Hello Friends! I participated in a fun Instagram sewing challenge this March called #Frugalfrocks2021. This is a fun sewing challenge created by Sam of Frugalisima and Ruan of the Yorkshiresewgirl on YouTube and Instagram. This challenge required participants to create a frock (dress) using a free sewing pattern with fabric from your current stash.
There are many great resources for free sewing patterns, but the most extensive list is from sewstainability. She has a list of over 115 sewing patterns ranging from tops and pants to dresses and lingerie. We are all counting our pennies these days and this is a valuable list to have in your arsenal.
In order to participate in the challenge, I dug deep through my fabric stash. I eventually narrowed down my pattern and fabric choices and matched them up to free patterns that I liked. You can check out my round-up of matches here:
The Mimosa Dress: Pattern Details & Fabric
I finally settled on the Mimosa Dress by Mood Fabrics. This is a cute wrap skirt style knit pattern designed for lighter weight fabrics such as bamboo knits, cotton knits and printed knits. I chose a gorgeous tropical jersey print with pink and orange details that I picked up from Mood Fabrics. I’m not sure of the exact fabrication, but it feels like a bamboo or rayon jersey. I love how the pink and orange leaves blend against the intermittent black leaves in the print. I am so ready to rock my Spring wardrobe and this fabric and pattern match were perfect for me.
Directions
The directions for the pattern are sparse, but are manageable for an advanced beginner to intermediate sewist. There are only a few pattern pieces including a front bodice, back bodice, sleeves, side waist tie, front skirt and back skirt. The front bodice has four tucks that give the pattern amazing waist shaping.
When sewing this pattern there are few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that you pay attention to the pattern piece notes. Some of the instructions are directly on the pattern piece and are not included in the blog post pattern instructions. Second, make sure to pay attention to seam allowance requirements. This pattern has a ½ seam allowance, but the neckline is sewn at a 3/8” seam allowance. Third, make sure to trim down the right side of the back skirt piece according to the pattern piece instructions. Finally, make sure to mark all notions indicated throughout the pattern. These will help you get through the pattern with ease.
I have a YouTube vide with more details on how I constructed the skirt pieces and created the front bodice tucks along with twirls of me wearing this dress. You can check it out here:
Final Thoughts
This a perfect pattern for sunny days and walking on the Boardwalk. I think you’ll love having such a great pattern in your wardrobe. Be sure to check out the #frugalfrock2021 hashtag on Instagram to see all of the amazing makes for this challenge.
Until next time,
Happy Sewing,
Crystal
I'd love to know what you think!