can see how the dress is already starting its lopsided descent below:
Because of the drapey-ness of the fabric, I’m pleased that the empire waist isn’t making me look preggers, and the pleats are pretty flattering, I think. It’s been eons since I’ve installed an invisible zipper, and thankfully, it went in without incident. Fit issues aside, I love the style of this dress from the front (still not sold on those buttons on the back). It’s reminiscent of the Washi, and it’s a perfect summer dress. I’m working on getting over my hang-ups about my legs; having been told they’re huge for most of my life, I get all batty about them when they’re exposed, but I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable in dresses and shorts. Standing like a flamingo makes the legs look a lot shapelier I discovered – I think I’ll stand like this for all pictures from here on out, even in group photos. It’ll be my signature pose to strike…I’ll call it the sanamingo or maybe the flanae.
I’m so glad I made a dress instead of a tank top out of this ikat fabric – after I’ve futzed with it a bit, this may very well become one of my go-to dresses!
at first glance this looked like a washi- I love it! very flattering on you….and cheers to you for making all of your (and K’s) clothes! That is no small feat.
Thanks Erin! I’ve probably skewed on the excessive side of clothes-making with K, but I’ve accepted that I’m just unable to tone things down. 🙂
It looks fabulous! I love your flamingo pose, too 🙂 Well done on sewing all the clothes you and K have needed over the last year! That’s amazing, and my ultimate goal. I’ve got a long way to go, however 🙂 I hope you can get all the glitches worked out with your dress, because it looks great on you.
I hope I can get all the glitches worked out too, Fiona, thank you! I love this dress, and I’m thinking of doing away with the buttons entirely and sewing the straps uncrossed into the bodice…we shall see!
The fabric is just beautiful! I can see how this would become a go-to dress. And I agree with your friend — I really like the straps in the back!
Thanks so much Katie – the hand and drape of the fabric is really luscious. As mentioned earlier, I’m inclined to change the straps to make the fit better, but what if it makes it worse?? Oh, the agony of finessing fit…
Sanamingo-san, you crack me up! And even without the flattering flamingo pose, the dress is lovely! And I had a second laugh – I looked at your fabric at the drygoods site and it says ” would also make an awesome oversized tote bag! ” – which your dress is ABSOLUTELY not! Thank you for sharing your sewing-journey with us, it is inspiring, moving and funny!
Isn’t that Drygoods listing odd? The fabric isn’t home decor weight at all! It might have been slightly stiff before I washed it, but once washed, it is the softest, drapey-iest fabric imaginable. Thanks always for your wonderful comments, Ute!
One simple Word: WOW!
Love the style, the fabric, the color (of course). And you look stunning (like i said before).
xo
Marit
Thank you, Marit!! Remember, I have incredible control over which photos get posted on this here blog, so in real life, you may not recognize me…(but no photoshopping done, I swear!). 🙂
i love that fabric! 🙂
diorella-n.blogspot.com
Me too 🙂 I wish I had more — I’ll have to hunt down another source.
I think the straps/buttons are really nice! It’s a sweet touch, but doesn’t look juvenile in my opinion (there’s a difference!). Your fabric choice helps keep it grownup, too. Congrats on a year of not buying clothes!
Thanks, Sarah! I’m definitely still on the fence about the straps/buttons – I felt like this about the frilly sleeves on a wrap tunic I made a while ago, and I ended up liking the top way more once I removed the sleeve. So this dress might have to go through a mini-operation too…
Fantastic dress Sanae! . In this moment of my life I’m in “blue love”, adoring everything blue, and I think that fabric is to die for. I thought was a washi dress thank style, it is amazing what you have done and you look gorgeous wearing it! I’m in sewing envy mode 😛
Oh, I’m right with you on the “blue love” – it seems like I gravitate only to blue fabrics lately! Maybe it has to do with summer. Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
Why don’t you put the buttons on the inside of the dress if you are concerned?
Funny you should mention that, Chandra — I actually put the buttons on the inside first, but the straps pulled at the bodice and it didn’t look very good. So I switched the buttons to the outside as intended. I’m learning so much through sewing for myself in ways that are different from sewing for a child!
Flanae!! I love it. And I love your dress, the inky color of the fabric looks great on you. Sometimes I think of how nice it would be if people would stop making unsolicited comments about other people’s bodies, especially about specific parts! Who wants to hear a part of them is huge?
Thanks Morgan! Those unsolicited comments do tend to work themselves under my skin…I’m getting better about not caring so much about what other people think, though. Huzzah!
You look so beautiful in navy blue. I’m sorry to hear the dress didn’t wear well because it looks perfectly fitted in the pictures.
I’m trying to power through sewing for me, reminding myself that it takes a lot of practice to be good at something. It’s so much easier to sew for my 3 year old who doesn’t require a perfect fit. Sigh. Sometimes sewing for myself is such an emotional rollercoaster. I just went through falling in love with a garment and fabric as I sewed, only to be really disappointed with the final fit. Hmmmmm. What a privileged dilemma!
Privileged dilemma! You’re so right – I do feel incredibly privileged. And I feel completely the same way about sewing for myself vs. for my almost-7-year-old. My motto is ‘practice makes better’ (who needs perfect?), and it’s a good thing I love sewing so much because I’m willing to practice a lot!
