Dress cuts inspired by Fiber Mood - Mira.

Today you will learn how to sew a dress inspired by Fiber Mood - the Mira dress with lots of frills. We will guide you through the entire process, from choosing the material to sewing the individual parts of the dress. Tips for working with fabric and tips for improving a dress using leftover fabric are included in this tutorial.

You may have noticed in my previous dress tutorial that I love variable models. It saves money and I can customize my clothes the way I like them. Here is another model inspired by Fiber Mood - the Mira dress with lots of ruffles .

In general , I'm not into super loose cuts and my pear-shaped body looks better in clothes with a cinched waist . But since I was pregnant and had nothing to wear, I decided to change my current style. When I saw Mia's dress, I knew I had to have exactly the same one, and not only during pregnancy. Thanks to the elastic material with the GOTS certificate, the dress is very comfortable to wear every day .

Material for frill dress:

For size 38, I used 3 meters of GOTS-certified cotton knitwear, and the consumption of material for the said dress can be checked in the Fiber Mood size chart. In addition to the fabric , we will need thread matching the fabric, scissors, a sewing machine and other necessities .

We will cut these parts:

• 1x front part, 1x back part of bodice
• 1x front piece, 1x back piece for lining the bodice - I prefer lining as the sewn product looks cleaner and more professional
• 6x rectangular tapes for dress layers
• 2x rectangles for sleeves

Choose a bodice cut that you like and feel comfortable in . Don't have a favorite bodice cut from past dresses? In that case, you can download a shirt you like or download a bodice from Colette's free Sorbetto patterns.

How to measure dress frill rectangles:

Cut out two rectangles each time: one for the front part and the other for the back part . I generally go by the rule of thumb, "To make ruffles, cut a rectangle twice as long as the piece it will be sewn to." I didn't quite follow the rule this time because I didn't want the dress to be too heavy. measured:

• level 1 - 27 cm x 70 cm
• level 2 - 27 cm x 120 cm
• level 3 - 22 cm x 200 cm
• ruffle sleeve - 15 cm x 80 cm

Tip : There are many variations, the frills can be narrower or wider, with decorative ribbons between the seams. So don't cut everything at once, but gradually. Then you will find out how much fabric you still have left and play with the ruffles and they will be smaller or bigger according to your taste.

Sewing procedure:

1. Bodice

Start with the bodice , because this part has to fit perfectly in your bust area.

• Place the front and back pieces face to face. Sew the side and shoulder seams .
• Sew the lining to the neckline.
• Turn it inside out and sew decoratively again .

2. Ruffles

When the bodice is sewn, we can start with the rest, which is completely simple. But be careful, simple does not mean fast. Grouping them together is challenging because we have a lot of fabric on hand.

• Create ruffles - sew two parallel lines with the longest stitch with the greatest tension and pull to increase to the desired length .
• Attach the bodice to the size rectangle from level 1, then level 1 to level 2 and finally level 3 .
• Bend the bottom edge and stitch with a double needle .

Tip: I recommend that you buy a presser foot for your sewing machine. I plan to buy it together with my next sewing purchase, sewing with it seems easier and faster.

3. Sleeves

It depends on you what you like and how you adjust the sleeves. You can leave the dress sleeveless, add short sleeves or long ones . I decided on simple sleeves from the Sorbetto pattern and added a little frill to it.

Sorbet top

As a basis for the dress, I chose Colette's pattern and modified it a bit: I removed the pleating in the middle, cut the bodice just below the bust line and removed the pleat. I used the same sleeve shape and cut out a rectangle for the frill.

GOTS - certified substance

I've always been afraid to reach for stretchy fabric because I was afraid of stretchy hems, but I couldn't resist looking at the pale pink color. Sewing wasn't exactly easy, but it wasn't as difficult as I thought either . The dress is so nice and soft to wear, it doesn't wrinkle , which I think is a great bonus because I hate ironing and especially frills.

3 tips for sewing knitwear:

1. Stretch stitch (zigzag) : use this stitch for parts that stretch. The rest can be sewn with a regular stitch, but still it is better to use a stretch stitch.
2. Super stretch needles: use needles suitable for stretch materials.
3. Twin needle: sew slowly, make sure the tension is correct so that the needles do not twist or break.

All in all, even though this dress took me quite a while to complete (struggling with ruffles and double needles), I'm really happy with the result. I wear them pretty much all the time and am thinking of making another one soon.

