52 Week Sewing Challenge – March
Hello sewing enthusiasts! As I wrap up the 52 Week Sewing Challenge – March, let me take a moment to tell you about the amazing sewing projects I’ve completed! This time, I’m including some pattern reviews.
Week 10: Sew Something Green or Upcycled
This week’s challenge was to sew something green or upcycled. For this, I decided to delve into my fabric stash and found a green print sheer fabric that I’ve had for a while, waiting for the perfect project. Its different shades of green and it’s light texture were perfect for a fall skirt, and I felt it was high time it was put to good use.
Initially, I planned to use an existing pattern for this project, but I found that none of my patterns gave me the look I wanted. I envisioned an A-line bandless skirt that was simple yet chic and would allow the fabric to be the star of the show. After going through several patterns and not finding one that matched the vision in my head, I decided to draft my own.
This was a bit of a challenge, but I enjoyed every minute of it. The final pattern allowed me to create exactly the skirt I had in mind – an A-line skirt that was tailored to my measurements and had the perfect amount of flair. Because I was using a “flowy” fabric I decided to exclude front and back darts. I used the same pattern pieces to line the skirt with an anti-static lining and finished the waist with a 1” grosgrain ribbon, ensuring a comfortable fit and wear.
This challenge taught me the joy of creating garments that fit perfectly and reflect my personal style. It also showed me that sometimes, you have to create your own patterns to bring your vision to life. I can’t wait to wear this green skirt and I already have a matching jacket planned!
Week 11: Sew Something Plaid or Tartan
This week’s challenge was to sew something plaid or tartan. I unearthed a beautiful felted wool from my stash that had been gifted to me a few years ago. The fabric was perfect – a classic plaid that I had entirely forgotten about until I found it while digging through my stash.
I decided to use McCalls 3341 pattern for a simple A-line skirt. Its clean lines made it relatively easy to match the plaids at the seams, which is always a crucial detail when working with plaid fabrics. My personal opinion is matching plaids and large patterns is the sign of professional work.
Although the pattern is designed for an unlined skirt, I usually line my skirts and dresses for comfort and better wear. This pattern is for a bandless waist skirt where facing pieces are use to finish the waistline. Instead I used the skirt pattern pieces to cut the anti-static lining and shortening the length by an inch. I stitched the lining together and attached it following the directions as if using the facing pieces. Lining a skirt gives your garment a finished, professional look.
I can’t wait to pair this skirt with boots and tights when the weather turns cooler.
Pattern Review – This pattern is super easy and went together quick. Even with matching the plaid and adding the lining I was able to finish the skirt in a day. What’s great is this skirt fit without my having to do any alterations. This is one of the easiest garment sews I’ve done!
This week’s challenge reminded me of the treasures that can be found in my own stash and the joy of creating a garment that is exactly to my taste.
Week 12 – Sew Something with a Unique Sleeve
For this challenge, after a lot of deliberation I finally settled on Simplicity 2601 View A, a cute top pattern that had been sitting in my stash for quite a while.
I made this top in a dark pink cotton broadcloth which is a stiffer fabric than the pattern recommended. I decided to eliminate the front ruffles along the front placket because they wouldn’t lay right and would be a bit too much for my personal taste. Removing some of the gathers in the peplum bottom to helped keep the fabric from sticking out.
However, I felt the top might seem a bit plain, so I decided to add an extra touch. Because the fabric is lightweight, I didn’t want a dense design so I focused on ones that had a “watercolor” feel. I chose to embroider the design Delicate Wildflower Border (M32111) from Embroidery Library onto the midriff panels.
For the flowers, I used a combination of dark pink, medium pink, and white thread. The midriff panels were interfaced so I went with a water soluble stabilizer to maintain flexibility. The result was a charming and delicate pattern that complemented the simplicity of the top and the uniqueness of the sleeves.
The top turned out rather cute, and I’m really looking forward to the chance to wear it! This challenge showed me of the fun and creativity that can come from stepping out of our comfort zones and trying something new.
Week 13: Sew Something Floral
Rounding off the month with the ‘Sew Something Floral’ challenge, I made a vibrant turquoise peasant dress with bright yellow flowers.
There’s nothing as refreshing and vibrant as floral prints. I had initially planned to make a sheer overdress in a pink floral print, but a change of plans occurred. I stumbled upon a beautiful turquoise flowy rayon blend fabric with bright yellow flowers, and it was impossible to resist the call of this vibrant material. Given my aim to utilize as much of my existing supplies as possible, I decided to switch gears and use this floral fabric instead.
I dove back into my pattern stash, seeking the perfect match for this fabric. The one that caught my eye was a simple, empire waist peasant style fit and flare dress. McCalls 5039 was ideal, allowing the vibrant fabric to shine while adding a flattering silhouette.
The dress pattern included a side zipper, and while the instructions suggested a regular zipper, I opted for an invisible one instead. This choice gave the dress a more professional look, elevating it from a simple homemade project to a garment that wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique.
But I didn’t stop there. I wanted to add a bit of ‘pop’ to the dress, a little something to make it even more special. So, I trimmed the waist with a wide yellow ribbon, matching the bright yellow flowers on the fabric.
The result? An incredibly cute and fun dress that turned out even better than I could have hoped. I can’t wait to wear it!
Pattern Review – I would sew this pattern again as it is a great summer dress. Constructing the dress was simple due to minimal pattern pieces. But I will make some adjustments. I’ll either remove the side zipper and add elastic under the bust or size down the bodice to make more fitted and add 1″ to the under bust as the dress kept riding up. Maybe adjust skirt to be a little more full.
March’s Wins!
All in all, my 52 Weeks Sewing Challenge – March has been a month of creativity and challenges. I am proud of each and every project and look forward to what the next month has in store for me.
If you would like to see more of my sewing journey check out my Sew Much More! page. For additional information about these projects, check out my reviews on Patternreview.com.
Three months into the year, the 52 Week Sewing Challenge is going strong! I’m eager to see what April brings. There are a few challenges that might be a bit challenging. I have some ideas for what I want to create.
Remember to come back next month to see my final projects. I’m excited to share them with you. If you missed my previous month’s projects, check out my blog posts on my 52 Week Sewing Challenge 2024 page. I believe you’ll enjoy reading about those projects.
If you would like to join the challenge with me check out the Facebook Group 52 Week Sewing Challenge-2024 Edition. You’ll find lost of ideas, motivation and creativity to get your sewing juices flowing! I hope to see you there!
Keep sewing and keep challenging yourself!
Thank you for visiting with me at
Down Home at Dee’s
Subscribe to Down Home at Dee’s and join Litten, Tigger and me on our adventures of Exploring Life Every Day!
Down Home at Dee’s is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com