In the fall of 2009 Mena Trott set out with a demanding personal challenge. She sought to sew one dress every week, documenting the entire process on her blog, The Sew Weekly. Mena leads her readers through her ups and downs, describing the trials of using vintage patterns, as well as the quest for quality, affordable fabrics. By the end of this year, she hopes to have a closet filled with clothes made by her own two hands.
“The biggest surprise has been that I’m not burned out at all,” Mena says. “I actually have as much, if not more excitement about the process and the results.” Though most of her readers know Mena through her current blog, she first dabbled in blogging about sewing several years ago when she started Sew Wrong. This initial attempt to document her sewing adventures was abandoned, though not forgotten. In the fall of 2009, Mena planned to attend The Gatsby Summer Afternoon in a dress she sewed herself. Discovering that sewing was much easier than her days with Sew Wrong, Mena decided to return to blogging with The Sew Weekly. But she didn’t just dive right in. “Before announcing or documenting the project, you should make sure you can sustain the pace,” Mena recommends. “I sewed for about four months before I began The Sew Weekly and made sure that I would be able to comfortably sew an outfit each week.”
Mena’s Gatsby Afternoon Dress
The Sew Weekly currently features 49 oufits, each meticulously 
documented with Mena’s process. “Oddly, the dresses that I’m most excited about making — because of the fabric or the pattern — usually end up in the disaster pile, while the ones I’m sort of ‘meh’ about turn out to be the real winners.” Among the garments, Mena has a few favorites, as well as the occasional epic disaster. “By far, my biggest documented disaster is the ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It‘ dress. I was so excited about the fabric and I loved the pattern on the envelope. When I was finished, it was unflattering and just plain unfortunate. I was able to alter it into something a bit more wearable, but it is still a failure in my mind.” The dress that inspired this adventure still stands out in her mind. “As far as the dress I’m proudest of, that would be the dress I made for the Gatsby Summer Afternoon. The entire thing is one giant rolled hem — or so it seemed that way as I was sewing it — and I used techniques that I had never tried before.” She also gives an honorable mention to her ‘I Will Never Wear A Batik Print‘ dress. It remains her everyday favorite, receiving the most compliments out of everything she’s sewn and worn.
Our daily lives are filled with so many distractions, that Mena’s discipline and ability to stick with her goal is impressive. “Writing about my sewing adventures has been the biggest motivator. If I was simply sewing and not documenting the results, I know that I would have slipped,” she explains.”However, even with that pressure, if I didn’t like sewing I wouldn’t have maintained the project.” When giving advice to people who wish to undertake such a project, Mena reminds us to stay practical. “Don’t obsess about the details. Creating anything once a week requires a certain speed. If you’re a perfectionist, a weekly pace might not be the best thing for you,” Mena warns. “That said, if you budget your time — I sew when my daughter goes to bed — you may be surprised by what you can accomplish.”
Mena’s ‘I Will Never Wear a Batik Dress’ dress
Mena plans to keep going, sewing an outfit each week until the end of 2010. “Making my own clothes has been truly magical. I’m proud of the clothes I wear and have such great conversations with folks about my endeavor,” Mena explains. “My goal for next year is to help twenty women with no sewing experience to make their own dresses. I want my excitement to be contagious!”
Are you as inspired by Mena’s Sew Weekly project as we are? Are you planning to embark on your own challenge? Let us know in the comments!
113 comments
Sign in to add your ownVivaGailBeads says:
wow! that is amazing, I can only imagine what your closet must look like! Keep up the good work!
1 year ago
JulieLillian says:
How fantastic!
1 year ago
junkmostwondrous says:
Very admirable! I haven't even made one entire dress yet, I can't imagine doing one every week!
1 year ago
dkalvarez says:
This really is great and what a cool story. wish I had a knack for sewing clothing, but luckily for me, there are many talented Etsians, such as the one above, who do.
1 year ago
CarryTheWord says:
Wow! Amazing!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
I love this "late 1940s Dress with Fishtail Peplum - 34 bust - McCall 7019"
1 year ago
Btrflybb4u says:
So neat!! I love the idea and you are so tallented. I love the "Lady in Red" dress, so classic & timeless! :)
1 year ago
odiliafu says:
Impressive! Your dresses are fabulous. I wish I could sew.
