DIY Roundup – Holiday Party Dresses

View fullsize

Party dresses should be a little more than your average everyday dress. And when it comes to holiday party dresses, well then it’s time it step it up even more. Add some sparkle. Go for a dramatic silhouette. A party or special occasion is the perfect excuse to make yourself something new (even if it means you have to stay up all night to get done before the big event ;). Here are a few of the patterns I’d like to try. Remember the fabric is going to do half the job, so go for something luxurious, beautiful and maybe even a little dramatic.

10 Holiday Party Dress Sewing Patterns

1. Georgia Dress by By Hand London
I love the simple, sexy silhouette of this dress. Just the right kind of pattern to show off a fun fabric. 

2. Vogue V1208
I own this pattern and just need to find the right fabric. The dress is cut on the bias so the fabric has to be 60 inches wide making it a little more tricky to find. I love the one sided shoulder detail. 

3. Leotie Midi Dress by Named Clothing
I love the contrast shoulder panels on this. They'd look great with a sheer fabric in the panels.

4. Long Sleeve Dress 11/2015 #113 by Burdastyle
The long sleeves balance out the bodycon silhouette of the dress. Perfect for a holiday soiree.

5. Simplicity 1105
I own this pattern too but have yet to try it. The back bow and swing shape are super fun. The perfect silhouette for attending a large meal. ;)

6. Ailakki Jumpsuit by Named Patterns
Made up in black silk or something equally swanky, this jumpsuit with a sexy cut out detail will make you the belle of the hipster ball.

7. Vogue V1471
Go classic with this fitted lace dress with long sleeves for extra coverage.

8. Yo Yo Dress by Papercut
The slim silhouette and front zipper make this one a show stopper.

9. Belladone Dress by Deer and Doe
I love the cut out back detail of this dress. Made in a shiny brocade, it's party ready.

10. McCall's M7083
I love the sheer gathered sleeves on this classic silhouette. Very easy to wear and fancy too.

In case these ten are not enough, here are a few honorable mentions:

Phoebe by Colette Patterns (on sale until Dec 23!)

Dani Dolman and Paris Dress by Style Arc

Scalloped Dress 12/2015 #120B by Burdastyle

Ultimate Shift Dress by Sew Over It (This basic shape would look amazing in sequins.)

Are you making any party dresses this year? What pattern and fabric are you using?

What's Up Sew World Vol. 3

View fullsize

Hi sewing friends! I hope that you're enjoying this new series of sewing news. I'm doing a roundup every two weeks and so far I've had tons of things to share. If you have a launch or something to share, send me an email and let me know.

New Pattern Launches & Happenings

Sew Over It released a new pattern, the Joan Dress. I love the tie collar and classic design of this 60s style dress. It's available printed or as a pdf.

Sewaholic released the Vancouver Collection, five patterns for outdoor and athletic wear. My personal favorite is the Seymour Jacket (shown above, top right). 

Fancy Tiger Craft is releasing the Fen Pattern today. The pattern features a V-neck top and a dress. 

A new website called The Foldline launched yesterday, a social site for sewists. I haven't had a chance to explore it yet but it seems like it will be the sewing equivalent of Ravelry. WOOHOO! Maybe dreams do come true?

Colette has launched the Seamwork Radio podcast. The first episode with Jenny from Cashmerette was wonderful and I can't wait for the next one.

Madalynne released the Sierra Bralette pattern for free. (It's sized just for AA-B cup.)

This week has been the fall iteration of Selfish Sewing Week. There are lots of great posts on Indie Sew and Imagine Gnats. Yesterday I guest posted on the Indie Sew blog with a new DIY Fall Dress. I especially love this roundup of transitional Fall patterns.

Republique du Chiffon released a bunch of their patterns in English. Most of them (including the Dominique Jumpsuit shown above) are only available in printed form. But there are a few English pdf patterns available and it appears the rest are in the works.

Bookmark this:

Tips for sewing with sweater knits from Colette

Learn how to sew a pillowcase on Sew Mama Sew

How to Shorten a Zipper from Indie Sew

Free Maxi Skirt Pattern from Simple Simon & Co

Tips for editing your Instagram photos from Fall for DIY

True Bias shared a Southport Hudson mashup and it's totally gorgeous. I have both patterns and will definitely need to try out this jumpsuit. (shown above, bottom right)

Oslo coat pattern hack from Colette (shown above, bottom left) 

How to DIY Wide Leg Pants from A Pair & A Spare (shown above, top left)

In case you missed it, a few things I've been up to:

My 5 Favorite Easy Sewing Patterns
These are the patterns I go back to again and again and find myself wearing all the time.

DIY Chambray Culottes
The second installment of my Fall Sewing Plans.

Inari Tee Dress (guest post on IndieSew)
Third installment of Fall Sewing Plans. Gettin' stuff done around here!