Yay!! I finally made Gretchen Hersch's Popover dress from her book, Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses.

Let me first start by telling you NOT to use a one-directional fabric. Holy moly, I learned that lesson the hard way. The book says you'll need 3 1/3 yards of fabric. I bought 3 1/2 yards to have extra to make a matching hair bow, purse, or accent on a bag, etc. As I cut into the fabric I thought, oh shoot, I'm going to need much more! A big face-palm moment there. Ugh!

I ran back to the store and bought another 1 1/2 yards- totaling 5 yards of fabric. OMG!! Thank the fabric gods I had a 50% off coupon to use for both shopping trips. Lesson learned! Next time and there will be a next time, I will buy a multi-directional, busy print fabric. Jebus! (If you get my Simpson's reference, I love you).

Aside from my fabric choice mistake, the dress pattern was crazy easy to transfer. It basically has 1 piece. I always use freezer paper when I trace patterns. It's a good-sized roll and you get a lot of bang for your buck.
The pattern has the main dress, an armhole facing, shoulder bow and ginormous pocket pieces to trace. Easy peasy! I opted out from using the pockets and shoulder bows for this particular dress, but I transferred the pattern pieces for future use. 

After you wash, dry and iron your fabric, you'll cut it out. I usually like to trace the pattern while the fabric washes one day, and sew it the next day. But, this dress was so simple and quick, you could trace and sew it in an afternoon. It took me around 2 hours to sew- including making tea and a snack for myself and the kids. #momlife 

I didn't let the dress hang for 24 hrs before sewing up the hem- I know, I apologize. But, it was going so smoothly I wanted to just get it done so I could try on the essential tent. And boy, is it a tent. Ha!

I stuck an elastic waist belt on and WOW! Transformation doesn't even describe it. When I put on my crinoline, it was a Wowsa moment! I was a 50's housewife goddess. Exactly what Gertie promised. Yep, I love the dress!!

I am planning on making a few of these dresses for the summer. Hawaiian print, polka dots, gingham, gimme all the carefree and flowy fabrics. I did buy 2 belts from Amazon- one black and one white. I figured they'd go with most everything because you do need an elastic cinch belt with this dress. She has an option in the book to make a shirred waist and I plan on trying that eventually.
Disclaimer: Many, many years ago I tried shirring a shirt and it was a huge disaster. Hoping to get the courage to try it again with the Popover dress. 

I can see myself sewing up a few of these batch style in a day. So easy, so comfy and pretty darn cute too! Thanks for another great pattern, Gertie! You are amazing.

So, what do you think? Are you game for making the super simple Popover dress? What other dresses do you plan on making in her book? Let me know in the comments below. 

Happy Sewing!
Annette

 First off, I have to tell you a little back story. I learned how to sew on the machine right after my oldest son was born. I wanted to make baby blankets, curtains, pillows, all the things. I took a group class upstairs in a small vacuum and sewing shop. I was the only one who showed up, so I was lucky enough to receive a one on one class from the sweetest lady. Fast forward a few years and I was making bags, more pillows and PJs along with halloween costumes for my kids. 

I stumbled upon our local public television station and saw they had sewing shows! I DVR'd them all with delight, and glittery sparkles were in the air. I would wake up early Saturday morning and watch as many as I could until my kids woke up. Nancy Zieman was amongst a few others I got to know through television. Then, one day this girl with pink hair did a short segment on sewing. I can't remember what she made, but I was in awe. She was young and had pink hair and sewed!?? Whaaatt!?? 

I immediately googled her name and found her you tube channel. I could make things for me? I never thought of that. I assumed I would only make things for my kids and gifts for friends and family. Gretchen Hirsch a.k.a. Gertie opened my eyes and my heart. She seemed so cool and sweet.
I have all of her books, a lot of her fabric and patterns. Saying I LOVE her, is an understatement. Not in a creepy stalker way though, I promise. 

I think as parents and adults, we sometimes lose ourselves. We get caught up in the day to day life and just join everyone else in robot mode. Once I discovered I could make my own pretty things, I enjoyed life and found myself again. If you feel like you're in a funk, I encourage you to find someone that you can find inspiration from. And, hopefully who radiates beauty and positivity like she does for me.

So, without further ado, I want to share my step by step process of making her Rita blouse. Oh and did I tell you I met her in person last spring? She's as beautiful in person as she is in her books and on TV. She truly is a sweet soul. I bought this pattern from her at her tea party she hosted in Las Vegas. Not brag or anything, but it's autographed. #winning