No.1: A Crepe Slip Dress

My goal with this specific stack of fabrics is to elevate the “momiform” (Mom + uniform) that I wear as a homeschooling mom. I do a few things outside of the house, and like most people I don’t often have time to change outfits.

The first garment in this stack is the most transitional from summer to fall temperatures- which in my part of the world can cycle multiple times within a 24-hr period! Layering is key for comfort. When I thrifted this dusty rose poly-blend crepe a few months back I knew that I wanted to make something I would wear a LOT. The color is really versatile and its opaque enough to wear alone as a dress or skirt. As a note, I don’t often choose synthetic fabrics due to comfort issues, but this fabric can be washed over and over, and in my opinion- that is where poly’s do some good work. #makethriftmend …and wear as long as possible.

I chose the Ogden Cami pattern by True Bias as a starting point, mainly because I already had this pattern.(I love using what I have!) It is a really good basic and I think most home-sewists who make indie patterns have tried this one. My favorite elements of this pattern are the facings that act as a partial lining and the straps that cover my regular undergarments. This pattern is manageable for any level of sewist, and was one of my first ever PDF patterns! I learned early on that if it seems like every sewist in the Instagram community is making a pattern multiple times, I’ll probably love it too.

For the slip dress hack, I straightened the body pieces where they flare slightly in the original pattern and extended a slightly-curving line to the desired length.

I am 5’9″ (175cm) and I measured from the notch where the strap would attach to front piece down to 43″, aiming for a midi length.

Double check that it will be wide enough at your hips, each piece should be 1/2 your hip measurement plus desired ease.

My full hip is 38″. My front and back pattern pieces curve out to a width of 19″ + 2″ ease = 21″. These pattern pieces are cut on the fold, so I measured 10.5″ from the center on each piece.

Finally, I made the straps half width for the look I am going for.

Here are some of the ways this piece earns its spot in the wardrobe:

1. A slip. Under sheer dresses or skirts and blouses, providing a layer for warmth and/or modesty.
2. A dress. With a blazer or cardigan, belted or loose.
3. A skirt. Under a tee or pullover; tops can be knotted or a slim belt can be used to tuck them in and add shape.
4. A tunic. Layered over jeans or leggings. This is where the slits add movement and style.
5. A Pinafore dress. Layered over tees, blouses, sweaters, turtlenecks, tanks…name it!

Details (L to R):

a) Caroline shirt pattern from Love Sewing Magazine, in chambray from Fabric Market. Dawn jeans pattern from Megan Nielsen Patterns in thrifted stretch denim.

b) Stellan tee by French Navy patterns, in washed jersey from Fabricland Canada.

c) Boat neck top by DG patterns, in cotton jersey from Minerva Crafts (gifted for review).

d) Faux leather jacket (old) thrifted. Lela skirt by Sew DIY patterns, in rayon from Fabricland Canada

What garment are you getting the most wear out of lately?