One thing that has been repeatedly requested over the past several months is a sew-along. Now I admit, the idea is a bit daunting–and after participating in Gertie’s Lady Grey sew-along (well, still participating–I haven’t finished!), I’m not sure what I have to offer as far as a sew-along goes. (Her sew-along certain blew just about every other one out of the water as far as instruction went!) But you’ve requested it, so I’m happy to step out of my comfort zone and try something new! But I need your opinion as I’ve had requests for two different sew-alongs. If you wouldn’t mind, please take a moment to cast your vote below (and feel free to chime in with a comment!) as to which sew-along you’d be most interested in starting early 2011?
Swing Dress: We’d use the Sense and Sensibility swing dress pattern and go fabric selection, fitting tips, possible alterations to take the design a step further, and sewing. Plus I’d probably through in an inspiration post or two of similar dresses from the 40s. I think this would be suited to an ambitious beginner* or someone who has made at least a couple garments on up!
50s Circle Skirt: Using the instructions I posted, we’d cover fabric selection, design, alteration and embellishment ideas to customize your skirt, and sewing it from start to finish including techniques for hemming a circular hem. This would be suited best to a beginner* on up!
*By beginner I mean someone who at least has a working knowledge of their sewing equipment. I’m not planning on doing a complete “how to sew” course in these sew-alongs! Maybe at a later date though…
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So which sounds most interesting to you? I’ll leave this poll open during the holidays and we’ll see which one wins out in early January!
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I’m not really a sewist (my partner/boyfriend/fiancee does that in our household, so I have access to the equipment and support), but if you do the circle skirt I might just brave the sewing machine!
Oh absolutely the swing dress! I’ve been dying to make this since seeing all of your lovely versions!
Hmmmm… I must be either clairvoyant or hopeful, but I voted for the swing-dress & have just bought & downloaded the pattern
!
Ooh, another sewalong. I haven’t managed to take part in either of Gertie’s unfortunately, but if you saw your way to doing the Swing dress I’ll make a mighty effort to get my act together. I’ve been feeling keen to have a go at something with this sort of shaping for a while. I’ve loved all your versions of this dress, so fingers crossed. It’s very convenient that we can download the pattern from the S & S website, especially as I live in the UK
. Looking forward to it. Will have to starting gettting rid of my back log of started projects so I’m all clear.
I’d love to learn the Swing Dress as I adore the ones you’ve made so far, particuarly the latest version, but as a novice sewer (which I cannot stress enough) I was sorely tempted to vote for the circle skirt which I imagine to be infinately easier! But seriously, the Swing Dress wins hands down
I don’t sew at all (aside from basic hemming etc), but will be happy to read along with either project
I’m coming out of my lurking corner to say that I’d love to participate in the swing dress sew-along! I’m not a beginner, but I was contemplating making this dress for springtime, so it’d be fun to join a group
yes! happy day! Swing day away! oh happy day!! Com’in my way! Sorry, I had to make up a little song because I am so delighted about sewing with you!
darn, looks like the dress is going to win. been wanting to learn how to make a swing skirt for ages and this would of been the kick i need
I’m definitely a pseudo-beginner (I’ve made a skirt, but that’s it in terms of clothing), and that dress looks fabulous. A sew-along would be just what I need to really get going!
I’d love to do the swing dress. I’ve already made a circle skirt using your pattern and it turned out lovely. (See it here: http://star-spangledheart.blogspot.com/2010/10/floral-circle-skirt.html) I wouldn’t say no to another circle skirt, but maybe you could throw in something extra in the way of embellishment for those who feel up to it. I love the skirts from the magazine you shared, particularly the Laced and Lovely, but I’m pretty much terrible at picking fabrics for nicer garments.
I definitely vote for the Swing Dress. 1940s trumps the 1950s for me, fashion-wise!
the dress is great, but this girl’s on a budget, so i voted for the circle skirt.
i’m also a bit confused by the instructions on the circle skirt, a sew-a-long would be just the thing!!
I have been dying to make the swing dress. This would give me the perfect excuse to do it.
Why not do the Circle Skirt first – both as a tester for yourself and to allow beginners a chance to participate. Then, once everyone has that under their belts, you could offer the Swing Dress?
The swing dress sounds ‘more interesting’ but may put nervous/rusty sewers off.
Which ever you decide I am sure it will go down very well
Ooh cool! I’ve had plans to do both things, just haven’t gotten to them. (Have you been in my head lately!)… I don’t think I can decide so I’ll vote for both. :>
Definitely the 40s dress I hope it wins.
Wow! It just so happens that the blogs I follow have all decided to host sew-alongs and it got me thinking (literally just days ago) how great it’d be if you hosted one as well since you have such great skill and style. So then I see this post – what timing! I voted for the swing dress, but would be happy with either
I voted for the circle skirt, because I need help with a circular hem!
i would love a sew-along for the circle skirt, as it doesn’t require the purchase of a pattern! for the money-strapped sewist, that would be a nice change.
ideally, you should do both! first the circle skirt, as it would be a great intro for people who haven’t sewn much before, and a bit later the dress pattern, to step up the skill level a bit…. that’s a lot for you, though – so whatever you decide will be wonderful
It seems sew-alongs are all the rage, and I can’t complain. It’s such a great idea getting everyone together on the same project and sharing our tips and thoughts.
