Uncategorized

Sis Boom Jamie Dress

I am so in love with this dress. I knew it would be cute, but when I actually put it on, it’s much cuter than I expected. If you like this dress, get in on the Jamie Dress Sew Along and sew it along with our group…lots of fun and prizes!

The pattern makes sizes XS-3X. I feel like because of the gathered bodice, ruched waist, and full skirt, it would be flattering for all body types. It is very vintage-inspired and beautiful!

Fabric – I used Alexander Henry The Grove in green for my dress. I made the XS dress, and the pattern called for 1-1/2 yards of fabric for a knee-length skirt, 1/2 yard of fabric for the lining, and 5/8 yard for the bodice (straps/waistband included). I recommend that whatever size you have measured for, to cut the pattern pieces for the bodice and waistband one size up (the first time I made this dress, I cut all XS pattern pieces, and I could barely get the zipper in, it was that snug). So for example, the second time cutting out fabric for this dress, I cut the XS skirt measurements and the Small bodice and waistband pieces. Much better to have extra wiggle room instead of not enough. 🙂 For my second dress, I used Amy Butler Garden Maze fabric from the Midwest Modern line.

I’m going to share an embarrassing fact. When I took sewing back up again when I was in college, I didn’t prewash any fabrics. Ever. And I thought that I was too good for pressing seams with my iron (I know, I’m a dope). I liked how the fabric was so nice and neat, straight off the bolt. However, I have made several things in my past that have shrunk after I finished and washed them, and they were pretty much ruined. So if you don’t normally sew clothes, don’t be that girl. And I’m happy to say that I fill my iron with water every couple of weeks, I use it that much. 🙂

Pattern Pieces – There are 5 pattern pieces (two of the pieces, for the bodice front and the bodice back, only need to be taped together to complete the full pattern piece). I really love working with .pdf patterns, I think it’s just about my favorite. There is no pattern piece for the skirt, but the wonderful part about this is that the pattern instructions let you know how wide to cut your fabric for each skirt panel (front and back), and then they show a model’s leg for various women’s heights (5’2″, 5’4″, etc.). You can choose how long to cut your skirt fabric based on where you want it to fall on the leg. I’ve never seen anything like the graphic that they used for the skirt length measurements, and I have to say it’s genius!

Illustrations/Instructions – I have never seen so many photographs to accompany a sewing pattern’s instructions. It’s amazing. Not only that, but these are really clear and appropriate photos. Each step has several photos, in fact! I did read through my pattern several times, but between the instructions and the pictures, the pattern is very straightforward.

I did not make any modifications to the instructions when I made the dress. The only thing is that I would highly recommend that whatever size you have measured for, to cut the pattern pieces for the bodice and waistband one size up. I feel that it’s better to have a little extra fabric in the bodice, which you can trim before you put in the zipper, than to come up a bit short and have a tight-fitting dress. The pattern also gives expanded bodice pattern pieces if you have a fuller bust (which I don’t).

My favorite thing about this pattern that was new to me was installing the zipper with a glue stick! I’ve never used a glue stick for that before, but I’m probably going to use it every time I put in a zipper from now on, it was very easy!!

If you can sew a straight seam, you can make this pattern. The other techniques used are using basting stitches to gather your fabric (around the bust area), using knit elastic fed through a casing (provides the gathering around the back and neckline), and putting in a zipper (which you shouldn’t be afraid of).

The first dress I made, I didn’t keep track of my time spent because I was working on it on and off, but for the second dress, it took me 3-1/2 hours to make (so I suppose I probably spent 5 or 6 hours the first time). This isn’t to set a limit for you or anything, however, I think it’s nice to know in the grand scheme of things, so that going in, I can tell you this isn’t a horribly long project to make. I want to be your sewing cheerleader and tell you that even if you’re a new sewer, you can do this!!

Conclusion – This pattern is wonderful for a confident/patient beginner. And if you have never sewn clothing for yourself before, you really must try this. You will be so happy and excited when you get to put on a dress that you made yourself!! 🙂

P.S. I’m linking up to Sew Modern Monday and Fabric Tuesday!

Related Posts

47 thoughts on “Sis Boom Jamie Dress

  1. Oh wow, I love this dress, and it looks great on you too {aren’t you cute?!}. I need to get my projects under control, but if I do, I will be making this! Lovely.

  2. So excited! They dress looks great! I Still need to take my measurements but I bought 2 1/2 yards, I am pretty sure I am in in the xs to m size range!

