Wednesday, May 31, 2017

DIY: Ikea Fabric Broccoli Dress

 If you've been following my IG stories, then you've seen a little bit of the behind the scenes making of this here Broccoli Dress. Or, as I've decided to call it, my Frock-coli. See what I did there? Frock and Broc, y'all. It's what you're wearin' fer dinner. 
I picked up the fabric last fall while at Ikea. I'm in love with their fabric because I love all things big and bold (and cheap. Y'all, soooo cheap!). Whenever I see a print that I like, I always wish it were 10 times bigger. So when I spotted this giant broccoli print (and, like, who looks at broccoli and says, "that would make a great textile!" Someone with a brilliant mind, that's who.), I knew I had to have it...and make a dress from it!
I decided to take the ole Frock-coli out for a spin to the bookstore this afternoon. The baristas were diggin' it...but one couple I walked by literally stopped mid-convo, went silent and whispered, "What.Was.That." Apparently the Frock-coli is ahead of it's time. 
Am I the only one who thinks this dress needs some melted cheese? I gotta hankerin' for some steamed broc and queso. 
 When it comes to sewing, y'all know know I'm a creature of habit. I've been sewing dresses for myself for some time now...and I feel this fit and flair is the most flattering on me. I've tried slightly different styles (heavy on the slightly. What can I say, that 50's silhouette is my fave) and I always come back to the following: fitted bodice, big ole waistband (or big ole belt. I have one student who is fascinated by my big plastic belts...I think he watches a lot of WWE and associates them with prize fighting belts. Which, after some days of teaching art, I feel like I've earned one!) and a giant circle skirt. 
When I tell you I have a ton of vintage patterns, believe me, I have a ton. And I almost aways use some sort of combo like this. In other news, how cute is that bird applique?! 
Before I picked the broc fabric to stitch, I had these other contenders on my cutting table. I get a lotta questions on where I get my fabric. Aside from Ikea, I LOVE fabric.com. They have a search bar where I look up things like "primary colors", "art supplies", "art teacher" and all sorts of fun motifs pop up. I also love shopping at Craft South as they have the most unique and hip prints. 
But back to the dress. I thought the black waistband all by itself was a little stark...so I balanced it out with the black bows at the shoulder. 
 My new favorite thing to do while sewing is listen to podcasts. I just finished S-Town from the creators of Serial. I enjoyed it but it was a sad and complex story. I am currently listening to Missing Richard Simmons and LOVING it. I grew up watching Simmons on television, on his infomercials and on Letterman, just thinking he was this loud and crazy dude. But there is this other side to him: he is a carrying, loving and giving individual...with a lot of pain and sadness in his life. I highly recommend it. 
 I don't know what is happening with that face but here is the side-ish view of my dress. 
 So, first week of summer vacay dress, done! I've got a lot more on my To Do list...and currently I am accomplishing very little of it. I'm allowing myself a temporary reprieve because - it's summer! - but after today, I really gotta start whittling away at my summer agenda. 
But first, broccoli! 
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17 comments:

  1. You are amazing!!! Great creation! I really enjoyed reading all about the Frock-oli, and thanks for the podcast recommendations, too.

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    1. Hey Ann! Thank you! And I hope you enjoy the podcasts...I so love the Missing Richard Simmons one!

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  2. Hee hee hee. You make brock look good!

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  3. Oh, I just love this! Your dress is beyond unique and adorable, and your post, as always, made me chuckle. I could relate to the bit about big belts; I favor them too, and my husband always calls me Peg Bundy :)

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    1. Haha!! YES! I think I do draw some fashion inspo from Peg!! Who wouldn't ;) ?! How funny!

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  4. You look adorable! Those people in the coffee shop were just stunned by your creativity! Great name ,"Frock-oli"!!! I can see a pop art project with the kids and veggies! Oh wait, I'm on summer break- I don't have to think of projects to do with the kids!

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    1. YES!! I know, how do we turn off the art teacher brain?! ;)

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  5. I think these are awesome. My mom sewed when I was a kid. I am forwarding this article to my daughter to hopefully inspire her to start being creative with her sewing like you do. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Of course! I'm self taught (hence the tape and the zipper)...I know most sewists are super organized but I'm hear to say you don't have to be ;)

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  6. I am surprised you didn't make a fetching felted froccoli fascinator. Did you start the Cassie's Clay Classes yet? Thanks, Pat S

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    1. Do you mean the Facebook LIVE classes with clay? yes, we wrapped that up last week. All the videos are archived on my FB page :)

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  7. That. Is. So. Awesome!

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  8. OMG I made a dress for my daughter out of this same fabric! It would be so fun to get a photo of you two together in your matching dresses! https://juliebie365.com/2016/08/27/08-27-16-i-like-broccoli-and-michelle-obama/

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