1 year ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
oh my goodness... that's quite a wardrobe she's created so far. serious kudos to you!!!
1 year ago
sansmap says:
oh mena, this is fabulous! i'm loving your blog...!! :-)
1 year ago
TheLittleRagamuffin says:
I think I need to graduate from skirts to dresses. What you've done is amazing! Thanks for the inspiration.
1 year ago
Waterrose says:
Amazing! Now I have to go look at your blog!
1 year ago
RewindClothing says:
you are an insperation to all us amature sewers thank you so much for this fun look at all you great work
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Very nice! Love the pearl dress
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
What a great challenge! Especially love the batik dress--so pretty! I wish I could sew--put that on the ever growing list of things I want to do!
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
love the vintage dresses!
1 year ago
katrinshine says:
This amazing moda of 1950s!!! I love it!
1 year ago
allthepreciousthings says:
I loooove sewing my own clothes!! Yesterday I started making a wrap blouse from a 1950s pattern. As it turned out, the blouse was too short, so I added some traditional Japanese fabric to the bottom of the (plain) blouse top, and ende up with a great dress! "Mistakes" are a great opportunity for creativity :)
1 year ago
AnnTig says:
Pearl dress looks hot! Beautiful :)
1 year ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
Fantastic! I'm trying to teach myself to sew. My most recent success was a pair of pants for my 18 month old son. He LOVES them, and that's all the reinforcement I need to keep on truckin'! Thanks for the extra boost!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
O.M.G. I want that Gatsby dress so bad. So bad!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
These vintage dresses are so pretty! I've never purchased clothing from Etsy before but I know I will very soon.
1 year ago
turtlegirl00 says:
Wow! What a great idea! I am just starting to branch into sewing clothing--starting very simple--maxi dresses! :) But you are inspiring! I love the batik--gorgeous!
1 year ago
GoodNorth says:
very inspiring! I just dusted off my machine and gave it a tune up this evening. Sewing can be so labor intensive it's nice to have some lovely visual motivation to get to work.
1 year ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
Lovely dresses! I sewed my own dresses one year in high school, it was a lot of fun, my mom taught me how to sew.
1 year ago
KathyGDesigns says:
Sounds like a fun challenge!
1 year ago
RegalCottage says:
Mena, your excitement is definitely contagious, and your dresses are lovely! Sewing can be so very empowering, and you have definitely tapped in to that power. More power to you! Sew on!
1 year ago
minouette says:
That's inspiring!
1 year ago
filofashion says:
Great !!
1 year ago
LilliansGarden says:
Just a darling blog and Love her designs!
1 year ago
emicloud says:
This is the most awesome news I've heard in a while! There are old school women out there who are crafty and creative! I've always been fascinated by sewing as a hobby, but never got serious about buying a sewing machine. Regarding "My goal for next year is to help twenty women with no sewing experience to make their own dresses. I want my excitement to be contagious!" I wonder where she lives!!
1 year ago
SaraBJewelry says:
the needle and thread aren't my thing, but this makes me wish i was better!
1 year ago
beevintageredux says:
How exciting! And what a fantastic undertaking! I only wish I had the know-how, talent, and stamina to take on such a challange. Good luck, Mena! I will definitely be following your progress!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Fantastic dresses :)
1 year ago
mohalcyon says:
This is really inspiring. Thanks for sharing Mena.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Thanks for the extra motivation! I've been meaning to start on a new winter walking jacket (from beautiful vintage tweed wool, no less) but haven't got 'round to it yet. This weekend I sew for myself, after orders are filled of course
1 year ago
heatherberry says:
What an inspiration! She is a very talented woman.
1 year ago
Time4SomethingSweet says:
Can I be one of those 20 women that you help?! Haha. :) Really great story. Inspiring.
1 year ago
Time4SomethingSweet says:
Can I be one of those 20 women that you help?! Haha. :) Really great story. Inspiring.
1 year ago
shecological says:
very cool!! let's hear it for homemade clothing - aka custom tailoring!!
1 year ago
NatalieKay08 says:
this makes me inspired to work on my sewing so much more. i've never been able to successfully make clothing so i only make myself messenger bags at the moment. i want to try dresses.
1 year ago
joliefemme says:
Amazing story! Really enjoyable!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
I admire a gal with a goal. Good work!