  3. ~Michelle~ says:

    woot! both versions look awesome 🙂 You know what I really like about the pattern? Those straps are wide enough to cover a bra strap! Which also means they’ll be better looking for us curvy chicks 🙂

  4. Kim says:

    Not only are you so flippin beautiful it is not even funny…that dress is AWESOME!!!!!!! I am getting very excited!!!!! I am actually looking at colors instead of my original black :o) Great job Sara! Oh, I tried to add the button to my blog and it did not work :o( HELP!

  5. Jen says:

    I love this dress. It looks so great in both prints and different enough that it would be okay to have more than one! The green version looks very elegant and the pink is super playful. I can’t wait until my fabric arrives and I get to start working! Glad you are all here to support the newbie sewers like me.

  6. Becky says:

    Oh it (and you) are so cute! Your fabric choices are great! I’m so excited to start, I hope my fabric arrives soon so I can start petting it. I know I won’t be an XS haha!
    Btw- I too had problems adding your button. I put it on the side and Johnny shows up. 🙁

  7. Wow! What a flattering dress! I love both of them~ I do need to make one!!

  8. Sourkraut says:

    Oh my goodness! If mine winds up looking half as good as yours I’ll be content. You picked some great fabrics and both look fantastic on you. I can’t wait to get started on mine.

  9. Bry says:

    Both of them are gorgeous!!! Do you think it would work well with voile??

  10. Lee says:

    So cute! I’m really really tempted! I’ve never sewn clothes for myself before, it’s too scary! Maybe a sew-along is what I need …

  11. Kitschy Coo says:

    Okay, I wasn’t sold by the pictures on the envelope but you’ve changed my mind! The dresses look amazing on you, off to find the pattern 🙂

  12. Sara, this is so cute!
    The dress looks MUCH better on you than the picture on the pattern.
    Ok, now I want to join the sew along!!!!
    Michelle

  13. Mary says:

    Wow, this came out so great! I always enjoy your pattern reviews- they’re so thorough and helpful!

    You’re really tempting me with this one. I just might have to try it!

  14. Madeline says:

    thanks for thee fabulous review, Carla and I are most grateful. All of our best..Jennifer

  15. Kelly Irene says:

    Sara, the dresses are gorgeous!! I have (almost) no desire to sew clothes for myself, but I actually do want to make this now. If it weren’t for my rapidly-expanding belly, I would be fabric shopping already! I also think your pictures of the dress are even better than the pattern (I wasn’t super impressed by those, but yours make me want it!). Great job 🙂

  16. suemac says:

    The dresses looked great on you. Not so sure my plus size would look great but I will keep an open mind. You did a great job on both.

  17. Hey Lady.. you look amazing!!!! I still need to sit down take it all in … buy the pattern, take measurements, and figure out what fabric to use. Can use any type? Like a cotton or linen? I’m excited to carve out some sewing time for this. It’s just lovely on you!!

  18. Bree says:

    These both turned out great, and you’re adorable!

    I can’t wait to get my fabric (if I can track some down) and get working on this!

    I’m curious about the same thing as Bry – would voile work?

  19. Kiana says:

    I love how they turned out! Gorgeous! I can’t wait to get my fabric and give this a shot!

  20. Angela says:

    I agree…I was somewhat tempted before by the pattern because I have another one of their patterns and love it. But you have made this a must have!! Thanks for the tips on what made it work better for you!

  21. Annaliese says:

    I totally want in on this! I have such trouble finding dresses that fit, but have been too scared to try making my own. I think it will be exciting to try as my first sew along, though!
    I’ll be sending my paypal account info along to your email this p.m.

  22. Annabella says:

    Hi, I found your blog through the Fresh Sewing Day at Lily`s Quilts – this dress is adorable and I LOVE that fabric! If I made it, I would have to add a little cap sleeve as I hate showing my arms but it`s really gorgeous!

  23. Leila says:

    Hi I found you through sew fresh day at Lynne’s 🙂 Your dress looks super cute on you!! Yay for summer dresses!

  24. CJ says:

    Just made my PayPal payment!!! Getting excited!
    I’d better get my fabric and zipper in the washing machine.

  25. Elizabeth D. says:

    This is amazing, I love it!!! Thank you for the super thorough pattern review, I will definitely keep this in mind when I get around to making this dress. It is so cute! 🙂

  26. I think they should swap your photo of the dress for the one on the pattern envelope.

    I’ve got mine started. I hope it comes out as well as your did! Thanks for hosting the sew-along.

  27. Megan says:

    Love these dresses Sara! I haven’t sewn garments since my 4-H days, but seeing your dresses really makes me want to start again! 🙂

    Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday!

  28. Jennifer says:

    Both versions of the dress are beutiful! I love the green fabric. And it really does look like it would be flattering for all body types.

