17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog
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When we invited 17 Spoonflower employees to make the Stasia Dress from local indie-pattern company Sew Liberated in celebration of Me-Made-May, we knew we’d see some unique variations but we never expected to have 17 one-of-a-kind dresses (and tops)!

“Me-Made-May is a challenge designed to encourage people who sew/knit/crochet/refashion/upcycle garments for themselves to wear and love them more.”
– Zoe Edwards, creator of Me-Made-May

Inspired by hashtags on social media like #youcanhackit, employees challenged themselves to think outside of the pattern for the second annual Spoonflower Employee Me-Made-May Challenge. Featuring Spoonflower’s knit fabrics and seventeen Marketplace designs to fit each maker’s personality, we can’t wait for you to meet the Me-Made-May Class of 2019.

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog
17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

About the Stasia Dress & Top

Are you curious about the naming of Meg McElwee’s easy-to-wear dress? We were too! The Stasia Dress and Top was inspired by Stasia Savasuk, a Vermont-based style coach and founder of Stasia’s Style School. Have you watched Stasia’s Tedx Talk all about dressing for confidence and joy? See the full talk here (get ready to revamp your wardrobe!) and then get to know more about Meg, the story behind the shibori print she chose for her Stasia and what Me-Made-May means to her below.

Meg’s Organic Cotton Knit Stasia features Rustic Indigo Dye by alison_janssen

Meet the Me-Made-May Class of 2019

Holly, Operations

Fabric: Organic Cotton Knit
Design: French_Linen_Rose by holli_zollinger

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I raised the neckline in the front and the back by a few inches for modesty. I also made a facing for the neckline and topstitched it instead of adding a neckband. I didn’t use the sleeve bands because I was more comfortable doing it my way (hemming) and I lengthened the bodice by an inch or so, because I know I have a long torso and just do that automatically for every dress I sew.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
It’s a great reminder that when we make our clothes we are keeping an important skill alive, as well as helping to eventually reduce the amount of mass-produced clothes that are cheaply and unethically made and wasted. When we wear something me-made we feel the confidence and joy of a completed project.

MaryAshlyn, Customer Service

Fabric: Cotton Spandex Jersey
Design: Speckles Mustard by maryashlyn
Fun fact: MaryAshlyn created her own design!

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
The first major modification I made was creating a tulip sleeve. I used the slash-and-spread method of creating fullness to achieve a flutter effect, then used the same method to add gathers to the sleeve cap. Instead of using the short sleeve pattern piece to achieve this, I used the ¾ sleeve piece and shortened it to my desired length.

The second major modification I made was to straighten out the waistline and sew a gathered skirt. For the skirt I used the Seamwork Catarina pattern, which worked wonderfully! Since the Catarina has a center seam in the back, I just cut away the seam allowance and cut it out on the fold.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
I love that Me-Made-May was created to encourage makers to showcase their creations and incorporate them into their everyday wardrobe! Making your own clothing gives you a completely different sense of ownership of it, and getting to share that with others is such a joy!     

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
The best sewing advice I’ve been given is to always document your projects in some form or another, regardless of whether or not you plan to share it with anyone else. Keeping a record of what you made, how you made it, and what you would do differently next time is a great aid in learning more about your own skills, and those records are a huge help anytime you decide to revisit an old project!    

Liz, Home Textiles

Fabric: Modern Jersey
Design: Maximalist Pattern by elena_choo

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I lengthened the skirt slightly and created a subtle high-low effect. At the side seams, I created a curved split hem for a unique shape.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about making the Stasia?
This is a great project for sewists new to working with knits! It’s super simple, but comfy and flattering, and is easy to modify to create different looks. If you’re looking for a simple, staple dress for your wardrobe, you’ve got to try this pattern!

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
As a maker, I am drawn to practices from the past – things our ancestors had to do to survive, but that modern society may not even know can still be done by hand by a single person. Being able to show that these things (like making yarn, clothes, books, etc) don’t require industrial machines is extremely empowering and energizing for me. In that respect, Me-Made-May is a great time to bring awareness to the idea of making one’s own clothes. I hope the movement will become far-reaching and inspire new makers to find that empowering feeling for themselves!

Brigitta, Customer Service

Fabric: Cotton Spandex Jersey
Design: Strawberry Milkshake by nouveau_bohemian

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I drafted an inseam to make the skirt into pants using an existing pair of jeans and a pattern drafting book as a guide. The leg panels use a lot of fabric due to the wide-leg almost culotte style which turned out cute, but next time I think I would grade/skim the width off of the legs to be more of a flat wide leg instead of a circular feel to the pant leg. Be sure to check out this helpful post from Handmade by Brienne showing how to recreate the jumpsuit and Carina Spencer’s version for more inspiration.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
I think it is a great way to encourage people to take time out of their busy lives to slow down and make something for themselves that when complete, gives them something they can use to express themselves and take pride in the fact that they made it themselves.

