• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Skirts
  • Tops
  • Pants
  • Coats
  • Hats
  • Q&A
  • Sewing Tips

C Sews

Welcome to my sewing blog, where you'll find tips, patterns, fabric, fashion, and hats!

  • Home
  • Skirts
  • Tops
  • Dresses
  • Pants
  • Coats
  • Hats
  • Q&A
  • Sewing Tips
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Sewing Contests – Updated 2/18/2013

February 18, 2013 By Chuleenan 2 Comments

I’ve never entered any sewing contests before but I hope to enter my first one this year – the BurdaStyle Vintage Modern Sewing Contest. It’ll help me keep to my sewing resolution – to make, not buy clothes this year.

I decided that if I’m going to make something for a contest, it needed to meet the following criteria: 1. I would be making something I would wear; 2. the garment would use fabric from my stash; and 3.  I would gain more sewing skills.

To help me decide, I flipped through the book BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern, looking at the designs and the recommended fabrics. I wanted something that would be relatively easy to make, allow for some creativity, and use my stash. (When the contest was first announced last month, the deadline was in early February so I needed to make sure I’d have enough time to make something. The deadline is now February 15 – yay more time!)

Clockwise from top left: cotton voile, cotton sateen, wool crepe, denim

Clockwise from top left: a pretty cotton voile, cotton sateen, “plaid” wool crepe, denim (really a dark denim, not grey)

I saw that some dresses used silk charmeuse so I crossed those off my list (only silk I have on hand is velvet or sheer, no charmeuse). But there were a few garments that would use some of my stash: a top (cotton voile), a 1950s dress (cotton sateen), 1960s dress (wool crepe), and a cool pair of bell-bottom pants (cotton denim).

At first I thought I would tackle the pretty top, which has a really nice lace detail. But it does require some pattern making. You use the bodice from a dress pattern in the book and then make several adjustments, following the step-by-step instructions, to make the pattern. (To read more about the book, check out my interview with its author Jamie Lau.)

I did start drafting it but then I decided I didn’t have enough time to complete that pattern, make a muslin to check the fit, etc. I don’t have any experience with pattern drafting – the most I’ve done with a pattern is take a vintage pattern and grade it up a size.

So decided to switch to the Jamie Shift Dress – a 1960s style dress with simple lines. I went to Loehmann’s and tried on a couple sleeveless shift dresses to see if that style would suit my figure. (The store is a block from my office and they have plenty of designer duds.) Most of them looked OK but the necklines on some of them didn’t look so great because of my broad shoulders. But I thought I could make it work.

I traced the pattern for the Jamie Shift Dress a couple weeks ago. Before I cut the muslin, I adjusted the waist a size smaller, which is what I usually need to do with patterns. (Depending on my mood, I view that as: A. my waist is too small for my hips or B. my hips are too big for my waist – at least according to so-called standard sizes.)

I have this very nice wool crepe with a black-and-white plaid pattern on it (see photo above). And I got very excited about making the dress half plaid and half solid black. I also decided that I would line it instead of using a facing. I would just use the pattern from the dress to make the lining.

Though I already have some black wool crepe it seemed like it was of a lesser weight than the plaid so I splurged and went to Britex Fabrics and bought a remnant of solid black imported from Italy (with imported prices too!).

MuslinLast weekend I put together a muslin – complete with invisible zipper and lining. However when I tried my muslin on, I was kinda swimming in it and it dawned on me that it’s really a style more suited to a thin person with no hips (uh, so not me). Some of the dresses I tried on at Loehmann’s had darts in them, which I should have remembered. (sigh) this dress only has bust darts, no curves.

Nevertheless, I really like the idea of color blocking so I want to make it work. I’m in the midst of adjusting the pattern to make it curve more to my body instead of being so straight up and down.

I also used some of the black wool crepe (not the expensive Italian remnant from Britex) in my stash to make a second muslin with an adjusted neckline – more of a boatneck showing all of my collarbone. I also wanted to practice sewing the invisible zipper and see what problems I could have with lining it. I’ve only lined vests and a jacket. I tried bemberg lining and no facing to see how that would work.

