Review: New Dress a Day by Marisa Lynch

You probably know Marisa Lynch as the New Dress A Day chick, made famous by her blog where she chronicles a year of creating a new dress each day for a year, and doing it on a budget of a dollar a day.

Now she’s put together a book showing how you, too, can become a refashionista. It’s aptly named New Dress A Day: The Ultimate DIY guide to Creating Fashion Dos from Thrift-Store Don’ts.

What can I say? This book is utterly delightful. Her bubbly, engaging personality shines through from beginning to end. She is upbeat and conversational. Marisa is like your encouraging best friend or big sister, holding your hand and telling you the whole time that you can do it. You won’t need advanced sewing skills for any of them. In fact, there are a number of projects that don’t require sewing at all. (In one project, she shows how to use pack tape to put a quick and dirty hem on to a shortened dress.)

She avoids jargon and fancy words when explaining sewing concepts, and instead uses language that makes it easy to understand. In fact, I’ve already recommended this book to two friends of mine who claim they “can’t sew” or that sewing is “too hard”.

The book is divided into 19 chapters. Some focus on types of garments easily found in thrift stores (e.g., Muumuu Transformations, Tweaks on the Basics, and Bridesmaid Dresses). Others are focused on the types of garments you’ll end up with (e.g., DIY Black Tie, Costume Party, Transition Pieces, Two-Minute Tunics). Still others are organized around a technique (e.g., My BFF the Iron, I Dye!, Trimmings, and Boo-Boo Fixes.)

Favorite projects/techniques include:

Red, White, and Blue with Buttons, in which she shows how shortening a rather frumpy dress turns it into an awesome color blocked mini dress.

Asymmetrical Dress, in which she removes a shoulder from a thrifted dress to give it an asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder neckline.

M.O.B. Dress, in which she transforms a sequined mother-of-the-bride dress into a cute little sequined jacket.

And have I got a treat for you! Marisa will be guest posting here tomorrow. I’ve already seen the project she’s got for you, and all I can say is WOW. Be sure to check back to see what it is!!

Next Pattern:

Sewing Pattern Saturday is my weekly way of highlighting independent Etsy designers who are creating sewing patterns that are thoughtful, practical, and genuinely useful in everyday life. These reviews are written from a real sewist’s perspective, looking beyond the listing photos to how the pattern actually works, who it’s suited for, and whether it’s something you’d realistically make and use. It’s also about supporting small businesses on Etsy who are offering well-designed alternatives to mass-produced products.

This week’s feature is a DIY Reusable Period Pad Sewing Pattern, and it’s one of those patterns that quietly makes a lot of sense once you look a little closer.

First Impressions

At first glance, this pattern is very clear and purpose-driven. The shape is familiar, the design is straightforward, and everything about it feels intentional rather than overcomplicated. It’s not trying to be decorative or trendy. Instead, it focuses on comfort, practicality, and functionality, which is exactly what you want in a reusable period product.

The pattern includes multiple size options, which is a big plus. Being able to sew pads for different flow levels or personal preferences makes this pattern far more useful than a single-size design.

Practical Use & Everyday Wear

Reusable period pads are one of those handmade items that really earn their keep. Once you’ve made a few and figured out what works best for you, they become part of a routine rather than a novelty project.

This pattern is designed with everyday wear in mind. The shape looks comfortable and secure, and the snap placement makes them easy to use with regular underwear. They’re suitable for daytime use, overnight protection, or lighter flow days, depending on the size and fabric combination you choose.

They’re also discreet, washable, and reusable, which makes them appealing for anyone looking to reduce waste or save money over time.

Skill Level & Sewing Experience

This pattern is well suited to confident beginners and up.

You’ll want to be comfortable with:

Sewing curves
Layering fabrics accurately
Using a zigzag or stretch stitch
Installing snaps or fasteners

While the pieces are small, accuracy matters. Taking your time with cutting and stitching makes a big difference to comfort and durability. That said, this isn’t a difficult pattern, and it’s very manageable if you’ve sewn basic items before.

Instructions & Pattern Design

The pattern design is clean and practical, with clearly defined pieces and logical construction steps. This is the kind of pattern that becomes easier with each one you make. Once you’ve sewn your first pad, the rest come together quickly.

Because the pads are relatively small, it’s also a great project for using up fabric scraps, especially flannel, cotton, or absorbent layers you already have on hand.

Fabric Choices & Customisation

Fabric choice plays a big role in comfort and absorbency, and this pattern allows for plenty of flexibility. It works well with:

Cotton or flannel for the top layer
Absorbent cores like bamboo or terry
Waterproof or water-resistant backing if preferred

You can easily customise thickness, absorbency, and size to suit your needs. It’s also a nice pattern to personalise with colours or prints that feel calm and comfortable rather than clinical.

Finished Result & Long-Term Use

Once finished, these pads feel sturdy, reusable, and genuinely practical. They’re the kind of handmade item that doesn’t sit in a drawer unused. Instead, they quietly become part of your routine.

They also wash well when sewn carefully, which is essential for something designed to be used again and again.

Is This Sewing Pattern Worth Making?

If you’re looking for a reusable period pad sewing pattern that is straightforward, customisable, and genuinely useful, this one is a solid choice. It’s practical, well thought out, and ideal for anyone wanting to sew eco-friendly alternatives for everyday life.

This DIY Period Pad Sewing Pattern fits perfectly into Sewing Pattern Saturday. It’s not flashy, but it’s meaningful, functional, and exactly the kind of project that shows how powerful handmade sewing can be.

Pattern name: DIY Reusable Period Pad Sewing Pattern
Available on: Etsy
Best suited to: Confident beginners and intermediate sewists interested in eco-friendly sewing projects.