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
My mom never really gave me any quotable sewing advice but growing up watching her make so many dresses and bows and mend our jeans served as a great source of inspiration for me. After her passing I inherited her machines and I cherish every time I get to sew with them and carry on her legacy of sewing, one of the many DIY passions my mom had.

Beckie, Home Textiles

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I lowered the back neckline inspired by the Closet Case Patterns Nettie and fully lined the bodice which allowed me to eliminate the neckband. To keep the shoulders in place, I added chiffon ties in the back. I skipped the front and back center seams so that the print wouldn’t be interrupted. Lastly, I exchanged the existing sleeve pattern with the sleeve pattern from Simplicity 8013.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
Me-Made-May is a chance to slow down and be more intentional about my me-made wardrobe. I try to mix things in new ways and identify areas where I have gaps (SOLIDS!) so that when I decide what future projects to work on, I can work smarter. I also adore seeing everyone posting on IG!

Andrea, Accounting

Fabric: Modern Jersey
Design: Blue Feather Prints by honoluludesign

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I shortened the short dress version and turned it into a peplum top.

What does Me-Made-Made mean to you?
For me, Me-Made-May is an excuse to be more conscious about my style, sewing habits and environmental footprint. I went from having a closet full of things I only wore once (10 years ago) to a closet consisting of me-made garments, thrift store finds and and clothing I’ve received as gifts or at clothing swaps. I aim to only sew garments I know I will wear and MMM is a good excuse to wear all of them!

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
New things can be good things. My husband always encourages me to try new sewing patterns that require techniques I haven’t tried before. He reminds me of how I was able to teach myself how to sew, and how I can accomplish anything with practice. Sewing can sometimes get frustrating, but once you get it, it is oh so empowering!

Jamie, Print Operations

Fabric: Modern Jersey
Design: Art Nouveau Style Watercolor by mimipinto

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I altered the bodice to be self lined rather than using the arm and neck bands. I wanted the bodice to have a liner, particularly with a stretchy fabric, and with so much length, I didn’t want the weight of the skirt to pull on the bodice. I also didn’t love the look of the arm bands on the first sample I made so I decided I could have a nice, clean finish by sewing two layers of the bodice together around the neckline and armholes. I made the skirt separately and attached the top and bottom last around the waistband. I also chose to cut the front of my skirt on the fold rather than having a seam down the front.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
To slow down and think about where your clothes come from and the effort it takes for someone to make each garment in your wardrobe. It also helps me think about pieces I want to take the time to invest in and have as wardrobe stables.

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
I always tell people that it’s ok to be sloppy when you’re sewing if it helps you get started. Don’t let the quest for perfection stop you from trying something!

Gina, Product Development

Fabric: Modern Jersey
Design: Jumbo Flowers Terracotta by juliaschumacher

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I ended up modifying just about everything, which is a first for me. The biggest change I made was in the skirt – I left the front center seam open and finished the edges and made a fitted short skirt to sit underneath. I’ve been seeing dresses and jumpsuits in this style for awhile and love the drama factor they bring! I also omitted the pockets (which is a cardinal sin the dress world, I know) because I wanted a nice smooth silhouette, dropped the back neckline and raised the front neckline.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
Each year, the combo of Me-Made-May and Fashion Revolution Week is a great reminder to be more conscious of what’s hanging in my closet and where it all comes from. This year, I’ve been trying to make as many garments as I can that will become part of my regular wardrobe rotation.

Alexis, Graphic Design

Fabric: Performance Piqué
Design: Me Made Abstract by alexispdesigns
Fun fact: Alexis created her own design!

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
The pattern originally had identical front and back necklines, but I prefer either one or the other to be higher so I raised the neckline on the front by about 2 ½”. Additionally, to make the dress pattern work as a skirt, I added a waistband and put some elastic in it so it would stay in place.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
It means giving myself time to evaluate my wardrobe and what I wear. It also allows me to be fully aware of the things I buy and focus on altering clothing I already have to extend their life instead of buying new.

Nicole, Floor Operations

Fabric: Modern Jersey
Design: Western Autumn Mauve by shopcabin

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack: I added an ornamental piece from an older dress that I loved but was falling apart.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
Me-Made-May is a good reminder of how much I love to make things and gives me the opportunity to show them off.

