megan nielsen

The Quest for Dresses

The Quest for Dresses

I keep looking in my closet for a dress to wear and find myself hating everything. Everything!! I addressed the issue somewhat with my fall sewing plans with my two versions of the Inari Tee Dress but I’m still not satisfied. I’d like to be able to open my closet, see a row of options and want to wear all of them right now.

There are a few requirements for the perfect everyday dress. First the dress needs to fit my body. Last year I got rid of a lot of the dresses that no longer fit as well as they used to (I lost some weight over the last few years which means a lot of my handmade things became too big). Second, I need to feel comfortable wearing it. It shouldn’t be too flashy or too revealing and it needs to play well with the other things in my wardrobe. 

Here are the top 5 dress patterns that I plan on adding to my wardrobe this year. I've made a few of them and a couple I've yet to try. Read on for all the details!

My 5 Favorite Easy Sewing Patterns

The patterns I love the most are the ones that I can use over and over again. The ones that are as easy to stitch up quickly as they are to wear. These are the patterns that I think of when I have a bit of fabric leftover or need something quick to make. And if they’re versatile, I love them even more. Looking at this roundup, you can practically build your whole wardrobe with these patterns. What are your go-to easy sewing patterns?

1. Built by Wendy Knit Skirt
I have made at least five of these skirts. They take about an hour to make and are super comfortable and flattering to wear. The pattern is from the book Sew U Home Stretch. Check out a couple of my versions here and here.

2. Hudson Pants
The Hudson Pants pattern by True Bias is so versatile and comfortable. I've sewn two pairs in knit and at least three in woven fabric. It's a great addition to any wardrobe. Check out one of my knits here and woven here

3. Linden Sweatshirt
The Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio is just one of those perfect basics. I didn't realize how much I'd like it until I actually sewed it up, tried it on and then refused to take it off for the next 3 months. ;) But for reals, I've made four of these babies. Check out a long sleeve here and short sleeve here. While you're at it, check out my roundup of 8 ways to hack it

4. Eucalypt Dress/Tank
The Eucalypt Dress/Tank by Megan Nielsen is a great easy to sew basic with an optional front seam. It doesn't require zippers or buttons and has a super cool curved hem. I've only used this pattern a couple of times but I feel like every weekend it's the garment I want to be wearing and for some reason, it's always in the wash. Check out my chambray dress and knit tank

5. Nettie Bodysuit
The Nettie Bodysuit/Dress by Closet Case Files is so fun to wear and super easy to make. The elastic could be a little tricky to apply the first time but with a little practice, you can master it. I've made two bodysuits (here) and one dress from this pattern and can't wait to make more. The pattern has tons of options and I even made my own cap sleeve version (here and here).

I can't go without mentioning a few runners up: 

1. Ella Top by Liola Patterns
As soon as I made this top I knew it would be one of my favorite patterns. It's a great basic with a lovely back yoke and pleat. Check mine out here.

2. City Gym Shorts by Purl Bee
I've made a few versions of this in knit fabric and I love wearing them to sleep in, especially in these long summers when it's too hot for pants. They just take a few hours to sew and are super comfy. Plus the pattern is free! See my first version here. I recently made two more pairs!

3. Inari Tee Dress by Named Patterns
(I'll be sharing a version or two of this very soon.) It's a great basic cocoon dress with no zippers or buttons and enough details to be very cool and interesting.

4. Lou Box Top and Baseball Skirt by Sew DIY
I can't go without mentioning that my two patterns are also some of my most used. I have countless versions and wear them every week. They are designed for beginners making both of them great projects for first time garment sewists.

DIY Striped Panel Top

DIY Striped Panel Top

To go along with yesterday's post about stripes, I wanted to make a garment that used stripes in a playful way. I have lots and lots of knit striped fabric scraps in my stash. Not quite enough for a full garment but enough for part of a garment. Last year, I made a tank top with a print on the front and a solid on the back and I really love it, so I thought I'd try my hand at that again. I found a black and white stripe leftover from this top and some solid black knit leftover from this dress. On their own I didn't have enough for a full garment but together I had plenty. Don't you love it when things work out that way? It really is a great way to justify saving large scrap pieces!