The problem is that I can’t understitch all the way around the neckline and because wool crepe has such a drape to it, you can tell where the understitching ends. I’ve been contemplating using a facing and lining, using a lining that’s closer in weight to the crepe, or using the facing pattern to cut out some interfacing and attach that to the lining.

On Twitter, @bydaiyami of Sisters Are Making It For Themselves told me “Facing+lining probably the official way. Lining has to drape similarly, but no need for same weight, IMO.” @Tantisis  of Tanit-Isis Sews agreed and added “Although I far prefer sewing a heavier lining. Facing will keep the lining from showing at the arms, too.”

@bydaiyami also suggested that I check out a Threads article on quick lining, which you can find here. After reading that article I think I’ll go with facing and lining – just sew the facing on the lining.

Now I need to draft a pattern that curves more and has back and front darts.

Napkin sketchI made these sketches on a napkin at dinner last night – trying to keep the ’60s flavor but make it curve more.  If it doesn’t work out, my backup plan is to make the Elizabeth Gathered-Waist Dress, which is more suited to my body.

Have you ever entered any sewing contests? What was that experience like? Did you like it? Love it Hate it?

UPDATE 2/18/2013 — I decided I didn’t have enough time to make modifications to the Jamie Shift Dress in order to finish a garment by my deadline of February 9. I gave myself that deadline because I found a photographer willing to photograph me in exchange for a garment I would make for her. I did make the Elizabeth Gathered-Waist Dress, which worked out really well. I made a few modification, which you can read about in my contest entry here.

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: @bydaiyami, @TanitIsis, bemberg lining, BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern, fabric stash, Jamie Lau, sewing contests, Sisters Are Making It For Themselves, Tani-Isis Sews, Threads magazine, wool crepe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tanit-Isis says

    February 4, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Good luck! I got that book for Christmas but haven’t tried anything yet. I made a shift dress at Xmas time with back darts and got some pretty decent shape with them, they shouldn’t be too hard to add. Although I have the exact opposite of the “hips to big for my waist” problem… 😉

    Have fun!

    Loading...
    Reply
    • Chuleenan says

      February 4, 2013 at 11:08 pm

      Thanks! I think I’ll also make a variation on the Elizabeth dress from the book as my backup in case I can’t get the to look right.

      Loading...
      Reply

Comments, tips, or suggestions? I'd love to hear from you!Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

I love sewing, fabric, and hats and meeting people who sew! I've been blogging since 2011 and organizing monthly sewing meetups since 2014.

Join My List

POPULAR POSTS

Text: 2022 Sewing Pattenr Height Chart with illustrations of 8 women of different body shapes and heights

Sewing pattern height – a chart – 2022 update

My tenth blogversary!

Black woman with glasses and dreadlocks wearing ivory sweater

Q&A with Olgalyn of O! Jolly! + sweater knit kit winner!

Basic Black book cover

Basic Black Book Review and Giveaway!

Search

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

Footer

join my list

join my list
Day 8 of Me Made May - what I wore to work today. Day 8 of Me Made May - what I wore to work today.

I’m not documenting everyday, which is not a requirement of participating in Me Made May anyway - in case you were wondering. Some days I just don’t have time or don’t feel like taking a photo.

Here are the deets:
#PatinaBlouse @fridaypatterncompany in a linen I got from @moodfabrics during a work trip to NYC. I used snaps instead of buttons.

#LaraSkirt @just_patterns - left off the back pleats and added a tie to make an adjustable waist. See 3rd pic for back detail. Fabric from @britexfabrics 

I also wore my #JPChristyCardigan again. It goes well with this ensemble.
 

#MeMadeMay #MeMadeMay2025 #MeMadeMayEveryday #HandmadeWardrobe #BayAreaSewists #BayAreaSewistsMay #SewOver50 #SewOver50May #MadeWithMood #MadeWithBritex
#MeMadeMay25 - Today’s ensemble - Dew Dress by @ #MeMadeMay25 - Today’s ensemble - Dew Dress by @fridaypatterncompany and one of my favorite Pilvi Coats.
✨
The fabric for the #DewDress is from upstairs at @stonemountainfabric 
💛
The #PilviCoat fabric was from @britexfabrics before they moved to their current SF location.

