Do you have garments in your closet that just need a little tweaking to be wearable again? Inspired by @madebyliesl #refebulous2025 , I finally reworked the neckline on my #criswoodsewsgemini @criswoodsews . I made this dress in 2023 but it only got to come out of the closet once! I found the neckline very uncomfortable in this zero waste dress. So, I removed 3" from the centre front and tapered it back to the shoulders. Then I added bias binding to finish it off. Easy peasy! I should have done it sooner! I always loved this simple shift shape, especially in this gorgeous linen from @blackbirdfabrics . Now it will get loads of wear! Check the last photo to see how high the original neckline was. #sewover50 #sewover50feb #sewover50sustainablesewing #memadeeveryday #bcsews #ilovelinen #imakemyownclothes

I felt as happy and free as I look in the picture celebrating one of my very best friend's 40th birthday on a rooftop in Los Angeles. I wear this dress casually, formally, everywhere lol. The color makes me feel like me. And the shape and belt are extremely versatile. The belt is being covered by this cute fanny pack I got on clearance for $3 at Kohl's. Dress: @criswoodsews Gemini dress #criswoodsewsgemini

This year’s #dcfrocktails look is brought to you by a mad dash to finish pre-renovation packing when I would otherwise have been sewing. And also a math error. The wet January weather led my contractor to switch up the order of some work, and I had to hurry up and finish packing last weekend. I knew I wouldn’t have enough time for my original #frocktails plan, but thought that I could manage the #criswoodsewsgemini . But I made an error in cutting the back and front apart, so the dress has a bonus center-front seam, and a little less ease than intended. #dcfrocktails2024 #sewistsofinstagram #memade #imakemyclothes

New Pattern Release! @criswoodsews new Gemini dress is now available This is a simple boxy dress that can be tied two ways. (I’ve only snapped pics one way, check out Cris’s page for the other!) I got to use my precious Nani Iro “piece by piece” in grey which is so soft and flowy! I had to photograph outside because you couldn’t see the details (black being notoriously difficult to photograph!) I styled it simply for these pics because I wanted you to see the intended design but you know it’s going to end up over jeans and with a cardigan when it cools and maybe even tights and boots if I’m feeling crazy 😜 If you haven’t tried any of Cris Woods designs yet, here’s a few fun facts! You take your own personal measurements, plug them into her formulas to create the exact sized pieces you need to sew together to make a perfectly fitting item!! Yes please! For me it’s a win every time and there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing her formulas work and I’ll have a wearable garment when I’m done sewing. If you’re new to sewing or have been wanting to start, her designs and formulas are an excellent place to begin! #criswoodsewsgemini

I made a dress for New Year's Eve! I recently had a conversation with someone from Chile and she explained that their New Year's Eve tradition is to do something that will symbolise what you want in the year to come. Apparently it's common for people to walk around the block with an empty suitcase by people who want to travel in the coming year. I thought wearing something made by me symbolises me sewing more in the coming year. Pattern: Gemini Dress by @criswoodsews Fabric from @bandmfabrics The fabric was quite silky so made things slightly tricky but I like how it looks. #criswoodsews #criswoodsewsgemini #sewforyourbody #sewyourownclothes #madebyme #madebyhand #sewistsofinstagram #sewforyourself #memadewardrobe

Work Barbie is not great at selfies…. But loving this #criswoodsewsgemini dress! It would have been a quick sew last night if I didn’t get distracted and cut it wrong…. But I made it work! This has been on my list for a while and a costume for work was the last push needed #memade #isewclothes#criswood #lowwastepattern #zerowastepattern #slowfashion #sewing #lastminuteproject #workcostume #barbiehalloween

