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DIY Cap Sleeve Dress

August 13, 2015 Beth – Sew DIY

I made this dress in a fit of speed sewing. I found out that I wouldn't have access to my courtyard (aka my outdoor photo studio) for 4-6 weeks so I wanted to take as many photos as possible before the cut off. Seriously, if you're looking for a quick make, this is a very fast and satisfying project. I had this dress finished in just a matter of hours. 

The pattern is the Nettie Dress & Bodysuit by Closet Case Files. This is my first time making the dress version of the Nettie and I must say it is very form fitting. It will likely only get out and about for special weekend occasions. I'd feel too self-conscious to wear it on weekdays.  I've made the bodysuit twice before, once with sleeves and once with cap sleeves. I drafted the cap sleeves myself by drawing an extension of the front and back shoulder pieces. It gives a little more coverage and is even faster to sew because you don't have to attach a separate sleeve. My cap-sleeve bodysuit is one of my favorite pieces to wear. It's super comfy and creates a very trim silhouette. It's especially great for wearing with high waisted skirts. Right now, I wish I had like five more of them in my closet so I could wear one every day. I just need to get my hands on more 4-way stretch knit fabric. By the way, did you see yesterday's DIY Outfit post for a stretch lace bodycon dress? I am currently dreaming about a lace bodysuit too. 

DIY Cap Sleeve Nettie Dress | Sew DIY
DIY Cap Sleeve Nettie Dress | Sew DIY

You might recognize the fabric I used from this dress I made a few months ago. The fabric is from Art Gallery Fabrics and is a dream to work with. It's the perfect weight, not too light and not too thick. I need to make a point to get more of their knits. 

I made this dress in one evening and it would have been even faster if I hadn't struggled with some tension issues while top stitching. To make the dress I just had to stitch side and shoulder seams, bind the neckline and hem the sleeves and skirt. For hemming I put wooly nylon thread in the bobbin and used a twin needle. I threaded the machine as my manual recommends but the stitching was getting caught up and tangled. I was able to fix it by flipping over my thread spool so that the thread ran in the opposite direction. I really like using wooly nylon in the bobbin when using a twin needle because it stretches a bit and keeps the top stitches from creating a ridge. 

DIY Cap Sleeve Nettie Dress | Sew DIY

One final note, about undies! After taking these photos I realized how much the lines of my bra showed through the dress. I have some seamless undies for the bottom half that do a great job of not showing (see them here or here). I recently bought a bra without any padding (why are they so hard to find these days?) and I think it will do a better job of providing a smooth look. But, I'm wondering do you have a go-to bra style that doesn't show through tight tops? 

In sewing Tags dress
← New Sewing Board on Pinterest, plus some pin-thoughtsDIY Outfit – Lace Bodycon Dress →
About SewDIY

about sew diy

Welcome to Sew DIY. My name is Beth and this blog is dedicated to sharing inspiration, sewing tips and tutorials for creating your own DIY life. Email me at sewdiyblog [@] gmail [.com]

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I love this photo of @klalalaj and her mom in their matching Ali Sweatshirts. 💗 Kinda makes me want to make a matching sweatshirt for every member of my family and then force them to do a group photo. 👫👭👬👫📷 Thank you Kayla for sharing your makes! #alisweatshirt⠀
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Used the snowy day to stay inside and make some Ali sweatshirts for me and mama... we tried to brave the cold for a photograph of the cute back detail but this was the best we got, so it’ll have to do for now.  #alisweatshirt #sewdiy #snowday ( #📷 @klalalaj )
On this Valentine’s Day, I want to send my love out to all of you and thank you for your support and friendship over the years. 💌 I’m so thankful for how welcoming and supportive the sewing community is and I want you to know that I see you and welcome you to be a part of the community as well. My main goal with this account (and with my blog and patterns) is to spread the joy of sewing and making and create a community based on joy and love. ❤️ Sewing can be such a solitary activity and it’s heart warming to know that there are so many sewists out there who are also exceedingly passionate and excited about this hobby.⠀
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I launched my first pattern, the Lou Box Top 4 years ago and it remains my most popular pattern to date. To celebrate, I'm offering 40% off any single pattern in my shop through the weekend. Use code SEWLOVE40 at checkout (bundles and sewing planner excluded). Discount valid through Sunday, Feb 17 at midnight Pacific time. ⠀
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P.S. I hope you all have lovely days doing things you love with people that you love. 😘 In the photo I'm wearing my most #valentinesday appropriate garment, a #teahousedress in Pendleton cotton.
My two most recent makes. Totally unblogged. But I just COULD. NOT. WAIT. TO. SHARE. THESE. 💗 I was so excited about these makes that I woke up early this morning so that I could wash and attempt to dry my hair and take these photos before going to work. 💄📷⠀
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First up are the #calyerpants by @frenchnavynow_ 💙 I finished these up last night and they are everything that I was expecting. So, basically AMAZING. They are made in a navy linen viscose fabric from @blackbirdfabrics which has a lovely drape and was a true pleasure to sew with. (Worn here with my favorite #louboxtop )⠀
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Next up are the #burnsidebibs by @sewhouse7 These are made in a medium weight cotton check from @wearethefabricstore 🌈 I'm so excited about both of these makes. I just need the weather to warm up so that I can wear them without freezing my feet off. ⠀
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#handmadewardrobe #indiesewing #diyfashion #pdfpatterns #sewersgonnasew #memadeeveryday #thefabricstore #blackbirdfabrics⠀
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Today I’m staying cozy and warm in my thickest #alisweatshirt 💙 One of my favorite details of this pattern is the yoke. It just begs to be color blocked which is such an easy way to add a touch of visual interest and also a great way to use up scraps. ✂️
This pattern is available for 32”-50” bust size with finished bust measurements ranging from 40"-57”. And although I haven’t tested it, I think this pattern could easily be unisex because the loose and boxy style makes it easy to fit most shoulder or chest shapes. (At least in theory. I'd love to hear if you've tested my unisex theory. 🌈)
✂️ You can find this pattern in my shop and make sure to check out the #alisweatshirt hashtag for lots of inspiration. .
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#indiesewing #pdfpatterns #createmakeshare #sewersgonnasew #imakefashion #sewcialists #ilovesewing  #diyfashion #makersgonnamake  #handmadewardrobe  #happysewing

DISCLOSURE

Some of the links on this site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products or services I personally own or genuinely like. If a post or giveaway is sponsored, I will clearly state so in the body of a post.

Blog
DIY Silk Culottes Jumpsuit – Review of the Judith Jumpsuit by Schnittchen
DIY Silk Culottes Jumpsuit – Review of the Judith Jumpsuit by Schnittchen
about 2 weeks ago

Hi friends! Today I’m excited to finally share this lovely jumpsuit with you. I started this way back in October as part of the #sewfrosting challenge hosted by True Bias and Closet Case Patterns. The idea behind the challenge is to sew things that are fun and not necessarily practical. I had this gorgeous fabric in my stash for way too long and the challenge inspired me to finally take the plunge and use it. I honestly have not worn this jumpsuit yet except for taking photos but I’m blaming the weather. As soon as it’s a little warmer, I hope to give this jumpsuit a proper debut.