Sewing

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A few of my favorite (sewing) things

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I am so excited to be Craft Gossip’s new Sewing Editor! I’ve been sewing for over 20 years and am just ecstatic over the resurgence of this fabulous craft.

As a Sewing Instructor and avid sewer, I am always on the lookout for fun new sewing accessories and notions that make creating easier or at the very least, more fun.

These are a few of my favorite Sewing things….

Cool commercial Sewing patterns- once a young sewer’s dream is now so much easier to come by. Thanks to Simplicity and the hip creations of designer Wendy Mullins, Built By Wendy patterns are fashion-forward, come with easy to understand instructions and are very easily modified for a custom fit.

What better way to quickly add pizazz to a shirt or jacket than with gorgeous vintage buttons. The Button Emporium in Portland, OR has a dizzying array of beautiful buttons and ribbons. You can purchase items online through their website but if you are ever in the Portland area I recommend a trip to the store- you will be seriously delighted!

The sewing accessory that gets the most use in my studio is definitely my pincushion.

Sew Dorky has managed to take a sewing necessity and make it absolutely adorable! After seeing these why would you ever want to use a standard run of the mill cushion again?

And if all else fails and you just don’t feel like sewing, why not watch someone else do it! The hit TV series Project Runway is not only addictive, it is also super inspiring. Definitely one of my favorite Sewing things!

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Sewing Pattern – Simple Shift Dress

Are you looking to make your first dress or just craving a quick, stylish sewing project? The Simple Shift Dress tutorial from Sew Essential is the perfect starting point! This tutorial walks you through each step of the process, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned sewers looking for a no-fuss yet fashionable creation. Shift dresses are known for their timeless design and flattering shape, making them a wardrobe staple for many. Whether you’re preparing for a casual outing or a special event, this dress can be made to suit any occasion.

What makes this project so beginner-friendly? The instructions are clear, straightforward, and easy to follow. Plus, the pattern is simple, so you don’t need advanced sewing skills to create a stunning dress that looks professionally made. The straight lines and minimal shaping allow for a great deal of customization, so you can tweak the design to fit your personal taste, whether by experimenting with different fabrics or adding fun details like pockets, a belt, or a decorative hem.

For a more comfortable and tailored fit, you can also adjust the sleeve length, neckline, or hemline to suit the season or your style preferences. This shift dress pattern is incredibly versatile, offering you a broad canvas to explore your creativity in garment sewing.

And if you’re wondering about fabric, this project works beautifully with a variety of materials! Lightweight cotton, linen, jersey, or even a heavier fabric for cooler months—this shift dress can adapt to different textures and colors to create a unique piece that reflects your personality.

So, if you’re eager to enhance your sewing skills with a dress that’s both simple and stylish, be sure to check out Sew Essential’s Simple Shift Dress tutorial. This project is sure to build your confidence in dressmaking while delivering a stunning end result you’ll want to wear again and again! Happy sewing!

Free pattern: Simply Shift Dress

Sewing Pattern Tutorial: Scalloped shift dress

Shift dress pattern, linen dress pattern, PDF sewing patterns

Tutorial: Mod Shift Dress for little girls