🎉NEW PATTERN ALERT! 🎉 introducing the Gemini dress – so called because the dress can be worn two ways: Tie the belt to the front, and it looks like the image on the left, tie the belt to the back, and it looks like the image on the right! Basically, it’s two dresses in one 👍🏼👍🏼 like all my patterns, it’s low waist, paper free and has no size limits. there are a couple tutorial videos out there to help you out, too! 👍🏼 it can be sewn up in wovens or stable knits. 🧵 Combine it with the free sleeve add on for even more variations! Personally, I am quite obsessed and can’t stop making them (see my previous posts) – and I hope you will be too! 🥰♊️❤️#criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsews #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #lowwastesewing #lowwastesewingpattern #lowwastesewingpatterns #sizeinclusivesewingpatterns #plussizesewing #plussizesewingpattern #beginnersewing #beginnersewingpatterns

some real cuties getting sewn up lately! Clockwise from left: A #criswoodsewsgemini as maternity wear 🤰🏻a #criswoodsewsenvelope,a ✨handwoven✨ #criswoodsewsthrow (!) and a #criswoodsewsparasol top ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️ makers tagged in photo! thanks for making my patterns lovelies! #beginnersewing #zerowastesewing #sizeinclusivesewingpatterns

I am making a foray into the world of zero waste patterns starting with @criswoodsews latest pattern #criswoodsewsgemini . It sure is an easy way of sewing! For starters, there is no paper pattern to print out and tape together( I enjoyed that part). The entire dress is cut out according to the wearers' measurements and requires only a rectangle of fabric and some math. The only problems I encountered were that as I have very little in front, the neckline had to be taken in and the belt slits had to be moved up. I should probably add side slits to make it easier to walk upstairs! I don't really do the pattern justice but it looks gorgeous on the pattern designer! She has many iterations on her ig account. The gingham linen fabric from @blackbirdfabrics is what makes it for me! Need to have a stockpile of this fabric!!! #sewover50 #sewover50october #sewover50dresses #zerowaste #bcsews #bflinen #imakemyownclothes

Tested the new #criswoodsewsgemini dress last week! Looking forward to stitching another one up in some fancy rayon when I can finish the seams properly with a serger. Excellent dress to get your feet wet, especially if it’s been a while since working on clothing, like me 😘

What with work, wedding planning, and just the day-to-day busyness of modern life it’s been a long time between sewing projects. I’ve been missing it. It’s my way of decompressing, a meditative practice that doesn’t leave much space in my brain for worry. I’m looking forward to getting back into regular practice, and to start I made a pattern that I’ve been looking forward to sewing since @criswoodsews started teasing it in development. It the #criswoodsewsgemini, a zero waste dress perfect for a beginner sewist. With a slashed funnel neckline, grown-on cap sleeves and sash gaps that enable you to tie the dress in different ways, the Gemini is as easy to style as it is to sew. Because you use your own measurements in the formula to generate the pattern the size range is limitless, and because it’s paperless you don’t need to spend hours taping pattern pieces together. You just measure, cut, and sew. It’s been designed to be worn two ways: with the sash tied as a belt around the dress, or around the waist with the back of the sash under the dress to create a caped look. I’ve added two more: a comfortable loose cocoon style with no belt whatsoever, and with the sash crossed over to gather the dress at the front before being tied at the back. I made it from the fabulous new cotton seersuckers from @doopsdesigns. It’s a GOTS certified fabric with the seersucker texture applied after printing so that the colour doesn’t lose any vibrancy when it’s stretched out. The fabric is printed with Doops’ designer Jane Newham’s vibrant Colour Hills print. The style of the pattern may have suited a slightly less crisp fabric, and I ended up having to baste the neckline down to keep it in place, but the stretch in the fabric makes the dress a comfortable pleasure to wear. Worn with ballet flats from @zierashoes #40PlusStyle #PlusStyle #SustainableFashion #CurvyAU #SlowFashion #FashionOver40 #PlusStyle #CSCMakes #CurvySewing #Sewing #Sewcialists #CurvySewingCollective #MidFatSewing #MeMadeWardrobe