I loved your latest swing dress and I was inspired to make one myself. So if it wins, it’ll be the perfect sewalong. Your fabric was amazing also.
This is a great idea and thank you for being willing to give sewing instruction along the way! I like the Swing Dress the best. It’s more versatile and you can dress it up or down. Plus, I’ve been wanting to make this pattern for awhile now.
I hope the swing dress wins. Such a beautiful dress!
I would love to join. Which ever you decide I will be making it for my daughter. I think the idea of starting with the skirt makes sense for people who aren’t as experienced in sewing.
Looking forward to participating.
Yay! Thanks, Casey! I voted (for the dress
, but I’ll definitely be participating either way.
I don’t know if I’ll have it in my budget to participate, but I’ll definitely follow along!
I went with the 50′s skirt only because I am TERRIBLE at hemming circle skirts. I can’t do it for the life of me! So it would be cool to get the know-how on that.
- Lauren
I’m excited! Can’t wait to get started
Circle skirt! Circle skirt! Maybe you will have to do both
.
I’m so excited you’re doing a sew-along! I wasn’t able to participate with the Lady Grey sew-along, so this will be fun.
I cast my vote!
Another sew-along I’d love to see are the 40′s trousers from Wearing History – I have some red wool gabardine I’d like to make up in that style but I’m scared!
This sounds like sooo much fun! Honestly, either project would be fine, though I voted for the 1950s circle skirt, just because I tend to wear more skirts than dresses.
I am so excited for this! I, like quite a few others, really hope to do the swing dress! I’ve never done such a large project, but with the guidance of a sew-along I think I could! The circle skirt would be nice also, but there seems to be a lot of tutorials out there already. That’s how I made my first circle skirt. I youtube-d a video! :] Either way I can’t wait!
Hi Casey
I voted for the swing dress as I made the circle skirt this year. I love the circle skirt but it’s just not the most flattering item I have ever sewn – I can wear it with high heels and a fitting top but I haven’t worn it as much as I thought. I have the swing dress pattern (as you know) and I’ve been meaning to sew it for ever so a sew along would be amazing – please, pretty please do the swing dress : )
I wanted to make the circle skirt since you first posted the pattern but couldn’t because the waist measurement is only up to 30″. If you do choose the circle skirt for the sew-along, is there any way you could include instructions on how to accommodate waist measurements over 30″? if not that’s ok
i still enjoy reading about these sew-alongs
The dress for sure! This really sounds fun!
I am so in for sewing the swing dress!!
And just out of curiosity, did you make the blue dress you wore in the “done up like a present – 50s headband” post? It was sooo gorgeous!! If you could share the pattern name I would be elated!
I vote for the dress, but like the others I will happily follow along with either. Do know when you will make your decision? Only reason I ask is if it will be the dress I will need to buy the pattern before I leave the country again (mail is terribly slow in Italy). But no pressure
I’m voting circle skirt because I think the vast variety of results on a simple design will be even more fun! The more seasoned sewers can take it up a notch with embellishments or petticoats even.
But the swing dress is lovely of course, I feel I already steal so much inspiration from you!
The swing dress is gorgeous, so I’ve voted for this, but that’s a bit selfish of me as I’m sure there are loads of beginners or people who need the impetus to get started sewing who could be really tempted to start if you did the circle skirt. Could you do that in the first half of the year, and the swing dress later on?
I would need more help with the swing dress so I voted for that. I also think it is so lovely!
I voted for the skirt, not because of the skill level, but because a circle skirt (or 3) would be so much more versatile in my work wardrobe. I’ve sewn a circle skirt, but never really spent much time on nice finishing, and lining. And then there are the different ways to cut a circle skit so the bias/and or pattern hangs the way you want.
I just think the project is one everyone could make their own. I guess I can just do it on my own though.
I’d love both but it’s all about getting that skirt right for me!! Circle skirts rule!
I voted for the circle skirt, but uh oh, it looks like it’s losing… maybe you’ll have to do both!
Definitely the swing dress Ms Casey
Don’t feel bad…I’m still working on my Lady Grey jacket from Gertie’s Sew-Along as well. I am hoping to finally have my version done this weekend and then work on the posts. The holidays can be so busy and the sewing gets lost in the shuffle. A Sew-ALong with the Swing Dress sounds lovely!
Hi Casey, I think the idea of a Sew-Along is great. I’ve voted for the Swing Dress, but I don’t mind either way.
Thanks for wanting to do this.
I’ve been lurking for awhile, reading your blog every day! I just want to say how much I love it, and all the wonderful vintage goodies you have to share! My goal in 2011 is to sew more vintage style clothing, to go with my ever-evolving collection of vintage hats and gloves!
Cheers, and happy Holidays!
They’re both on my to-do list. I’m going to do the circle skirt as soon as I finish wrestling with a 50′s style (retro inspired) sweater I’m making. It keeps telling me it wants to be paired with a circle skirt, but I’m trying to get the fit absolutely perfect, which means plenty of tinking and re-knitting. And I love the last variation you did on the swing dress, with the belt instead.
I vote for the swing dress, because even though I’m planning to make a circle skirt in the near future and consider myself a beginner when it comes to sewing, I think that I can manage with the skirt by myself. The dress is another story, and your good advice on fitting issues etc. would be highly appreciated! Thank you in Casey for doing this!
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