If you follow me on Instagram you know that this past Sunday, when I was highly caffeinated, Mr. R challenged me to make a dress in 3 hours. I could already use an existing pattern, so I decided to accept the challenge and get to work! The restyle is this embellished off the shoulder dress that I am in love with!
Backing up… I created the fabric print myself a few weeks prior, and documented the process on my Instagram Stories. You can re-watch the entire process in my highlights! Here are the abbreviated steps below.
How to Create a Watercolor Cutout Print in Photoshop
- I painted watercolor washes in red and pink, and then scanned them into my computer and opened them in Photoshop.
- I then created a design and ‘created new layer via copy’ of the shapes. If you look closely at the second image below you can see little squiggly lines indicating where my design was.
- I then dragged the layer to a new worksheet, and repeated with multiple shapes.
- I added cutouts from the pink watercolor and played with a pale blue background, for a bit of unexpected contrast. I then saved the file and uploaded it to Spoonflower for printing!
I ordered the fabric in a cotton poplin, which is a bit stiffer than my ideal fabric would have been. Initially I thought something with a little more drape would be better, but I didn’t know what I was designing when I picked the fabric, and in the end, this poplin did work well for the shape I picked.
I used McCall’s pattern M7563, which is a very easy gathered dress/tunic pattern, that I have used before with this dress. I wore that dress so much last summer, and found it to be perfect shape this summer as well, so I finally decided to recreate it.
I don’t think this pattern is laid out the best way, but I can tell you that it is E-Z. Its just a series of rectangular shapes with a lot of gathering and elastic casings. If I were to have more time, I would have done the elastic casings differently to make it look more refined, but in the moment, rushers can’t be choosers.
After I finished the embellished off the shoulder dress initially, I went to Joann’s to source an easy trim to make the dress stand out even more. I tried to pick something other than pom poms… but my little heart knew what it wanted and I went for it. I chose to only line the bottom 2 tiers so that I can belt it, but it still looks cute without the belt if I wear it loose as well.
I finished the look off with a gorgeous handmade in Ecuador Freya straw hat which makes a statement by itself, along with an old vintage leather belt, red sandals and red beaded earrings.
I asked the audience during my instagram stories broadcast, but I will ask it again here:
In your opinion, is this Fast Fashion or Slow Fashion?
I thought it was incredibly interesting to see what the results were… so now I want to ask you again and please tell me why you think whatever you think!