#BayAreaSewistsMay #SewOver50 #SewOver50May #MeMadeWardrobe #MeMadeMay  #YellowDress #FPCMeMadeMay
I made the Christy Cardigan and another Cuff Top i I made the Christy Cardigan and another Cuff Top in April.

As soon as I saw @just_patterns #JPChristyCardigan I had to make it. 

I love the sleeves and I had this wool sweater knit fabric in my stash. The buttons are from @stonemountainfabric 

I got the pattern printed at @studiosessions.sewing so I could get going on it right away. 

Then I made the @theassemblylineshop #TALCuffTop last Sunday for #SewAprilBlouse25 and to wear to a work event in DC last Tuesday. 

Due to time constraints, I went with the Cuff Top, which I’ve made multiple times. I only had a little over a yard so I cropped it. And because it was going to be in the 80s (~27 C), I went with narrow elastic (1 cm). Wide elastic at the cuffs can get sweaty. I whipped it together in 2.5 hours.

I finally took photos yesterday. 

Also wearing @naughtybobbinpatterns Palazzo Pants in a linen rayon blend from @metrotextilesnyc. The other fabrics have been in my stash for so long I can’t remember where I got them. 

This is my first post for #MeMadeMay2025

#MeMade #MeMadeMay #SewOver50 #SewOver50May #SewnShownSeated
I’m happy to say that I brought a bag full of fa I’m happy to say that I brought a bag full of fabric and didn’t take NOT take any home. Mission accomplished! 🤗

✨ I organized this @bayareasewists Fabric Swap + Sewcial - which took place earlier today. You can see more in the #BayAreaSewists Reel. 

✨There was so much fabric but remarkably, only one table of leftover fabric, which w donated to the Berkeley Public Library for their sewing circle. 

Plenty of fabric went to new homes. Yay! 

I’m wearing the #AntheaBlouse (sleeve fabric is from a previous Bay Area Sewists event, the solid fabric is a Japanese cotton lawn from @stonemountainfabric purchased last year (I think). Palazzo pants (linen-rayon blend from @metrofabrics) are a @naughtybobbinpatterns pattern. I used the Anthea sleeves on my @carolyncassiepatternco Perth Blouse (see previous post) - and the same fabric combo.

Thanks to Bernice(@sewbee73) for taking my photo! 🤳

#BayAreaSewists #BayAreaSewistsApril #FabricSwap #Destash #SewingMeetup #SewOver50 #SewOver50Apr
Went to my first quilt show today and met @entropy Went to my first quilt show today and met @entropyalwayswins!

💙 Hillary is giving talks about her quilts twice a day (11:30 am and 2:30 pm). So great to hear the background of her quilts. 

💙 The #SFQuiltShow organized by @sfquiltersguild is on display through Saturday.

🪡 All of the quilts are Hillary’s except the last one. So great to meet you Hillary!

#SFQuiltersGuild #SewOver50 #SewOver50Mar
I made bracelets to match my Dew Dress with leftov I made bracelets to match my Dew Dress with leftover scraps!🤗

This idea is from the book Alabama Sewing + Design. Just take strips of jersey and make knots - and that’s it!

💛The Dew Dress is the second yellow garment I’ve ever made. It’s usually a color I avoid but not anymore! This dress is a really quick sew once you cut everything out.

Stay tuned for photos of the dress, which I wore to work earlier this week. 

💛Fabric from @stonemountainfabric upstairs.