1 year ago
bluebuttondesigns says:
How wonderful! I used to sew all my clothes, and for my daughters---then got into quilting---but this inspires me to get back into garment sewing...well done!
1 year ago
elleboudreau says:
Wonderful article! I can't wait to get back at the sewing machine now... :)
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
What a cool project, kind of reminds me of the movie "Julie/Julia"
1 year ago
atevault says:
Your clothes are adorable! I love that you pull the look together though so that it feels like you fell out of another time. But it's also not just the 50s housewife look (which I've liked since I was little, but rarely feel bold enough to wear)you do lots of things it seems. Very cool! Great work!
1 year ago
THIMBLEandACORN says:
I am so excited by this blog! I love the names of the dresses, especially the 'I Will Never Wear a Batik Print', that is just hilarious. Very creative and inspiring!
1 year ago
choisette says:
sewing is the best kind of therapy.
1 year ago
patchesnthings says:
What a great idea! LOVE these patterns and dresses!
1 year ago
arsniccandy says:
Oooh my gawd!! I need that green and white dress!
1 year ago
TulleMeAboutIt says:
Gorgeous dresses!
1 year ago
pamwares says:
awesome! Love the dress...you look so cute and stylish!
1 year ago
sewnewthings says:
Great stuff - everyone should learn to sew!
1 year ago
nested says:
Thanks, everyone for the wonderful comments! I'm happy to be able to share what I love doing and even better, serve as an inspiration to those who want to sew. The biggest takeaway should be that nothing has to be perfect -- technique is learned over practice and you'll be amazed by what you can create with little or no experience. Mena
1 year ago
HeyChica says:
Love all the outfits, thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
malindyandmaude says:
What a great story. I checked out your blog--fabulous and beautiful dresses. I am in awe of your efforts and talents. good luck
1 year ago
malindyandmaude says:
Oh, this just reminded me. I made all of my maternity clothes. Back in the day, hehe it was hard to find pretty things to wear so, I did a co-ordinating pastel wardrobe. Jumpers, skirts, pants, and tops. Your blog made me think of it. My "baby" is 22 yo and I had forgotten about the making of the outfits. Thanks for giving me a great memory!!
1 year ago
PearlAndPoppy says:
What lovely dresses! It's great that you've used more affordable, quality fabrics. I'm a big fan of trying to see the potential in fabrics that might be over looked by other people. It's wonderful how the right pattern brings out the best in fabric as it has with your batik dress.
1 year ago
ReendiculousGourds57 says:
Sewing was/is my first love! I also paint and craft and most recently, I am into painting on gourds. I loved reading your story and your work is beautiful! Keep the motivation going as it inspires the rest of us to be diligent and patient with our shops as well. Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
irishandmore says:
I took on a similar shorter term challenge this year. Last year was my first Halloween here on Etsy and the costume requests really kept me hopping. I was amazed that I did 30 in two months. So, this year I set my goal at 40, and met it! I started taking orders in August, and had 30 orders in three weeks! Yipes! I stopped placing bids and the rest came from locals and prior customers that I felt I could not turn down. I did some major shopping and staging for about a week, and really started in on Sept 1st. It was a costume a day with a few days off now and then for a whole two months. Happy to say I am all done and just waiting for the pictures to start rolling in!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
What a great challenge and a way to get a fast wardrobe!
1 year ago
fairydtales says:
Nice!! Keep up the good job.
1 year ago
TheVintageDesignShop says:
Gorgeous dresses and I love the idea. I would love to do a project like that on a slower scale. A dress a month.... like I need another excuse to hoard fabric! :)
1 year ago
AlissaRose says:
Wow! You're awesome! My sewing always comes in waves... but I still love it...
1 year ago
handmaderomance says:
this is so fantastic. what a challenge and a new wardrobe at the end. hurray for you mena!!
1 year ago
StormysKitchen says:
I believe that I am truly inspired... for me, sewing is like the weather... when it rains it pours.
1 year ago
EmmanysStar says:
Lovely !
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I really wish I could sew! It always looks so difficult but maybe I should give it a whirl sometime : ) Fantastic project!
1 year ago
audreytolove says:
beautiful dresses!!! I love the story!
1 year ago
BlueTerracotta says:
Wonderful article! Mena's discipline is amazing. I've been making my own clothes since I was a teenager, but never one piece of clothing a week!
