The Woos & Woes of Sewing, Part 1: “Home Sewing is Easy”

Hello! We made it through the first week of the new year! I for one, already feel accomplished because I finished my first sew of the year, and it’s ready to wear!

I mentioned in my last post that I made a sewing resolution to use more interesting prints in my projects. I realized I wanted to do this because one day I was browsing through all my favorite fabric websites and kept “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” over so many pretty prints and patterns that I just needed to get my hands on! So what did I go and do?

I got my hands on them, of course!

The first print I got is one that has been around for a while, but I’ve only just discovered and fell completely in love with. The print is called “Home Sewing is Easy” by Alexander Henry. If you are a fellow sewist such as myself, you must get this print in your fabric collection as well. It is the perfect print for proclaiming your Love of All Things Sewing on whatever project you are working on. On a retro dress or garment respectively, this print is absolutely fabulous!

The print itself is taken directly from the images in the 50s comic book, Home Sewing is Easy by Sally Stitch. Back in the day, I remember that Modcloth had actual dresses for sale with this print on them:

“Sew it Like You Mean It” dress

“Sew it Would Seamstress” dress

When I got my fabric, I took a few minutes to read all the blocks before cutting into it, and they put a big smile on my face:

(Click/tap on images to enlarge)

For my dress, I knew I wanted to make something non-complicated and with simple lines and shape because I wanted to make sure the print took center stage. I immediately thought “shift dress.” I searched a few patterns and originally thought to use the Burda Style cap sleeve shift dress. I made a toile first, since I had no experience with the pattern or Burda Style itself and I’m so glad I did because I was less than happy with the fit and look. After a few more dissappointing pattern searches, it crossed my mind that this print would look super cute on the Lulu Dress by Sew Over It. I already had the pattern and made it before, and I knew it would fit me right. So that’s what I did and she turned out great!

I did make some alterations on this one. I added a narrow cuff on the sleeves to make them a bit longer (my left arm cuff is upside down. Shh! Don’t tell!) I shortened the hem by a lot because I’m short, and also because I wanted my shift dress to be a mini shift dress. My first Lulu still fits pretty well, but sadly, I fell victim to gaining a few Pandemic Pounds. So for this one, I played it safe and made my usual size, but shortened my seam allowance to 1/2″ instead of 5/8″, just to give the dress a teeny bit more wiggle room. The biggest alteration I made is to omit the keyhole neckline. It’s super cute, but again, I didn’t want to distract from the print, so out it went. I’m still able to fit it over my head with no problem.

This fabric is quilting cotton, but it doesn’t feel too stiff, which is nice. The Lulu lends itself well to stiffer fabric anyway. I like the large scale of this print and I’m glad I was able to get each image in full somewhere on the dress. I didn’t have to worry too much about yardage and pattern placement since I bought way more than I needed. I did make sure to have the “Home Sewing is Easy” strip in the center though. I definitely have enough fabric for smaller projects. Maybe some matching masks, a tote, or a new sewing machine cover will be cool.

So far, my 2022 Sewing Journey is off to a great start! I really love my dress and can’t wait to start wearing it! It’s still pretty cold out here, but I can get away with some leggings or tights and a cardigan or denim jacket over it. All I know is that if I do wear it out, it won’t be a secret how much of a joy it is to sew, that’s for sure! If I were to list what my Top “Woo-Hoo!” Moments In Sewing are, they would be:

• A perfectly fitted garment with no need for adjustment
• Neat stitches and clean seams and hems
• When my fabric arrives in the mail
• The sound of sharp scissors cutting into fabric
• Perfect pattern matching
• The overall feeling of pride and accomplishment after finishing a project

What are your Top Sewing Woos?

Stay tuned for Part Two of this post! This time we’ll be going over the Woes of Sewing with a new dress and another fabulous Alexander Henry sewing print. See ya then!

xoxo,