Sew Bibs // Ready-To-Wear Inspiration

Sew Bibs // Ready-To-Wear Inspiration

• Wednesday, March 6, 2019

It's time for #SewBibs!!

*Links to everything I'm mentioning are included throughout this post - not affiliate*

I'm so very excited to be co-hosting this fun sewing challenge with 3 of my sewing buddies, Teri, Meg, and Jessamy!

All of the details of the challenge, including discounts, giveaways and prizes are HERE in Teri's introductory blog post. The sponsors we reached out to were amazing, there are so many goodies for you all!

On Monday, Meg shared a blog post round-up of over 30 (!) overalls and dungarees patterns. Coming Friday, on Teri's blog will be a round-up of Pinafore patterns and Monday, on Jessamy's blog will be inspiration from the community for sewing all the bibs!

We've got a full schedule planned for the next 6 weeks, so you may want to consider following all four of us on Instagram so you don't miss a thing! And if you decide to participate, be sure to use the hashtag #sewbibs on your public profile so we can see you. ;)

I'm here today to share with you one of my favorite things. Inspiration for sewing our own versions of Ready-To-Wear (RTW) garments. Why do I love RTW inspiration so much? Well, I have ALWAYS loved clothes and shopping. As an adult I found my love for making was a strong urge that I had to fulfill and garment sewing is that fulfilling outlet. So while I still love to shop, I've found that combining it with my passion for sewing is the best of both worlds.



You can fairly often find me in a dressing room with my almost 4 year old (who is wonderful and lets me do this), trying on and inspecting clothes. I find it's a great way to put together outfits, get styling ideas, and also try out new styles to see if it's something I want to commit a lot of time to and sew! Oh. And then my sewing list grows and grows and grows. Lol!

Another thing I love to do is to browse Pinterest AND my favorite retailers for inspiration. My Pinterest boards are a little extensive! But lots of fun to look through. :) You can find me HERE.

Okay, enough chat! Let's get to the inspiration!

First up is what initially pops into my head when I think of "bibs", or overalls, dungarees, or whatever you might call them!

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On the top we have the very traditional style of overalls, and these could easily be recreated with the Mila Dungarees pattern or McCall's M7547.

In the second row are some looser fitting and relaxed overalls with a great casual vibe. These would be perfect made in linen or rayon twill. I would suggest the Ronja Dungarees or Sara Dungarees to recreate these looks.

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I'm loving both of the above looks! These are definitely a pair of Burnside Bibs and Simplicity 8447 Vintage Overalls.

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Let's not neglect the amazing thing that is shortalls!! I can't believe I don't have a pair of these hanging out in my closet yet, but that will definitely change this summer!!

Check the #sewbibs hashtag to see some great pairs that have already shown up! For some of the patterns this would be as simple as cutting the pattern to be shorts length, but there are patterns such as M7547 and the Jenny Overalls that include a shorts option as well!

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We can't leave out pinafores. Or jumpers. Whatever you call them, they are taking fashion by storm. In the collage above I am without a doubt seeing York Pinafores and a Burnside Bib Dress; aka, Simplicity 8641. Lastly is a hack of any number of simple bib pinafore patterns, you could even change up the neckline shape of the York Pinafore to get this look!

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See?? SO MANY amazing pinafores out there!! The top left is probably my favorite and I think it would be fun to hack a traditional overalls pattern into the skirt as shown! The bottom left deserves a look too, it's made in suede fabric. So cool!

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Not only are there so many styles to explore, the fabric possibilities are endless! A great floral twill, a hefty tweed, how about a total 90s vibe daisy print?! And I LOVE the handdrawn stripes look along with a high contrast black & white. Have some fun with your fabric! Bibs aren't just for solids and denim!

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The last thing I wanted to point out was the fun details that can be added to any type of bibs you might like to sew. I am crazy about the exposed side zipper in place of buttons. I'm loving the shorter pinafore with a yoke detail, the pockets and even the way the straps are made. All of these details can very easily be incorporated into your handmade garments for a touch that is unique to whatever you can dream up for your garment! And lastly, how about making a midi-length pinafore with a high back vent? Love.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you feel inspired to make a pair a bibs, and not only that, but to make them your own! ~ Happy Sewing!!