Last week I was grateful to wake up with the inspiration to take photos of some of my newest sewing projects.

Up until then, the thought of spending hours posing for, taking, and editing photos sounded like absolute hell to me. My almost-ten-years-old Canon Rebel T3i is just a wee bit too old to connect to a Bluetooth remote, so when I do photoshoots, half the time is spent running back and forth from my tripod to my designated photo spot. Pressing the shutter, and then quickly getting back in time for the self-timer countdown is the routine (and a very good workout).

Perhaps it’s not the most professional way to go about things in this day and age, but it’s worked for me thus far (even if it does take twice as long!).

all that to say:

Sometimes I really just have to wait for the right mood to strike for these kinds of things.

But this May morning was perfect for the immaculate dreamy vibes I was going for with this 70’s inspired sundress that I just recently finished sewing. Although in some of my other recent photoshoots I’ve gotten more creative with my editing skills, I wanted to keep the editing pretty simple with these photos, and let the lush green spring morning speak for itself.

the dress

The sundress is a pattern that I created by myself, for myself, and I’m pretty proud of how well it came out! I generally dislike zippers and buttons because they tend to create much more restriction while wearing clothes (and I’m all about comfort these days), so I admit that it took me quite a while to come up with the perfect way to combine my tiered maxi skirt pattern with a cropped blouse pattern that I created, while keeping that comfy elastic waistband. But, eventually, inspiration struck, and it only took one try to get it right! The dress is sewn out of a vintage sheet, of course, and is airy enough to wear in spring, summer, and fall!

the bandana

To complete the look, the matching bandana was made from this adorable (and incredibly simple!) pattern that I found on Etsy. Sure, I could’ve made the pattern myself, but sometimes it’s just easier to buy one, and support other small businesses at the same time!

photo editing inspiration came from all the amazing photos I’ve found while scrolling Pinterest. you can check out my photography inspiration board on Pinterest here!

I wish I was able to share the blouse pattern with the world, but I’m absolutely clueless when it comes to editing patterns to fit different sizes, so this is just a custom pattern that I made for my measurements exactly.

If the dress isn’t giving T-Swift Folklore vibes, it’s definitely giving cottagecore vibes (something that I was doing long before I knew it was a thing™). Whatever aesthetic it falls under, I’m pretty happy with it. And though this dress takes quite a bit of fabric to make, another one will probably end up in my closet soon 🧡