5oo4 – Hack Attack is Back!

So I made this dress a few weeks ago, but hadn’t gotten the chance to photograph it. I sewed this dress up because I was going out to dinner and wanted to look nice. I know I am not the only one who decides at the last minute “I have nothing to wear.” The struggle is real, folks! Finally, I have gotten some photos and now I am writing up a blog post to share with you all and tell you how I got my look! It is sorta a hack…Sorta. 

 

Do you know what pattern hacking is? Do you do it? Are you scared to try it? Pattern hacking can be a lot of different things. It can be as “basic” as using a pattern as a base for a new garment or as “extra” as mashing several patterns together to be your dream garment. Sometimes I love one part of a garment, but need something different for the rest of it. This is all pattern hacking and this year, I have done a lot of it. I think pattern hacking is the easiest way to fill your wardrobe with well fitting items without trying out tons of different patterns.  I use to be really scared of hacking mostly because sometimes I mess up and waste good fabric. It happens! Move on and try again. Luck was on my side with this hack though…or maybe I had an insider tip…

 

Psst: I had an insider tip. I knew that the Gloria top bodice was a perfect fit for the Erica Skirt! The Gloria peplum in its original form is my favorite top. I wear with with leggings and boots a lot, but it is also perfect with jeans and flip flops in the summer. I love that it is fitted through the bust and has a skirt attached with a seam just above the fuller part of my belly. I prefer this look on shirt as I don’t like anything that is tight on my stomach. I love that it comes with tons of options, but I also love that it is versatile with different fabrics. I have used Liverpool, Double Brushed Poly, Interlock Twist Yarn, and even a heavier Rayon Spandex fabric. 

So I printed only the FBA Front Bodice, the Back bodice, Sleeves and Neckband from the Gloria and then printed just the skirt portion of the Erica skirt from the Mambo collection. I chose the lower neckline of the front bodice and the long sleeves with cuffs. I actually wish I would have removed another half inch from these sleeves.  I used a short length for the skirt because I knew I was wearing my dress over leggings or skinny jeans.

 

 

  This beautiful paisley print fabric is from Sly Fox Fabrics. I ordered it last year, I believe and I held on to it way to long. Sometimes I have a hard time actually cutting into fabric I love. I am certain I am not alone in this, but trust me, the fabric isn’t going to run out. Cut the Fabric! Make the Clothes! Wear the Fabric! This is a single brushed poly. 

 

Assembly:

Assemble bodice as usual. Follow the pattern directions if you aren’t sure how to make a basic top. Sew front and back bodices together at the shoulder seams. Sew sleeves in on the flat. Stitch along the sleeves and body of your top. Add neckbands and arm bands.  Bodice done! Now the Skirt.  Stitch up the skirt side seams. Place the bodice inside the skirt matching right sides together and clip along the bottom of bodice/top of skirt. Stitch together. At this point, I have serged my entire dress. Now you can top stitch around the neck band if you prefer. Hemming your bottom skirt with finish your look nicely!

TA-DA! Time to show off your new look!

If you would like to pick up the Gloria bodice for this hack or to use as it was intended… Here is your link. 

Here is the link to the Erica Skirt.

Here are the links to all the skirts that will fit onto the Gloria bodice. AKA the Entire Mambo Collections.

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