Crafty Girl: Whitney's Nautical Dress

Good morning everyone! I have a special Monday treat for you all! Remember last week when I wrote about showcasing more of your projects and ideas on Deviantly Domesticated? Well...I'm kicking off this week by doing just that, with a little help from my friend, Whitney.

I spotted this ADORABLE dress that Whitney made on her blog a couple weeks ago, and knew you all would love it too! Here are her thoughts on the project:

How long have you been sewing?
I actually only started sewing about 2 years ago. When I lived in Colorado I had a job that required me to be creative a minimum of 8 hrs a day so I didn't seek out any additional projects. It wasn't until we moved to Oregon and I took a job outside the design field that I required a creative outlet. I grew up with a mother that sewed 99% of all my dresses until I was in the 6th grade, I'm talking years of matching mother/daughter Easter dresses, so sewing seemed like the natural choice. I decided to take a beginner sewing class to learn the basics, bought myself a machine for $100, and the rest is history. I feel like sewing is really making a comeback and it couldn't have made a grander re-entrance.....seriously have you seen such amazing fabric choices & patterns???

Tell us a little bit about this project:
This project was inspired by a dress that kept popping up all over my Google Reader. Every time I saw it I thought "I could make that" so I decided that is exactly what I would do. I used a $6 tank top from Old Navy and a red stretch cotton from JoAnn Fabric for the skirt and sash. The entire dress cost a grand total of $12 and only took a couple hours to finish. I think this type of project is perfect for beginner sewers because you really only need a simple skirt pattern and a store bought top.

What are you working on now?
I'm currently working on a dress that I mangled on my first try. I decided to stray from the pattern the first go-around and things didn't end up so pretty. This time I'm following the pattern which is making my life a lot easier. When that's done I'm planning on making myself a half-dozen rompers for the summer.......they are going to be my summer staple.

What advice would you give to beginners?
I have 3 suggestions for beginners:
1. Save perfection for the professionals. If you're sewing a bag and you put something in the bag and it doesn't fall out......consider it a victory.
2. Take a beginner's class. These classes will teach you how your machine works along with basic stitches and sewing techniques.
3. Make stuff for other people. Nothing makes me happier then to finish a project and send it to someone else to enjoy. {Since I'm on the topic of giving, if you absolutely hate how a project turns out send it to your parents or grandparents......they are required to love everything you create.}

Thank you, Whitney, for sharing! What do you all think of her dress? Submit your lavish praise below:)

DO YOU have a project that you'd like to share as part of the Crafty Girl series? Send me an email today at shillberry@stephaniehillberry.com!
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