Color Block Little Girl's Dress

Turn White Clothes Into Custom Garments!

When I noticed a girl's white sweatshirt on sale that had a little stain, I decided to buy it. A lot of people can relate to the problem of going store to store in hopes of buying something that they are looking for in terms of color, size, or price, and not being satisfied. I thought the price was right, and after being the subject of a project, it's now dyed and decorated the way I like.

The pictures above show the melting process throughout a 24 hour period.



Garment after dyeing, and washing.

 

If you are satisfied with the dyeing result, this could be when you stop the design. I, however, decided to go further and add a pattern to further add another pattern to the garment. If you wish to add more pattern too, place a span of lace or any other fabric that has holes and spray fabric paint over it.














These supplies are used to create the final design. Use fabric crayons to trace shapes, to make them stand out.















This is the final look after I add glitter. Every little girl likes a little sparkle.


















This is a close-up view of the final design.

Simple Couture Techniques

You can create you're own couture using two simple techniques; applique, and double ruffle. Here are two examples; the vest and the skirt.

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

I have used two versions of appliques for this garment; this is the first and probably the most time consuming because you have to attach it to the garment using hand stitching.

This inserted applique is much easier to execute because you don't have to finish all of the edges, just simply insert it as shown in the above image.

I like to use this type of embellishment because it gives you the freedom to create a variety of floral designs by playing with the width and length of the ruffles. The finishing edges can be in contrasting colors or left unfinished to help create a unique look.You can draw an intricate pattern on your garment as a guideline and attach the ruffles to create a one-of-a-kind couture piece of clothing.

Happy Sewing! 

My Experience at the American Sewing Expo

     My friends introduced me to the annual American Sewing Expo in 2012 and I soon decided to enter the sewing contest "Passion for Fashion". If you have ever watched "Project Runway", the event is very similar, but only lasts two days.
     The challenge theme was 'Fashion Bugs Me', and I got the beautiful spider as my inspiration. My garment was chosen within the top six. I loved being around creative people and I finally had a chance to challenge myself to work under pressure.

The back detailing of my spider-inspired dress.

     I decided to come back next year, and I did.

     I entered in two contests in 2013; the 'Passion for Fashion' Sewing Contest in which I won first place! I took home a beautiful Symphony Sewing Machine and a French European dress form. I want to send a huge thank you to the sponsors Baby Lock and Fashion Supplies INC.

     The second contest I entered was 'Push the Envelope', in which I had to create something sewn with three colors of thread and a zipper. My entry was selected to tour on the trade show circuit as an outstanding use of the A&E thread.

 

 

     Thank you to my beautiful model, Kelsey, for being supportive and dedicated for two years in a row! I was lucky to have her, so thank you!

                                                  The complete view of the quilt.

Floral motifs created with fabric, thread, beads, and plastic.

 

              Floral motifs created with mesh poufs, chiffon and cotton fabric, thread, and beads.

 

                                    Floral motifs created with thread and fabric.


                                Floral motifs created with fabrics, yarn. thread, and plastic leaves.