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
“Sew one, cut twice”.

Anitha, Home Textiles

Fabric: Modern Jersey
Design: Violet Purple Black and White Modern Circles by barbarapritchard Fun fact: The designer is also a Spoonflower team member!

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
None! I kept my dress exactly to the pattern.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
I am new to being part of Me-Made-May and I really couldn’t believe that I actually own three weeks worth of garments that are decent enough to wear them outside of my house! So, this has been quite inspiring to participate.

Amy, Graphic Design

Fabric: Performance Piqué
Design: Art Deco Puzzle by janetdrummond

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

What was the hardest part about sewing your Stasia Dress?
Sewing and me are still getting to know each other, so my biggest struggle was just getting up the nerve to make all my first moves. I was afraid I was going to cut something wrong or I would sew something incorrectly. While I did do most of the sewing and cutting fails I feared, I was able to fix every mistake and took a bit of comfort knowing my next project will turn out a whole lot better!

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
I saw Me-Made-May as an opportunity to try something new that I have always found super intimidating. It provided a safe space to learn. The moment where so many people in the office are creating is really inspiring and everyone is so willing to answer questions and give a boost of confidence.  

Sarah, Floor Operations

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I turned the skirt into a circle skirt (I love a dress that I can twirl in!) I lowered the neckline on both the front and back and added crisscross straps to the front neckline. I was going to add pockets in the side seams, but it was creating too much bulk in the hip area, so I just added pockets to the front of the dress.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
Me-Made-May is a chance to spotlight the hard work of such a welcoming and creative community. I hadn’t felt the “creative bug” until I started working at Spoonflower last year. Since then, I’ve been able to enjoy the encouragement and resources that comes with being surrounded by an infinite number of inspirational people.

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
Have patience and tell yourself it’s okay if you have to take out that seam you just sewed! I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten frustrated because I had to use my seam ripper. I change my mind on my designs quite often because I think of something better later, or I remind myself of my abilities/timing situation, and that’s okay too!

Alyssa, Research & Development

Fabric: Cotton Spandex Jersey
Design: Eyes by klivenkova

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I lengthened the bodice and the skirt. I also took a bit of volume out of the skirt and cut the skirt pieces on a fold to avoid center seams.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
I’m a new participant in Me-Made-May, but I love the passion I see both from work and social media when I followed along last year. I used to sew clothing more often in college, but now I do more alterations on second hand clothes as well as buying from ethically conscious and transparent companies.

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
If your tension is messed up, check the bobbin first!

Paula, Floor Operations

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I raised the back and the front necklines – I tend to like a bit more coverage than the Stasia has, so when I was tracing my pattern piece I traced my size on the side and then traced the line for a bigger size at the neckline. I lengthened the bodice piece because after making a muslin I realized that my torso/waist is a lot longer than the pattern. I added a little cut out to the front for a little flirty detail I added a bit of a high low detail to the skirt. I cut the back skirt piece on the fold.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
I think I get stuck in the headspace that all of my garments have to be fun, loud party pieces but that leads to an unwearable closet of handmade clothes. Me-Made-May is a good reminder that a simple striped shirt is just as important and fun to make as a cocktail dress. I participated in this project so I can be one garment closer to a me-made closet – so I can join in all month long in an upcoming year!

Janet, Print Operations

Fabric: Modern Jersey
Design: Shibori Diamond by funksion

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
I cut my skirt panels on a fold so that I didn’t have to interrupt the design with a seam. I also added an inch of length to the bodice and lengthened the skirt from the shorter version to just a couple of inches past the knee. I’m on the tall side, so I like my skirts to be a bit longer.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
It reminds me to take time to do creative things.

Kelley, Home Textiles

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

Stasia Hack
Because I like extra room for my arms in my outfits, I had the idea to make a wider flutter sleeve for extra range of motion and comfort. While the fabric is a bit thicker than other tops with flutter sleeves, it turned into more of a bell sleeve but I still ended up loving the result.

What does Me-Made-May mean to you?
Working on DIY projects is my happy-place and it’s great to be able to show off creations in the hope that it inspires others rather than just to create something that will never see the light of day.

What sewing advice have you learned over the years?
Sewing to me is my main creative outlet and even stress reliever, so at any point when I’m getting frustrated with a project, I step away and come back to it later. Creating is supposed to be fun! Also, seam rippers really are your best friend.

17 Ways to Style the Stasia Dress from Sew Liberated | Spoonflower Blog

What goals did you set for Me-Made-May? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to tag your Spoonflower apparel projects with #spoonflowerapparel so we can see what you’ve been making.