Sewing a Dress From 5 Rectangles of Fabric! DIY Milk Maid Dress

A tip for you guys about the Shirring: when you close the side seam on whatever garment you are making (bodice, sleeve), sew the elastic tread in a spiral way all lines at once, start at one line on top or bottom, then when you finish the circle of the first line, instead of stopping, removing the garment, pulling out, cut the thread, putting back in, starting all over, and repeat, you just make a move from one line to another without cutting the tread, just continuing sewing, making a ''sliding''(? lol) to the next line non stopping, and then make a spiral. Get it? This way you don't have to cut the tread everytime or stop sewing everytime and turn the piece :) oh and at the end, when ironing, the ''slide'' will be no noticible, since the fabric shrinks and you will be using a thread that is the same color of the fabric. (i hope it makes sense what i say, i don't write english that well, and writing things it is harder to visualize than showing in a video, but i tried to describe the best i could)

Janelle always explains and displays what she is doing so clearly. There is never anything fussy or complicated, and she makes it all look so easy. She is very good at what she does!

I love watching your videos and am so impressed by them. Therefore I'm so happy that I can finally give you a hint. When you're using your seam ripper to open a button hole, put a pin in the other end of the buttonhole (before you rip). That will stop you tearing any further than you mean to. :)

Omg you read my mind! I've been wanting something like this for some new fabric I bought, and I was all "nah, I'll wait until Rosery Apparel posts something that'll suit" and wow, it's been ONE DAY since I bought the fabric and you've already delivered!

You took me back to the seventies. Simple, comfy, quick ,practical but easily styled up maxi version was more me.

That turned out really nicely! And you are very good at showing how you do! May I suggest that you put a little bit of interfacing behind the fabric befor you make the buttonhole? Alternatively a bit of scrap fabric. It will make it all neater and less risk of fraying in the wash. Another suggestion if one is a bit nervous about shirring is to just make another casing for an elastic instead.

Perfection! This fabric was made for you. I love how the colors perfectly compliment your wardrobe!😍

Fantastic dress I definitely need more dresses tutorials without darts as I’m still learning so I’m so grateful for this tutorial 🌸

Wow another great dress without a pattern. Such a lovely design. Suitable for all levels of experience. Thank you for sharing. X

I love that you can customize this. I have stayed away from the milkmaid patterns because of my bust size. I am on the larger size but saw that you tried it on and checked to see where the shirring should begin under the bust. Brilliant! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I always look forward to your sewing tutorials, Janelle! You make such pretty styles in amazing fabrics, and you make it all look so easy! 😊 This dress is absolutely gorgeous 😍 Enjoy wearing it!

Thanks for the great tutorial! I just made this dress at 35 weeks pregnant and it is super comfy now and I think will work well after pregnancy too!

What a beautiful dress — it really highlights the lovely vintage fabric.

Hi Janelle, the fabric you used was an amazing find. It reminds me of fabrics and wallpaper from when I was growing up. The colours are just perfect on you. Have a lovely week and enjoy the warming spring weather.

Love this dress. And that fabric is gorgeous! I’m definitely going to give this one a go.

This is fantastic! Thank you..greetings from South Africa 😊

I love your tutorials! They're really accessible, easy to follow, and explained so clearly. I struggle with so many elements of sewing - even after two years of learning - and you're helping in my journey. Thank you! 😊

Love how simply the sleeves are attached!

I love all the autumn-colored clothes you wore & hung in the beginning of the video ❤️

Stunning and simply beautiful tutorial, just love the colour and fabric. Your instructions are soo easy to understand thank you Janelle for sharing another amazing video. Looking forward to the next one. I'm unable to sew at the moment but can't wait to start again. Remain blessed xxx