I LOVE this!!! Love, love. We appear to have similar likes for clothing, I made the same racerback maxi dress as you did, too, and I would make this in a heartbeat. (I’m going to look for it next trip out of town, actually.) I think sewing does wonders for body acceptance. It also helps that you can sew specifically for yourself and choose styles that flatter. This looks AMAZING on you, seriously. And that fabric. I want it. Bad. I didn’t realize you were only sewing for yourself and K. That inspires me in a BIG way. I’ve been putting the kids in handmade as often as I can, and I find it just…well…makes me happy all day long. A simple, true fact. I think about all those deeper issues and wordly conditions with sewing, but honestly, my sewing desires are more shallow. You and your legs are quite beautiful, Sanae, thanks for sharing them with us!! 🙂
I adored your racerback dress, Monica! And you should definitely get this pattern – it would look great on you. Thanks for the blush-inducing comment, and I highly recommend trying to sew up an entire wardrobe. I don’t enjoy shopping at all anymore and have NO desire to buy clothes at this point!
The birth of flanae! 🙂 navy colour really suits you!
I’m certain the flanae will take the modeling world by the storm, no? 🙂 Thank you, M!
Found a coffeeshop with wi-fi because I missed my Sanae daily fix! You’ve had an exciting week- some pretty cool milestones met! Congrats on the blog anniversary and one year of being clothing purchase free!! In so doing, you have created the most beautiful, original and creative wardrobes one could imagine for both you and K. You are so inspiring! As for the “flanae” pose, love it:)
Your outfits this week have been stunning as usual!
Lucinda! Your comments always make me so happy! I hope you’re having a fantabulous vacation and I’m so honored that you sought out a coffee shop to check-in!!
I love that fabric. the dress looks great on you! I haven’t gotten to no store bought yet… but I did realize the other day that I haven’t boughten pajamas for my four kids for a long time (I can’t remember when)… so now to work on not buying the other clothes! 🙂
Thank you, Kristi! Pajamas are on my to-do list for K. She sleeps in ratty t-shirts she got for free from random school events that are getting too small…hmmm, maybe that’ll be my outfit for next week.
I think it looks fabulous! Congrats on maintaining a 12-month hiatus from clothes shopping, I am so impressed! I’m trying to do the same (for myself only, I don’t have the stamina to sew for myself AND 3 children).
The funny thing is that I don’t miss buying clothes at all. I’m definitely inspired by seeing mass market clothes and do browse around the malls periodically, but even when there’s a huge sale, I find myself only looking at how the garments are constructed. So very liberating! Thank you for your comment, June!
I think you’ve had a win on all counts: fabric, flattering fit and… er, fashion?! (Sorry, had to keep the alliteration going!) And that’s an amazing achievement, making all your own clothes. I am learning to sew for similar reasons – I want clothes that I actually like and that FIT ME, curvy, post-baby body be damned. Congratulations!
I’m a big fan of alliteration too! Fit is EVERYTHING, I’m learning. Until I started sewing for myself, I had no idea that I had this alien-like long torso compared to average measurements and that my back is really wide – I give the phrase “baby got back” a whole new meaning. Makes me wonder if I’ve descended from reptiles instead of mammals…
Love the dress, even the button bits 🙂 however, if you really aren’t keen on them, the straps look long enough for it to become a halter neck dress… Or does that make the front it odd? Anyway, you look great in it.
Thanks, Grace! A halter might be an option…I’ll have to try it out!
i thought for sure this was a washi in the first photo! love the fabric (i should be receiving a purple ikat any day now, but would have preferred navy for sure)–too bad you didn’t have more since washi is so wonderful. however, the dress does look fantastic on you (and personally, i do like the crossover straps and the buttons. maybe juvenile in the front, but in the back i think it’s a neat design element). congratulations on not buying clothes for a year! what an accomplishment! i hear you on the fabric manufacturing ethics, but, one step at a time. you have done plenty in terms of ethics by not supporting the dreadful garment industry, not to mention the knowledge and skill you have gained. it’s a costly consuming hobby in terms of time and dollars, but it feeds the soul and does good things for you and your family. worthwhile investments, i’d say 🙂 here’s to another year!
Thank you, Ashley! Making clothes definitely feeds the soul – that’s a perfect way to describe it.
it’s lovely! very summery. i know what you mean about not being able to tweak adult garments the same way you can with kids – things can get real wonky real quick if you’re not careful. this looks really nice, love that fabric! and WOW a whole year not buying clothes for either of you? you’re an inspiration. i think i’m there with the kids, but not myself. though the last thing i bought was with a gift card about 5 months ago…haha.
Thanks, Kristin! Hey, gift card purchases don’t count! Adjusting fit is so tricky — baby steps!
Congratulations–on the anniversary! I know what a big deal it can be to make your own clothes, and I know *exactly* what you mean by the whole fit issue. I have attempted maybe making two things for myself, but I think this applies even to children’s clothes, although children themselves can be quite forgiving.
But having said all that. you are doing a great job, AND you have a fab blog! I am huge fan and admirer.
Oh, thank you Asmita! It’s really addictive making clothes. I don’t know if I’ll ever buy anything for myself again!
It’s awesome. And that fabric really is exquisite. For what it’s worth I really like the cross back. Fun not juvenile.
This is hands down my favorite fabric I’ve sewn to date! Thanks, Liza Jane!
LOVE!! I have two yards of it hoarded. I demanded a reprint:) but alas…:(
Oh, you had some serious foresight, Keli! I wish I had another two yards. But I’m sure I’ll be drooling over some other fabric in your shop soon enough 🙂
I think the dress looks really pretty!! I love the fabric. 🙂
Thank you, Beth! Today, I was actually talking to the fabric store owner where I got this lovely ikat, lamenting that I didn’t get more…next time I find a fabric I love this much, I’m going to stock up!
Great dress, and looks nice on you. You are gorgeous and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Greetings from Belgium.
Oh, so kind of you, Marcela. Thank you!