  29. Adorable!!! Great choice of fabrics too.

  30. Kate says:

    Coming over from Fabric Tuesday…

    What a great dress!

    Maybe I’ll make one for next summer when I’m not 6 months pregnant!

  31. Quiltstory says:

    Wow so pretty! I love them! My favorite is the green 🙂 Thanks for linking to Fabric Tuesday 🙂

  32. Anonymous says:

    Your blog is great. I have been looking for a dress to sew and was looking at this pattern but wasn’t sure until I googled the pattern name and got you blog. I loved seeing the pattern done in different prints ,I didn’t like the one on the original pattern, and reading your comments made me buy the pattern. I going to try it in cotton first and then maybe velvet, I have a wedding to go to next year. Thanks again

  33. Angela says:

    Where do you buy yourm patterns? This is a very pretty dress! you look so cute using it! It looks pretty simple,except for the zipper. I fear zippers!

  34. I love it with the exception that I cannot go sleeveless as I am always so cold! But it is just sweet and adorable!

  35. This is such a cute dress! I love it, and you’ve done such a great job with the pattern review too! Janelle
    emmalinbags.com

  36. ginaweaver says:

    Ok, I’m a year late for the sew-a-long but your dress was so cute, I had to buy this pattern. I’ve already got the pattern cut and I’m about to chop into some on-hand fabric in a very retro print that I haven’t known what to do with. Thanks for the inspiration!

  37. ginaweaver says:

    Thanks again for posting about this dress. I finished mine the day after I got the pattern! Blogged about it at http://willyount.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-jamie-dress-review.html.

  38. Cara says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  39. Anonymous says:

    It’s remarkable to pay a quick visit this website and reading the views of all colleagues about this paragraph, while I am also keen of getting know-how.http://soundcloud.com/joycejcarter2345/watch-the-walking-dead-season
    Also visit my web pageWatch The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 6 Hounded Online Free Stream

  40. Anonymous says:

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button!
    I’d certainly donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll sеttle
    foг bоokmarkіng and adding your RЅS fеeԁ to mу Google account.
    Ι looκ forward to brаnd nеw updatеs аnd wіll talk аbout this
    blοg with my Fаcеbοoκ gгoup.
    Таlk ѕoon!http://www.diѕcogs.

    com/grοuрs/tοpiс/352277
    Review my homepage Cloud Atlas 2012 Movie

  41. Anonymous says:

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Your mode of explaining all in this article is actually pleasant, all can simply know it, Thanks a lot.
    Here is my web pagespeed up my computer

  43. Anonymous says:

    Hi there I am ѕо exciteԁ I
    found your ωeb site, I really found yоu by mistake,
    ωhіle I ωas looking on Google for ѕomethіng else, Rеgardless
    I am here now аnd wοuld ϳuѕt like to say κudos for а marvelous post and а all
    round enјoуablе blog (I alѕo love thе
    theme/design), Ι dοn?t have time to go through
    іt all at the minute but Ι havе sаvеd it
    and also іncluded your RSS feedѕ,
    so ωhen I have time I ωill bе back tο геаԁ a lot moгe, Plеaѕе do keep up
    the awеsome worκ.Jersey Shore Season 6 Episode 10
    Here is my web siteJersey Shore Season 6 Episode 10 Shore Shower

  44. Anonymous says:

    I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s еqually educatiѵe and engagіng, and without a
    doubt, you hаve hit the naіl on the head.
    The pгoblem is ѕοmething which too few folkѕ are speаking intеlligently about.

    Νow i’m very happy I came across this during my search for something concerning this.Elementary Season 1 Episode 8
    Here is my web page :: Elementary Season 1 Episode 8

  45. Anonymous says:

    Јust desire to saу уοur
    aгticle is as аѕtoundіng. The сlearness
    in youг post is ϳuѕt nice and i саn аsѕumе уou arе an expеrt on this subjeсt.
    Fіnе ωith your pеrmissіon alloω me to grаb youг RЅS feed to
    keep up to dаte ωith forthcоming post. Τhаnkѕ a million and pleaѕe cаrry оn the enjoyаble ωork.
    Watch The Office (US) Season 9 Episode 8 The Target Online Free Stream
    Here is my web-site Watch The Office (US) Season 9 Episode 8 The Target Online Free Stream

  46. Anonymous says:

    І ԁon’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but cеrtainly
    you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t alгeady
    😉 Cheerѕ!http://theνampireԁiаriess4е7hdf.
    еducаtorpages.com
    My web siteThe Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 7 Free Stream

Comments make my day and I love to reply!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.