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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

My 15 Minute Dress....Simplicity 2591, Recycled.

A few weeks ago, I embarked on an adventure of sewing....not to mention
that I've only sewed using a pattern ONE time in my life...and that was back
when I was a freshman in high school.
To read about dress #1, CLICK HERE.
To see dress #2, CLICK HERE and scroll to the bottom of the post.
Dress #1 cost $30.00
Dress #2 cost $5.00 because it was vintage material. 4 1/2 yds. $2.00.
Keep reading to find out about the cost of dress #3.
I like going to thrift stores for sheets to use on my west facing patio....I use them for curtains.
After making my first dress, I began to see the sheets as DRESSES....GO FIGURE.
I found this lovely sheet for a whopping #1.00!
I already had the pattern & thread....just needed a zipper.
I did read where a lady chose not to use the zipper and it worked out fine for her....I however, was not that brave.
I really liked the pink trim....and that got me to thinking that it would really look nice on the bottom of the dress.
Of course I worried about it making the dress look more like a dress made from a sheet....
I threw caution to the wind....and used the trim....

Here is what it would sort of look like without the trim....
A close up of the fabric pattern....there are pink flowers...the picture makes it look like just green leaves.

TA DAH!!! Here is Plus Size Polly modeling the finished dress!

The adorable fabric flowers are really just pins I got on clearance and can be removed and used elsewhere.....

I have to share this bit of 411 I learned about my sewing dummy...the more I work with it, the more I learn about her secret gadgets.
I was desperate to stick the pins in the pin cushion...but it was too far away....
so, I stabbed them in right there....
GUESS WHAT?
It is really meant for that....oh how handy!!!
Yah, keep laughing...remember I DO NOT SEW!!



So, what did you think? Does it look like a sheet? Oh well, it only cost me $3.00 to make....YES! $3.00 whole dollars.....I did it in less than 8 hours.

The reason I call it a 15 minute dress is because I worked on it 15 minutes at a time. I set the timer for 15 minutes and cleaned something in my house...when the timer went off, I reset it for 15 minutes and would sew. I did this ALL DAY and just about finished the dress in ONE DAY. Not to mention, the house got a really good cleaning that day....I cleaned out an entire room.
I got the timer idea from The Flylady...ever heard of her? www.flylady.net
Try it and tell me it doesn't work!!!

16 comments:

carla said...

It's a cute, summery looking dress and I think the pink edge adds some oomph to it.

Your method of sewing 15 minutes then cleaning then back to sewing is how I get things done when it seems like it's too big of a job and I don't know where to start.

I just start somewhere and tell myself that if I just put 5 things away, it will eventually get finished, because only 5 things at a time are do-able. Then 5 more, and so on.

And good sewing for you. Zippers have always been beyond me. I look for patterns with no zippers, collars and hopefully no set-in sleeves.

Julie said...

Cute dress, I love to repurpose sheets especially old vintage ones. I want to go with you when you go thift shopping because I can never find anything when I go.

Unknown said...

That is just the cutest little dress!! It wouldn't matter if you had a dozen of them, they each have their own personality. I'm very proud of you (and envious) for learning to sew as an adult. I also did the 8th grade garment, but mine was never completed. I never appreciated my Mom's talent for sewing...couldn't be bothered. Now that she's not able to mend, sew, embroider, etc., I hate to see her machines go to rust. I'm seriously considering making my ebay room a sewing room. I had better hurry or my old fingers will be too stiff!!

Congrats on the beautiful dresses!!

carolina nana said...

WHAT A NICE DRESS FOR $3 . AND WHAT A GOOD IDEA ABOUT TAKING BREAKS FROM THE SEWING MACHINE. I SEW A LOT AND I HAVE FOUND THAT EXTENDED SITTINGS AT THE MACHINE ARE NOT A GOOD THING AND RESULT IN LOTS OF SEAM RIPPING !!!!
BLESSINGS TO YOU

Mary Ellen said...

What a beautiful dress! I love it!

Mary Ellen

GoodPlans said...

Loved this one, Traci!

GoodPlans said...

Love this one, Traci!

Rhonda said...

Hi Traci - just saying to another Okie blogger. I've been sewing for 40 years and never had a dress form but I think I need one!

Joanna said...

I saw your post on Sew Retro, and I wanted to visit your blog and leave a comment. Your dress is very pretty, and I love the pockets. Great job.

Quilting Bibliophagist said...

Using the pink trim is what makes this dress really special. I'll have to keep my eyes out for sheets next time my mom and I go thrifting.

Unknown said...

Hi, I'm your newest follower, stopping by from Sew Retro. Love the ddresses, and this one is my favorite - too too cute!
I am dying to try finger waves on my short hair, you're pictures look so great I may actually do it!

Flat Creek Farm said...

Love the dress! You've inspired me. I CAN do this! I've been looking for 'time to sew' for such a long time now. This will work. Thanks for the inspiration.. that dress is just perfect :) -Tammy

Unknown said...

The dress is pretty and it comfortabel and perfect for summer. You've inspired me to get some fabric to sew this dress for myself. I have this very same pattern, but I've been putting off sewing the dress.

Twill Jill said...

Found you on Sew Retro. The dress is super cute! Actually lots of sewers use sheets as muslins - it's a cheap way to test out a new pattern and get the kinks worked out. Added bonus, you can actually wear it instead of tossing it like you'd do with real muslin. I think it's awesome that you set a timer - that's EXACTLY what I do, too! It's a great way to keep from getting overwhelmed and to make sure you get other stuff done, too. It's so easy to be consumed by your hobby!

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

What an adorable dress! I love the little roses you added too -- it turned out great!

Thanks so much for visiting today -- and your sweet comments! :)

Heidi Ann said...

I am completely in love with your Dress-Made-From-A-Sheet!
It's adorable.

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