I love @rebeccacreechcreates Gemini dress! it looks so elegant in this beautiful Nani Iro fabric😍 Hers is the above the knee version, but there’s another option that is below the knee. 👍🏼 Rebecca is my initial tester, and helps me with my very first draft of my patterns. She is an integral part of the process, and I’m lucky to have her in my corner. 🥰#criswoodsewsgemini #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #lowwastesewing #lowwastesewingpattern #sizeinclusivesewingpatterns #beginnersewing #beginnersewingpatterns

#maternitysewing!! This is the #criswoodsewsgemini in @juliaallissoncost’s gorgeous #lemontreetextile gauze. I made this very early in pregnancy, with the hopes that it would work throughout and it really has! I can’t remember now (oops!) but I think I added a bit more width all around. I get so many compliments on this fabric and dress every time I wear it, so happy with it! Also wearing the #sorrentobuckethat an old favorite! #memade

I know you’ve been wondering something, and I finally have an answer - We are getting back to garment sewing in January!!!!! Join me for an EPIC indie sew-along on Sunday, January 21st from 2-5pm at the @citysewingroom for our first indie sew-along in over two months!! We will be sewing the #criswoodsewsgemini dress and I am PSYCHED about it. This pattern has it all: size inclusive, low-waste sewing, and no pattern pieces to take together. (Did you just read that correctly? NO PATTERN PIECES TO TAPE TOGETHER!! 😂😂). Click the link in the bio to sign up in the event, or send me a dm if you don’t do Facebook. This is gonna be a great one ❤️❤️ #sewingclass #sewingclasses #garmentsewing #learntosew #makersgonnamake #sewstlouis #sewstl

Cris Wood Sews @criswoodsews just released the Gemini dress, so called because the dress can be worn two ways: Tie the belt to the front, or tie the belt to the back! Like all her patterns, it's low waste, paper free and has no size limits. Lucky me got to be a fit mode for her on this, and my dress is made of a lovely linen in a brilliant marigold color. This dress feels perfect for fall layers. It’s easy construction definitely makes it a wonderful beginning sewing project for those cozy indoor days to come! #criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsews #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #lowwastesewing #lowwastesewingpattern #lowwastesewingpatterns #sizeinclusivesewingpatterns #plussizesewing #plussizesewingpattern #beginnersewing #beginnersewingpatterns #beginnersewingproject

Today thru Monday Jan. 13- 100% of sales will go to the @lafoodbank. Please share and tell a friend! The devastation is immense, and so many people need our help. 🩷 #criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsews #criswoodsewsharmony #criswoodsewsdaydream #criswoodstartheretop #criswoodsewsgardendress #criswoodsewsenvelope #criswoodsewsparasol #criswoodsewsthrow #criswoodsewsjuniper #criswoodsewswaterfall #criswoodsewscasita #criswoodsewsglow #sizeinclusivesewing #sizeinclusivesewingpatterns #beginnersewing #zerowastesewing #lowwastesewing

You read that right!!! A whopping 50% off all patterns RIGHT NOW ‼️ (there’s plenty there for a holiday look if that’s your plan) Make sure to add the freebies to your cart, too! Low-waste, beginner level and size unlimited. ❤️ See you there! #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #criswoodsewsglow #criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsewsgardendress #criswoodsewsenvelope #criswoodsewsdaydream #criswoodsewsparasol #criswoodsewsthrow #criswoodsewscasita #criswoodsewsjuniper #criswoodsewsdewdrop #lowwastesewing #beginnersewing #sizeinclusivesewing

‼️50% off all patterns‼️ till” Nov.30- no code needed!! Link in profile or go to criswoodsews.com ➡️ i’m wearing all black to celebrate – including this organza #criswoodsewsdaydream with the #criswoodsewsstarthere neckline and white serger thread 🖤 Now go get your patterns!! 🛒 #criswoodsews #criswoodsewsenvelope #criswoodsewsglow #criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsewsgarden #criswoodsewsparasol #criswoodsewsthrow #criswoodsewsenvelope #criswoodsewswaterfall #criswoodsewscasita #criswoodsewsjuniper #beginnersewingpatterns #lowwastesewing #zerowastesewing #sizeinclusivesewing

