
One thing that I’ve always wanted to do was start designing my own eco-friendly clothing for my capsule wardrobe. This past December I decided that now was the time to just do it. I have never taken a sewing class in my life, and probably would greatly benefit from it, but I have my own sewing machine that I have dabbled in on and off for the past few years. My Dad also taught me a few things about sewing when I was in middle school, and I’ve gotten much better with practice. I’ve upcycled thrifted finds which I shared here thinking that creating clothing designs from scratch might not really be me. That was just fear and doubt talking.
So here it is, my very first design for my Spring/Summer 2015 Capsule Wardrobe!
I did not use a pattern for this dress and instead used my favorite black shift dress for inspiration and as a silhouette. I used dye ready organic cotton french terry knit which is a heavier weight than just organic cotton, and also cotton thread which would also take whatever dye color I chose. I used the inside of the fabric for texture instead of using the correct side of the fabric for this design as well. I picked a persimmon orange color fiber reative dye for this piece as vibrant color was seriously missing from my capsule wardrobes in 2014.
1. You may remember this black Theory shift mini dress from previous capsule wardrobes. I’ve had this dress for more than a few years now and it has been an incredible investment piece. You can see this Theory dress styled here to get a better idea of how it looks on. It is one of those pieces that I feel looks better on than only looking at it on the hanger. I love the silhouette for this dress so much I knew that it would be perfect to create my eco dress from.
2. I folded my fabric twice. I folded the dress in half and used it to draw my pattern onto my fabric with tailor’s chalk.
3. I also traced and cut the armholes from my Theory dress.
4. I initially used the neckline of this dress to trace onto the new dress, then ended up creating a deep scoop neck instead a bit later on in the process.
5. In order to conserve the total fabric purchased, I decided to create a banded hemline to lengthen the dress.
6. Here the new banded hem is pinned and ready to be sewn.
7. Also tracing the approximate measurements from the Theory dress, I decided to create short sleeves.
8. The sleeves were pinned into place and sewn.
9. The deep scoop neckline that I created was too large for the dress and was causing gaps at the shoulders. I used four darts along the neckline in the back to create a more tailored fit. Since this is the first time I created my own darts without the help of a pattern, I used an ink pen to measure it out precisely. I should have used a pencil, but you live and you learn.
10. This is how it’s all looking so far.
11. I like the look of raw hems, but I still stitched along all of the edges including the neckline, sleeves, and skirt hemline.
12. You can see here why I will never use ink again on my fabric. Thank God it doesn’t show as much after the dress was dyed.
13. The back view of the darted neckline.
14. I reinforced all of the seams for a polished finish as I went along.
15. The front view so far.
16. The back view so far.
So here are the final results…
I am so happy with the results of this dress and the fit is incredible! It’s comfy, a bit tailored, and still chic all without being tight. I am so looking forward to working on the next piece. I love the creativity with designing, and am enjoying my not so constructive method of going about it. I will definitely share how I style this piece in My Lookbook once I finish creating and share my Spring/Summer 2015 Capsule Wardrobe. In the meantime feel free to check out other lookbooks that I have done so far. I guess this is kind of a sneak peak!
One thing that you can expect for this season’s capsule wardrobe is COLOR!
My Spring/Summer 2015 Capsule Wardrobe
(Images by Dawn Michelle)
Daniella Renee says
This is absolutely stunning. I love the color and the design. Two years ago I started wearing LOTS of color and now I can’t go back to the typical basics. Orange is a basic!
I can’t wait to see more of your clothes. “Design/make my own clothes” has been on my goal list for awhile (there are a few things ahead of it). Thank you for the inspiration!
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks so much Daniella!
This year I will be getting back to wearing a lot more color again myself. Color can have a healing and soothing effect on the wearer. When creating a capsule wardrobe it is so easy to get into avoiding too much color so that everything matches, yet there’s always a way around it to make it all work. Have a beautiful beautiful day!
Shalanda Leigh says
Hi Dawn,
I’m been reading your blog for a while and I love it. My favorite post so far was the one about which oiks work best for which skin type. My oily skin has been saved my organic hemp seed oil. I’m opening my online boutique soon and my desire is to feature up and coming designers. Will you be will to sell pieces that you make or thrifted items you upcycle?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Shalanda Leigh,
Thanks for the compliment and I’m thrilled that organic hemp seed oil has been a skin savor for you! Congrats on your online store too. For now I am simply creating my own clothes, yet I am open to possibilities in the future. Best wishes!
Pam says
How cool. I was just looking at my sewing machine that is collecting dust. It is time to pull her out, clean her up and put her to work. Oh by the way thanks to your excellent henna blogs, I did my first henna treatment this year. HAPY HENNA NEW YEAR TO ME!
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Pam!
Yes definitely dust off your sewing machine, get creative, and have fun! I’m so glad that your henna treatment was a success too! <3
queenbee9 says
LOVE, LOVE! Want to buy my own! (girl, ain’t got time for sewing) it is Tres Gorg!
I love even more the idea of upcycling which is also designing with an eco twist. I love the idea of that even more than new stuff because it takes the base of one idea and spring boards/freshens it up for now–plus one more thing NOT in a landfill!
I often buy upcycled items off of etsy where they are often even more pricey than new items, but SOOO original.
Oxymoron: “original, recycled clothing” LOL
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Queenbee9,
Thanks so much! <3 Upcycling clothing is so artistic and creative. And one less item in a landfill is miraculous too. I love having unique pieces too. I'm thrilled to hear that you are supporting Etsy shops and artists. Etsy is one of the best places to shop online in my opinion! Have a beautiful day!
sandy says
This is so cute. I like the idea of using another favorite piece of clothing for the pattern.
mmm. The silhouette: another thing to look for when thrift shopping. Never thought of that one.
Thanks Dawn.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Sandy,
I got the idea for using your own clothes as a pattern from GiannyL on YouTube a few years ago. With some practice and basic sewing knowledge you can create some fun things. Hope you are enjoying your week so far. <3
Tracy says
Hi Dawn,,, Wow, what a Clever girl you are!! I love what youve created. I have never had the patience for sewing but admire those who do. Keep at it, practice makes perfect.
OH, I cant wait to see how you incorporate color into a capsule wardrobe. Ive read that keeping the wardrobe neutral and then adding pops of color with scarves or jackets is a way to go but that just isnt feasible in a hot climate. So Im very curious to see how youve been able to do it. I find just having neutrals a bit depressing so I look forward to your post!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for the sweet compliment! It’s true that adding pops of color with accessories is a good method, yet I actually had the most fun with my F/W 2013 Capsule Wardrobe because it had so much color. Last year I stuck with mostly neutral yet refined my style a bit more. This year I plan to just have fun with color and style a bit more. If it works great! If not it will be a learning curve just like everything else in life. <3
Stacy says
Love your design and skill. Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you so much Stacy! <3
Lala says
Love your blog. Love this dress as well. Would you consider selling some of your creations? I would love to purchase one dress identical to this one in its original (oatmeal) color. xoxo
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lala,
Thanks so much for this compliment! I really love sewing and creating clothing designs, yet I am not as interested in creating a business of it as of now. I feel that some creative outlets stay most enjoyable by not always turning them into a business. I do appreciate your interest in my work though. Best wishes with everything that you are doing!