I teamed up with Janome sewing machines today to create this pretty little fall dress and try out their brand new Janome Skyline S9 Embroidery and Sewing Machine. My original sewing machine that I got as a hand-me-down from my mom after I got married was a super old Janome, so I love seeing how far they’ve come since my days of using that old beater, and these are incredible!

Most of the clothing I create requires pretty basic techniques, but the S9 machine that I’m sewing on is a brand new machine in their Skyline collection and it has a bunch of new features that are actually super helpful in creating a smoother sewing experience. Like the amazing needle threader, the automatic foot lifter, and some new stitches. I also love the wide foot pedal (it took some getting used to) because my foot never slips off, the easy touchscreen to change options, and I love that it comes with a complete embroidery system, which I haven’t tried, but I’m excited to soon!

But more importantly than all the bells and whistles for me is that it makes the basics of sewing easy and efficient. I’m always sewing during naptime, so the time I have to sew is limited and super precious. The S9 makes it easy to add a quick zipper, put in a neckline, add buttons, or create pleates or pintucks, all so quickly and efficiently.

I’m excited to share this really cute fall dress on the blog with you today! It’s a perfect dress for wearing in the summer with sandals, but in the fall with boots. I paired mine with navy Hunter boots for a pretty “apple picking” dress and I love how it turned out.

Step 1. Cut your pieces. You’ll need a DRESS FRONT and DRESS BACK, 2 SLEEVES, 2 SLEEVE RUFFLE pieces, and 2 NECKLINE LINING pieces. 


Step 2. Take your DRESS FRONT and cut it in half a few inches below the bust. Then do a 10-12 inch line of basting stitches along the skirt portion. 


Step 3. Pull your long strings on the basting stitch to gather the front of the skirt. I didn’t do much, but enough to add some visual interest. You can do more if you’d like, just cut the dress bottom separately and add a few inches to the width. 


Step 4.  With right sides together, sew the DRESS FRONT bodice and skirt back together with a straight stitch.

Step 7. Pull the strings of the basting stitch to gather your ruffle.


Step 8. With right sides together, attach the RUFFLE to the SLEEVE with a straight stitch. Repeat for the second sleeve.