One of my main goals for 2025 was to improve my sewing and pattern drafting skills. I tried really hard to choose projects that taught me something new while also expanding my me-made wardrobe with things that I will actually wear. All except the first two dresses are self drafted, and I have been working my way through Arkdefo's drafting courses which are amazing and I can't recommend enough.

These are in the order I made them.

  1. Modified Bardon Dress by Peppermint magazine made out of a thrifted Joe Boxer bed sheet.

  2. Modified Bardon Dress made out of 1994 quilting cotton I was gifted from my grandma.

  3. Self drafted princess seam dress with my first ever invisible zipper made from a thrifted bed sheet.

  4. Self Drafted strappy dress made from bed sheet scraps I had in stash.

  5. Self drafted Princess seam dress with gathered yoke made from a thick 100% cotton thrifted bed sheet.

  6. A variation on dress number 5 made from vintage quilting cotton gifted to me by my husband's aunt when she passed. She was an amazing seamstress and has played a huge roll in my sewing journey. RIP the Lion Lady.

  7. Self Drafted Tie back halter made from a thrifted tablecloth.

  8. A variation on dress number 7 with an elasticated back made from 2003 quilting cotton gifted to me by the Lion Lady.

  9. Another version of dress number 6 made out of 90s quilting cotton gifted to me by my grandmother.

  10. A self drafted relaxed fit dress made out of a thrifted bed sheet.

  11. Self drafted relaxed fit half and half dress made from more 90s quilting cotton my grandma gave me.

Special thanks to my wonderful husband who helped me take all of these wonderful photos and has been nonstop supportive of me on my sewing journey. I would not have been able to accomplish this without him by my side.