Summer Goals

Seeing as the semester's almost over, I've decided to set a summer goal for myself. I love buying clothes, trying on clothes, looking at clothes, and styling others, so I figure why not learn how to make clothes?!

I'll be keeping everyone updated throughout the summer on my progress and share some advice along the way.

For anyone wanting to join me in my journey to making my own clothing, check out these books I found at Modcloth.com.

You haven’t a stitch of sewing experience, but always dreamt of expressing your stylish inner seamstress? Now, learn the basics from Wendy Mullin, the creative force behind fashion label Built by Wendy, in this spiral-bound guide to creating your own closet of custom threads! With chapters on every area of fabric fabulousness, from equipment essentials to the finer points of pattern-making, this book of tips and techniques will help you hone your hands-on skills through easy-to-read prose and a series of projects and prompts, which include three patters for sewing your own skirt, shirt, or pants. Whether you’re a diva of DIY design, or love the frugal side to fashion, Wendy’s self-taught sewing and style tips will help you re-imagine your waning wardrobe with step-by-step simplicity. Ladies, load your bobbins!

You absolutely adored her first guidebook of sewing basics, Sew U, and now you can learn the long and short of sewing stretch and knit fabrics in Wendy Mullin’s second book, ‘Home Stretch.’ The self-taught designer behind fashion label Built by Wendy, Mullin answers every question surrounding this quirky family of fabric - from the right time to seek out a serger to the perfect stitch for that jersey knit. With new tips and techniques to keep your sewing skills developing, this spiral-bound book includes project and pattern ideas for crewnecks, raglans, dresses, and more! Whether you’re hung up on creating the perfect halter or searching for a skirt that suits you, this guide will give you every tool to complete a cute top, dress, or T-shirt that truly gets ‘nothing but knit!’

The journey of a thousand dresses begins with a single stitch, so why not begin your dream wardrobe by sewing this sweet and simple wrap dress? Determined to delight with its cap sleeves and choice of rounded or sweetheart neckline, this dashing dress has no closures to complicate your sewing sessions. Instead, you can cinch the wide tie around your waist to provide the perfect fit, finishing with a bow in the back to add a tasteful touch. Select your favorite fabrics and set out for success - this set of easy-to-follow instructions and tracing paper patterns makes it simple to tailor this dress to your fashion taste and figure, whether you're an inspired seamstress of a size zero or eighteen. An appropriate DIY endeavor for stylish clothiers of any skill level, this project will put your style and skills to extraordinary use!

The journey of a thousand dresses begins with a single stitch, so why not continue your dream wardrobe by sewing this fabulous frock? Showcasing your shoulders with a swooping neckline yoke, this fully lined dress features a gathered top and curved midriff to emphasize the A-line silhouette of its flowing skirt. Select your own soft fabric, and ponder whether or not you’d like seamed pockets - this set of simple instructions and tracing paper patterns makes it easy to tailor to your own taste, whether you're an inspired seamstress of a size zero or eighteen. An appropriate DIY endeavor for stylish clothiers at an intermediate skill level, this poised and pretty sewing project will allow you to arrive in adorable, but affordable, style!