Stylish Fabrics + Trend Patterns Raglan Dress Hack

As soon as the new year rolls around I anxiously await the arrival of spring! Lighter layers, warmer days, green buds emerging from the ground. These things make my heart soar!

In honor of spring’s soon arrival, I decided to make a lighter-weight statement dress and experiment with a style I’ve been intrigued by for a while…prairie chic.

The Pattern: Trend Pattern Raglan Dress (TPC22)
The Fabric: Crepe chiffon c/o Stylish Fabrics
The Process: My idea for this dress was ‘go big or go home’. I had a vision in my head and it was either going to be GREAT or awful, no middle ground. Thankfully, I think it all worked out and I really love the outcome! The striped pattern of the crepe fabric helped modernize the prairie style. I sewed a straight size 8 (UK sizing) even though I was between the size 8 and 10. The style of the dress has so much ease I figured it would be better to size down so I wasn’t swimming in all the fabric. The directions for putting the pattern together were quite minimal to the point I think I would have struggled to make this as a beginner sewist. Thankfully it isn’t a super complicated pattern so I made it through just fine.
Sara from The Sara Project just happened to share a blog post with tips for working with rayon and crepe right as I was putting this dress together. It’s definitely worth a read and I found it very helpful with this make!
Modifications: I made 2 very doable changes to the original design of the dress. First, and most notably, I added a dramatic ruffle to the bottom. To do this I shortened the finished dress length to hit just below my knee. Then i measured (with the dress on) the length from the bottom of the unfinished dress to where I wanted the dress to hit at my feet. I then calculated seam and hem allowance and that gave me my length. For width, I simply used a 1:2 ratio, doubling the circumference of the dress to get the desired volume. Originally I was hoping to do a 1:3 ratio but didn't have enough fabric. In the end I’m thankful for the outcome bc I think the volume is just right and doesn’t feel too heavy. This is a modification that can easily be done with many dresses or tops to add length or a bit of flair!
The second addition I made was adding the waist tie. I wanted the dress to give me some kind of shape and this was just the ticket! I simply eyeballed the width and used the length of what fabric I had left for the sash.
Styling & Versatility: You could definitely say there is a lot going on with this dress. Between the back tie closure, deep keyhole, waist tie, neck ruching, high neck feature, AND the ruffle and the bottom…it’s a statement. But I’m glad I went big and had fun with it. This whole process stretched my vision-to-fruition muscle and I’m excited to keep trying such adventurous makes.
To keep the dress a little toned down, I style it with a classic pair of Converse sneakers, unstyled hair, minimal makeup, and minimal jewelry. In the future I will try a more ‘dressed up’ version, possibly with an updo and some strappy black heels.
Overal Review: Y’all, I had FUN with this one. Can you tell? :) Working with the crepe-chiffon (thank you Stylish Fabric) was a new experience so I walked away with new skills there. Hacking the Trend pattern was a leap for me so I walked away feeling more confident in my ability to cast a vision. And lets talk about the photos! My incredibly talented friend, Jill, shot this dress for me and I’m so please with how it all came out. You can see more of her styling and art direction via her Instagram page.

Ogden Cami for Fall

When you think of a camisole, Fall weather doesn't usually come to mind. But if you live in the midwest in the months of September and even October, afternoon temperatures can creep into the upper 80's. A cami/tank can be layered under a sweater for cool mornings then stand alone later in the day (when you are chasing your children around at the park!).

The Pattern: Ogden Cami by True Bias
The Fabric: 100% cotton for the main fabric, taken from a second-hand size 14/16 ladies jacket (see pic below). 100% linen used for facing, taken from scraps in my stash. I selected fabric that had sun fading since it would be used for a hidden facing...a great well-fibre practice and way to use up damaged fabric and scraps!
Modifications: I sized down one size for this top. Due to fabric restrictions, I brought in the side seams by 1/2 inch and created a more boxy affect by straightening out the hem and shortening. The back piece was sewn with a middle seam (it calls to be cut on the fold) since I used the front panels of the thrifted jacket to create the cami. I also chose to do a 1 inch bottom hem to give the top more weight and a slight cropped look.
Styling & Versatility: I wore this top layered over a pair of linen pants for a transitional Fall look. I could also see myself throwing a white t-shirt underneath for added warmth (and a slight 90's vibe). I kept the length long enough to be paired with a high-waisted skirt. Looking for versatility in each garment I make is highly important to me as I curate a self-sewn closet and continue to work toward a capsule wardrobe.
Overal Review: This pattern is a quick sew and a great one for an advanced beginner. The straps and facing add a little bit of a fun challenge. This was my first time under stitching and I love the affect it has in keeping the facing hidden. I can see myself making more of these camis in the future. A great staple pattern and one that can be easily made with second hand fabric since it doesn't require much!

Here is the jacket in its original form. I was drawn the the colors and pattern of the fabric as well as the fact that it had large pieces to work with. The zipper was set aside for future use! It's a great heavy zipper.