Trying to take a good picture of my new favourite dress is tough!! It’s like the moon, it just doesn’t show how great it is in pictures. This was my wearable tester of the #criswoodsewsgemini Which given it is drafted to your measurements I’m not sure a test sew is needed? Except I sewed while tired and didn’t follow the directions properly so it has some extra seams and pleats.. If you haven’t tried a @criswoodsews pattern yet, highly recommend this one!! And maybe next sunset I’ll get a good shot of my new Glow dress. #memade #isewmyownclothes #lowwastesewing #criswoodsews #memadewardrobe #slowfashion #memadeholiday

👍🏼👍🏼 I filled out a new measurements form recently, and my measurements have fluctuated since the last time I filled one out – so I wrote in the date, to remind me how long it’s been since my last measuring session. You can get one of these forms for free on my website. 🤗 It’s very handy! 🩷 #criswoodsews #criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsewsgarden #criswoodsewsharmony #criswoodsewsdaydream #criswoodstartheretop #criswoodsewsgardendress #criswoodsewsdaydreamtop #criswoodsewsenvelope #criswoodsewsparasol #criswoodsewsthrow

I know your recent sewing time has probably been dedicated to making for others, but selfish sewing is once again on the horizon!!! January open sews were just posted and opened for registration, so head to the link in the bio or shoot me a DM to grab a spot. I’ve heard from a few of you that you miss the Monday night open sews, so there’s a Monday night AND a Sunday afternoon open sew this month ❤️❤️ (And there is still space left in the #criswoodsewsgemini sew-along, but I anticipate it filling up so reserve your spot now!!) #sewingcommunity #sewinggroup #sewalong #indiesew #indiesewing #sewstlouis #sewstl

It's Me Made May!!! There are always so many challenges and prompts and activities based around Me Made May and I honestly don't have time for all that 😆 Instead, I'm just going to show you how I incorporate my handmade clothing into my every day wardrobe. I kinda hate reposting makes that I've already shared, but I thought this would be a fun blast from the past. Today I'm wearing the Gemini dress by @criswoodsews, but I'm wearing the dress as a top! This low-waste dress is made for woven and stable knits and I used this silky fabric I found at my local @joann_stores (BTW - I'm SOOOOO happy they don't have to shut down). Not all dresses work as tops because they can sometimes add too much bulk, but this silky, expertly-designed dress is perfect. I paired the dress/top with some RTW linen pants that cost me about 10 cents. What do you think? Are you doing anything to commemorate Me Made May? 🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵 #criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsews #lowwastesewing #indiepatterns #memademay ##memadeeveryday #curvysewing #plussizefashion #fashion #sewing #sew #SewInColour #sewcialists #blkmakersmatter #memade #sewist #sewistsofinstagram #imakemyclothes  #makersgonnamake #maker #isew #handmade #diy

Hi! Just a little reminder that there’s a 15% off anniversary sale going on right now at my shop! Patterns and fabrics are discounted automatically when you check out 🛍️. Here I’m wearing one of my favorite dresses – a #criswoodsewsjuniper in a lightweight flowy viscose. If you’re not into the puffy look – viscose is a great option for this dress, to wear as a dress or a cover-up. 👙 it just so happens that I have a lot of pretty viscous in the shop right now, and the fabric genius tool will tell you exactly how much you need. 👍🏼🥳 sale ends tonight at midnight 🕛 #criswoodsews #criswoodsewsenvelope #criswoodsewsglow #criswoodsewsgemini #criswoodsewsglow #criswoodsewswaterfall #criswoodsewsparasol #criswoodsewsdaydream #criswoodsewsthrow #sustainablefabrics #zerowastesewing #zerowastesewingpattern #sizeinclusivesewingpatterns #summerdresspattern