#BayAreaSewists #BayAreaSewistsMarch #ScrapBuster #MeMade #Cousumain #SewOver50 #SewOver50Mar
Here are photos of my @CarolynAndCassie Perth Blou Here are photos of my @CarolynAndCassie Perth Blouse with sleeves from the @AnnaAllenClothing Anthea Blouse and my @AnneTilley.Patterns  Magic Pants 
🤸🏽🤸🏿🤸🏻
I made the blouse last month (see previous post for a closer look) and finished the pants last weekend. I took these photos on Monday before I left for work.
🩷
The pants are my February No Frills entry for #MagamSewalong hosted by @yogabyrdsews @suestoney and @sewing_in_spain !
I really needed some basic black pants and decided to try this pattern. I didn’t make a muslin - gasp - because they have a hidden expandable panel in front. So I decided to take my chances.
🖤
I shopped my stash and used a medium-weight wool fabric. The pattern is designed for linen so maybe that wasn’t the best choice as these are high-waisted pants and the wool is a little itchy. But I can wear them in the spring, fall, and winter in the Bay Area so I will get a lot of wear from them. I need to tweak the back a little but otherwise, they fit quite well!
🩶
Note on blouse fabric: I got the solid cotton lawn from @stonemountainfabric last year. The Liberty print was from a Bay Areas Sewists event several years ago.
.
.
.
#MagamNoFrillsFebruary #SewOver50Feb #SewOver50 #SewYourStash #BayAreaSewists #BayAreaSewistsFebruary  #DopamineDressing
My entry for #MagamJazzyJanuary - the Perth Top by My entry for #MagamJazzyJanuary - the Perth Top by @carolyncassiepatternco - in this beautiful Liberty print I got at a @bayareasewists meetup several years ago and a Japanese cotton lawn from @stonemountainfabric that a year or so ago. 
🤎
I used both fabrics to make two blouses. The other one is the Anthea Blouse. I wanted to wear one of them to a jazz concert I attended last night. So that’s really the only Jazz connection - other than the beautiful French button that’s been in my stash. It evokes Art Nouveau - so maybe that’s also jazzy? It was from a sample button card that a wholesaler gave me. I had three different sizes of this metallic maroon and also in metallic blue and green. 
❤️
I was hand hemming this top 30 minutes before we left for the concert. 😆 It’s been raining so I’ll take photos of both tops when the weather clears.
⛅️
Thank you to @suestoney @sewing_in_spain and @new_by_helen for hosting January’s #MagamSewalong 
.
.
.

#Magam #BayAreaSewistsJan #SewOver50Feb #SewYourStash #BayAreaSewists #LibertyFabrics #TanaLawn #SewThePrecious
Ohhh - happy mail day! Finally spent my @juliaalli Ohhh - happy mail day! Finally spent my @juliaallissoncost gift cards (present from 2 of my sisters) and got the Blue Bouquet in corduroy (3 yds) and cotton poplin (a little over a yard)!
💙
Now I have the fun challenge of deciding what to make with these lovelies!
❤️
I’m pondering pants or skirt and a top. Any pattern ideas?
🤗
.
.
.
#FabricLove #juliaallissoncosttextiles #CorduroyFabric #FloralFabric #SewOver50 #SewOver50Jan #BayAreaSewistsJan #HappyMailDay
My entry for #MagamDopamineDecember - a top using My entry for #MagamDopamineDecember - a top using the T- Shirt Dress pattern from the Nani Iro Sewing Studio book using Nani Iro double gauze. I lengthened the sleeves to the selvedge. I didn’t have enough fabric to make the dress so I made the top. I had to piece together four strips of fabric to make the bias tape for the neckline.
💙
You have to add seam allowance to this pattern so I added 5/8 SA so I could sew French seams. Double gauze frays and is somewhat delicate.
💙
In the second photo, I’m wearing my #MNHovea made from prequilted Nani Iro double gauze from @stonemountainfabric - the tee fabric is also from Stonemountain. The Mimosa Culottes pattern was re-released by @namedclothing earlier this year. I made these back in 2017. The cap is self-drafted. 
💙
Double gauze is super soft and comfy - but annoying to sew because I had to baste all my hems before sewing. See previous post for hem photo.
🪡
The dress pattern is boxy. The Basic Blouse pattern from the book is a little tapered. Maybe I should have used that pattern. But this used nearly all of my fabric so that’s OK. 
💙
Thanks to @suestoney @sewing_in_spain and @hportemanteau for hosting! Happy new year everyone!
🥳
.
.
.
#magam #magamsewalong #SewOver50December24 #BayAreaSewists #BayAreaSews #NaniIroFabric #ShownSewnSeated #SewThePrecious #SewYourStash

Copyright © 2025 · C Sews · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept,” you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d