When I look back at my satin crepe dress story, I can’t help but laugh.. I made it during the first year of the pandemic for the commemoration of Jesus Christ, which we were observing on Zoom that year. With everyone staying home, I wanted to wear something that still felt beautiful and special — even if it was just from the waist up.
Getting Ready for the Commemoration
I started around four o’clock that afternoon, determined to finish before our evening gathering. The fabric was a satin crepe, smooth and elegant on one side with a slightly textured feel on the other. I chose a deep magenta for its richness. It’s the kind of color that makes you feel instantly dressed up. The pattern was one of my usual favorites, either Vogue or Butterick, but it’s really Vogue that does such a great job of suggesting the right silhouettes for different body types.
Time was running short, and I realized I wasn’t going to finish. I had my daughter pin the back, slipped on a navy jacket, and told myself, “Whatever you do, Do Not take that jacket off or turn around!” Even on Zoom, you never know — you might stand up, move around, or forget for a moment that your camera’s still on. But that night, I made sure no one saw the back. From what they could see, it looked perfectly fine.
You’d think I had just learned to sew, but that’s not the case. I’ve been sewing for years. Still, even experienced sewists find themselves in situations where they have to adapt. Sometimes you just have to make things work — whether it’s a quick pin, a hidden seam, or a creative fix under pressure.
Making It Work Under Pressure
It reminded me of those moments on the runway when a model’s outfit comes apart and someone rushes in with a pin before she steps out. This was one of those moments — my own little runway emergency before a virtual gathering.
I didn’t take the dress apart afterward — I just plan to remake it because I still have more of that same fabric. I love the color, the feel, and the way it shines. This time, though, I’m taking my time to make sure it fits just right. The first version was made in a hurry without fitting the pattern properly. That’s why it turned out a little bigger than I wanted.
Lesson Learned
Never wait until the last minute to start a project — especially with satin crepe. The fabric demands time, attention, and care. Rushing through it only creates pressure. If there’s ever a next time, I’ll make sure everything is cut and prepped long before I start sewing. Some fabrics — and moments — deserve that kind of calm.
Update coming soon: I plan to remake this dress using the same satin crepe fabric and share the finished version here.
