VIDEO May 2020 sewing vlog

Hello sew-friends! It’s vlog time again. I almost didn’t do a vlog today because I’m very busy getting ready to release TWO new patterns TOMORROW!! But, I knew that I’d regret skipping a month, so here’s the vlog for May 2020. Watch the video below or head over to YouTube to subscribe and watch. More details are below the video.

May blog posts

May has been very focused on Me Made May. I’ve wanted to quit a few times because getting dressed when social isolating just feels pointless many days. But, I’ve persevered because I know I’ll appreciate later that I did it. Make sure to follow me on Instagram to see all my daily MMM posts.

At the beginning of May, I focused on sharing more about my Lela Skirt pattern, including a post with style inspiration and a live sewalong on YouTube. This is one of my favorite patterns for summer months because it’s super comfy but still feels pulled together and stylish. This month, I also posted style inspiration for the Lou Box Dress 1 and 2 patterns.

My big tutorial for the month was a video on how to sew french seams. I had lot of people ask about sewing French seams with curves and I’m planning to do a follow up post about French seams for curves and corners next month.

Things I sewed in May

In May, I was mostly sewing samples for my upcoming patterns but I did manage to sew a couple of refashions. My lovely friend Amy from Amy Nicole Studio hosted the Restyling At Home challenge this month and it inspired me to refashion a couple of older makes.

First, I refashioned a floral dress (see the original blog post here) into a top. I used the Seamwork Emmie pattern as inspiration for the neckline and hacked the bell sleeves from the Emmie bonus pattern to work for this top.

Next, I added a panel onto my Tea House Dress to make it longer. I love the new length. It’s what I had intended all along and I’m really looking forward to wearing it a lot this summer. Check out this post to see the original version.

Next up, I’ll be making the Slabtown Backpack by Klum House. I made their Maywood Tote last year and I love how professional it looks. This backpack is supposed to be a little more challenging and I’m looking forward to tackling it.

Ways to support Sew DIY

If you’d like to support the free content on the Sew DIY YouTube and blog, you can “buy me a coffee” by donating here or visit the shop to buy pattern or printable. Every little bit really helps me be able to continue making this content and I truly appreciate every donation and purchase. Happy sewing!

Lou Box Dress Style Inspiration

To celebrate Me Made May, this year I’ll be doing a few blog posts to highlight some of my favorite Sew DIY patterns, sharing style inspiration and sewing tips. This week I’m focusing on the Lou Box Dress 1 and Lou Box Dress 2. Today, I’m starting with style inspiration. I often find it helpful to see how other people style a certain design and what fabric they select. It’s also great inspiration for making variations or hacks to a pattern. The Lou Box Dress patterns are really versatile and very hackable. The different sleeve options can be easily swapped between the patterns. Just like the Lou Box Top, they can be sewn with either woven or knit fabric and the pattern includes instructions for both construction methods.

CHECK OUT THE LOU BOX DRESS 1 IN THE SHOP

The Lou Box Dress 1 is a simple basic and perfect for summer weather. Both views have a cocoon shape, medium scoop neck and knee length skirt finished with a facing. View A of the pattern features in-seam pockets and elbow length sleeves with cuffs. View B features large patch pockets and short cuff sleeves.

This dress can be worn with sandals or sneakers and is great for showing off a statement necklace. In cooler weather, pair it with boots and tights. For the perfect lounging caftan, just lengthen the dress to ankle length. See my caftan hack here.

Image sources, first photo, clockwise from top left: Pinterest, Universal Standard, Everlane, Black Crane, Etsy, Elizabeth Suzann, Sotela

The Lou Box Dress 2 features a ballet neckline, a gathered elastic waist, a knee length A-line skirt, tapered sleeves and scoop front pockets. View A has elbow length sleeves and view B has full length sleeves and a scoop back. I enjoy wearing this dress in a knit fabric the most because it’s comfortable but feels pulled together. I love how sophisticated these inspiration photos look. It makes me want to try the pattern in a luscious silk fabric with a midi-length skirt and in-seam pockets.

CHECK OUT THE LOU BOX DRESS 2 IN THE SHOP

Image sources, photo above, clockwise from top left: Black Crane, Pinterest, Pinterest, Babakud, Black Crane, Pinterest

Lou Box Dress 1 PDF Pattern

US$14.00

Lou Box Dress 2 PDF Pattern

US$14.00

Sale

Lou Box Dress 1 & 2 Bundle PDF Patterns

Sale Price: US$22.00 Original Price: US$28.00

For the Lou Box Dress 1, I recommend using medium weight woven or knit fabrics such as linen, chambray, cotton lawn, poplin or rayon. View A is also suitable for sweatshirt fabric. See my version here. The pattern looks great in a variety of fabrics. The less drape the fabric has, the more it will stand away from the body and show off the cocoon shape.

For the Lou Box Dress 2, I recommend using fabric that has some drape and will be comfortable when gathered at the waist with the elastic. You can use lightweight rayon, crepe de chine, chiffon, georgette or jersey.

If you need help sewing these patterns, make sure to check out the sewalong for lots of helpful posts. There are loads of tips, photo tutorials and even a few videos. Happy sewing!