Suggestions for improving a dress using fabric scraps

Leftover fabrics can be used to create original details and decorate dresses, which will increase their usability and comfort. Here are some ideas to improve the Fiber Mood inspired Mira dress using fabric scraps:

1. Pockets with decorative elements

Create pockets on the dress and in the middle attach a piece of velcro , a zipper with a slider or a small button with a loop. This will ensure that the pockets do not open when filled and at the same time add an interesting design element to the dress.

2. Decorative tapes and ribbons

Use fabric scraps to make decorative ribbons or ribbons that can be sewn onto the seams or hems of dresses. In this way, you can add an interesting contrast of colors or patterns that will increase the aesthetic value of the dress.

3. Applications and embroidery

Create simple appliqués or embroidery from fabric scraps and sew them onto dresses. In this way, you can add a personal touch that will increase the originality of your clothing.

4. Contrast collar and cuffs

Add a contrasting collar or cuffs to a dress you make from fabric scraps. This way, you can add visual interest to the dress and give it a unique look.

5. Lacing and laces

Use fabric scraps to create laces or laces that can be used for decorative purposes or to increase the comfort of wearing a dress. Lacing can be added to the back of the dress, while laces can be used to adjust the dress to your figure.

By using fabric scraps to improve and decorate a dress, you will not only save money, but also increase the usability and comfort of the dress. In addition, you will contribute to the sustainability of fashion by reducing the amount of waste.

you save money, but you also get a unique garment that perfectly expresses your individual style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials, techniques and design elements to help you create your dream dress inspired by Fiber Mood Mira.

What fabrics can be used to sew the selected dress?

Mira dresses can be made of different materials, which affect the quality and texture of the product. Here are some other variations of this model that may be popular for different situations, occasions and benefits:

1. Cotton dress : Lightweight and breathable, cotton is the ideal material for the Mira dress, suitable for everyday wear in the warmer months or on holiday. Cotton dresses are easy to wash and maintain, making them a practical choice for those who value simplicity and comfort.

2. Silk Dress : For a more luxurious version of the Mira dress, you can opt for a silk material that will give the dress a soft texture and elegant look. Silk dresses are suitable for evening events or special occasions when you want to indulge in a bit more extravagance.

3. Linen dress : For a rustic or boho style, try the Mira dress made of linen. Linen is a durable, breathable and durable material that improves over time. Linen dresses are perfect for outdoor weddings, festivals or other summer events where you want to look comfortable and stylish.

4. Linen Dress : You can use linen material for a sturdier version of Mira's dress. Canvas is a strong and durable material that is ideal for dresses suitable for active lifestyles or adventures in the countryside.

5. Chiffon dress : For a romantic and light version of the Mira dress, choose a chiffon fabric. Chiffon gives the dress an ethereal and dreamy look that is perfect for wedding guests, garden parties or other special occasions.

Let your creativity flow freely and experiment.

What to sew from the same fabric

1. Skirt with tiered pleating

A tiered pleated skirt is another great piece of clothing that you can make from GOTS certified cotton knitwear. Like the Mira dress, you can customize this skirt to your taste and add different layers of ruffles. The tiered pleated skirt is suitable for various occasions such as parties, family gatherings or everyday wear.

2. Knitted leggings

Knitted leggings are a comfortable addition to your wardrobe and can be easily sewn from GOTS certified cotton knit . Leggings can be worn alone or under dresses or skirts for added comfort and a warm feeling. Knitted leggings are suitable for everyday wear, sports activities or relaxing at home.

3. Tunic with frills

Tunic with frills is another variation on the theme of the Mira dress, which you can try sewing from GOTS certified cotton knit. The tunic can be worn with leggings, trousers or skirts, providing a comfortable and stylish outfit for everyday wear or special occasions.

4. Hat and scarf

You can also sew a hat and scarf from GOTS-certified cotton knitwear. These accessories will give you a warm and soft feeling during the colder days, while also matching well with your outfit. The cap and scarf are suitable for everyday wear, walking outside or traveling.

5. Children's clothing and accessories

If you have children, you can also sew children's clothes, such as overalls, T-shirts, trousers or jackets, from GOTS-certified cotton knitwear . Children's clothes from this fabric will be soft, comfortable and easy to maintain. You can also sew accessories such as blankets, pillows or toys for children.