Stitch by Stitch: My Sewing CraftThe Toolbox
The heart of everything I make. It holds scraps of past projects ready for their next life, every shade of thread imaginable, needles upon needles, seam rippers, a classic tomato pin cushion, and my trusty scissors. Little tools of endless possibility.
The Machine
Meet Sewing Machine #3: my Singer Heavy Duty 4452.
The earlier ones (family hand-me-downs) retired after projects that pushed them past their limits.
This machine keeps every project running smoothly, from the first seam to the final hem.
My CollectionThe Dresses
1960s Mini Shift Dress – Made from Scratch
Fabric: Paisley mesh (matching scarf not pictured).
Details: Inspired by 1960s mini shift style.
Construction time: about 5 hours.
Strapless Mini Dress – Altered
Fabric: Breathable cotton (recycled from an Old Navy maxi dress).
Details: Converted to strapless, added ties in the back to cinch waist.
Construction time: about 2 hours.
Babydoll Dress – Made from Scratch
Fabric: Lightweight cotton with lace detailing.
Details: White delicate babydoll design with signature Peter Pan collar.
Construction time: About 5 hours.
The Tops
Halter Top – Altered
Fabric: Cotton blend (originally a dress).
Details: Took in each side ~4 inches, shortened bottom to convert into a shirt, modified straps to halter style.
Construction time: about 45 minutes.
Halter Top – Altered
Fabric: Cotton tank top (Old Navy).
Details: Took in sides by ~2 inches, converted to halter style, added silver eyelets for detail.
Construction time: about 45 minutes.
Plaid Button-Down Shirt – Altered
Fabric: Cotton plaid (Old Navy).
Details: Took in sides ~2 inches each for a more cinched waist, puffed sleeves for a feminine fit.
Construction time: about 1.5 hours.
The Sets
Polka Dot Set – Altered
Fabric: Thrifted cotton polka dot dress.
Details: Cut dress in half, hemmed edges to create matching top and bottom set.
Construction time: about 30 minutes.
Denim Mini Skirt & Tube Top – Altered
Fabric: Denim maxi skirt.
Details: Cut skirt in half; top half became mini skirt, bottom half converted into tube top with back zipper closure.
Construction time: about 2 hours.
Striped Mesh Set – Altered
Fabric: Thrifted striped mesh maxi dress.
Details: Cut dress in half; top converted into tube top, bottom into mini skirt (wore to lollapalooza).
Construction time: about 2 hours.
The Bottoms
Cargo Mini Skirt – Altered
Fabric: Cotton blend (Old Navy).
Details: Shortened from maxi to mini length, raised hem for a clean finish.
Construction time: about 30 minutes.
Striped Pants – Made from Scratch
Fabric: Thrifted striped tablecloth.
Details: Designed and constructed pants with a corset-style closure on the back.
Construction time: about 5 hours.
Denim Skirt – Altered
Fabric: Vintage True Religion skinny jeans (thrifted).
Details: Converted jeans into a skirt.
Construction time: about 2 hours.