The Sara Project

This post is sponsored by Baby Lock, and I am currently a Baby Lock Ambassador.

I just finished sewing up my All Well Box Top Summer Dress using my Baby Lock Brilliant sewing machine, and it is oh so perfect. Although, it took me quite some time to plan out this project. I picked up this gorgeous mod floral fabric a few months ago but couldn’t quite pinpoint what it needed to be. It got me thinking about the whole process of the planning phase of a sewing project. I thought I would share some of my tips with you here in this post. I’ll also share details of my newest summer make at the end of this post.

Tips for Planning a Sewing Project!

Where do you start with a project?

• Seek inspiration! First and foremost, you need to figure out what to make. Is there something you feel super inspired by? For example, a sewing pattern, a RTW garment from a store, a special event you have coming up? Pinterest is always a great resource too. I also love searching some of my favorite stores for ideas, such as Madewell. Another great way to figure out what to make is to notice where there may be gaps in your wardrobe, and filling it in with handmade pieces you know you’ll wear and love.

• Pattern or Fabric first? I definitely go back and forth on this one, but typically I pick a pattern first. I feel like it’s easier for me to choose a fabric that goes with the vibe of the pattern and put an idea together for the project. Very rarely do I buy fabric with no plans- it tends to sit in my stash for a while until I figure out what to do with it. So my tip would be to start with a pattern you like!

Where can I find patterns?

• My most favorite online data base for patterns is The Fold Line! They are constantly updating and adding the latest pattern releases. They also have a search bar where you can look up specific garment types you are looking for.
• I also find patterns while exploring instagram. I have a saved folder just for patterns that I come across and find interesting and inspiring. I also love looking at a pattern’s hashtag on Instagram to study how the pattern fits different body types, and how it looks in different types of fabric. You can also simply google the pattern name and find pattern reviews from other sewists on the web.

Fabric!

• Make sure to pick a fabric that works with your pattern. Most patterns offer suggested fabrics, make sure to take a look at that and keep it in mind as you are choosing a fabric for your project.
• There are so many amazing fabric shops online! A few of my favorites are Blackbird Fabrics, Fabric God Mother, I see Fabric, Stash Fabric, Style Maker Fabrics, Measure Fabrics, and so many others!
• You can also find great fabric options at some of the local craft stores like Joann and Hobby Lobby. Some sewists also thrift fabric from second hand stores, or repurpose an old bed sheet or table cloth. I also love Harmony, a little shop in Provo, UT.

Draw it out!

• Once I’ve got my pattern and fabric picked out, I love getting my idea down on paper to really think through the technicality, pattern adjustments needed, and style of the finished project. I’ve really enjoyed using my Fashionary journal. It has female figures pre-drawn in the book and I just do a quick sketch of the project, write down what pattern I’m using and glue a little piece of the fabric in for fun. It’s nice to look back on my past projects, and so helpful to get the idea out of my head and onto paper.

From this point you are nearly there! Now it’s time to carve out some time, collect any needed notions, make any pattern alterations needed, prewash your fabric, cut out your project pieces and sew it all together!

I really love the project planning process, and being able to create one of a kind garment pieces to add to my wardrobe. Take your time, and if it doesn’t feel right keep brainstorming until it comes together!

All Well Box Top Summer Dress Review

Back to this dress! I’ve had this fabric for a few months. For a while it was going to be a blouse, but that didn’t feel quite right. Then I decided it could be a really cute button down shirt dress, but that also didn’t feel right. I love this mod floral pattern and kept picturing a loose mumu style dress for summer. After doing some thinking I finally came to the All Well Box Top pattern I recently used earlier this year. You can see it here. I love this pattern because it provides so many different style options. It’s also very beginner friendly!

I made a few alterations using the basic box top pattern. I used size 1. I cut the bodice at the “cut here for ruffled top” point. I also extended the sleeves out by 1″. Then I added a gathered skirt piece, (to make this I used the ruffle extension pattern piece and added my preferred length). I also created cuffs and followed the pattern directions to construct those. Directions for the cuff pattern piece and construction can be found in the box top pattern guide. I also brought the neckline in about 1/2″ along the shoulder/neckline as shown below.

For this project I used my Baby Lock Brilliant sewing machine and my Baby Lock Celebrate serger. I’ve been using both machines a few years now and I’m a huge fan!!

I took this dress out for a spin yesterday and I loved wearing it all day long. It was wonderful for church, a walk to the park, cleaning my house for dinner guests, etc. I planned for it to be an everyday dress that I could dress up or dress down. It’s perfection.

I hope you can find these project planning tips helpful and happy sewing!