1 year ago
sarahgrant85 says:
Ive been following this blog since the start of March, I think its wonderful, Ive bought some patterns (dresses) but Ive not managed to bring myself to starting making the dresses.
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Sewing is my first love, also, the sad thing is I have put it on the back burner for way too long! I was just given a box full of vintage patterns, most never used, and most my size, then I read this article..do you think someone is trying to tell me something? Thank you Mena for your inspiration. I wish I lived close enough to you to be one of the 20!
1 year ago
thatyountvillegirl says:
I love sewing! Kudos to Mena for sticking with her projects. I sew for my etsy shop..If I don't sew..I have nothing to sell. I sew several things every month for myself and my family. I used to sew several items a week for my 3 kids when they were little...all their clothes, their hats and coats, and then in the winter I'd crochet all their mittens...again and again and again...it was like The 3 Little Kittens!
1 year ago
HandmadeHandsome says:
Well done, Mena. I'm really impressed and I love your dresses.
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
I love the boogie trumpet dress! The style is always so flattering.
1 year ago
chasedreams says:
So inspiring! I loved this article.
1 year ago
kimmchi says:
insiprational!
1 year ago
BlkSheepProductions says:
This is a pretty amazing endurance project. One of us has actually been participating in Fun-A-Day for the last two years -- http://www.artclash.com/index.php?page=press -- the project essentially is making or doing something you love everyday for the month of January and document it. Last year it was a print a day...maybe this year it could be learn how to sew-a-day?
1 year ago
LeahSutton says:
Really beautiful...what a fantastic idea..I love vintage dresses..you have inspired me. Thank you!
1 year ago
KeepEvolving says:
Gorgeous!
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
OH MY...what beautiful dresses! Love the red one.
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
love to sketch fashion items and have sewn some simple kids and small adults costumes, however I did not use a pattern. very lovely outfits
1 year ago
quiltytherapy says:
I am going to have to check out her blog. Can't wait to see all of her wonderful creations.
1 year ago
ravenhaired says:
Too awesome, I love that idea! And the related items are great too...
1 year ago
CoffyCrochet says:
What an awesome project! And incredibly challenging! I love your focus and determination I can't wait to check out your collection - you have inspired me to create something for myself every week!
1 year ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Sew Beautiful! Love the designs, very inspiring :D
1 year ago
MrsCraftyRVing says:
My husband sews (I wish I could but I'm just not good at it) well we where looking at your dresses and #A I want to start wearing them again and #B I want all of your items.... So I faved your store and ummmmm your on my Christmas list of gifts I want.... http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MrsCraftyRVing/128619680519872
1 year ago
avantegarb says:
These are quite amazing and I am getting geared up to blog myself with your inspirational challenge!! Thanks for the courage!
1 year ago
SmoothEmeraldOasis says:
I admire your gumption, and goal. I too have a project that I have struggled to keep on track due to demands of childrearing and household chores. But I shall get it together an actually complete at least one project every two weeks. Your goal of one complete dress each week is commendable. Cheers to you! :-)
1 year ago
finehandmadeclothing says:
Absolutely love the clothing you are in!!! :) you're an inspiration, I'm always sewing for others and never for myself :) will try to follow your example !
1 year ago
prendasbyenid says:
This is so inspirational for me. I should do that!!! I have taken three sewing classes, have a lot of sewing items, two sewing machines, and I simply don't sew because of the time! Right now I know I have time! This interview came in the most precisely moment (for me!) I have a lot of plans, patterns made by me! and great ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
1 year ago
dandelionvintage says:
Thanks for introducing me to a great blog to follow! Fun project. I need to find more time to sew. Also, Thanks for including 2 of my vintage sewing patterns.
1 year ago
vboriginals says:
You are amazingly talented! Love your beautiful work and vintage styling! You are a true inspiration!
1 year ago
perniejaynevintage says:
Sewing is so theraputic! I love that pencil skirt you have on.
1 year ago
LoveButtons says:
Fabulous and so stylish!
1 year ago
Savi says:
I've owned a sewing machine for 4 years and still have not mastered the art of sewing....ahhh one day.....
1 year ago
VogueVixens says:
I was lucky to grow up with a mother who sewed many wonderful outfits for me and my sister, while I myself never quite got the knack of sewing. The "wrrr" of the sewing machine was a constant. Good luck with your sewing, Mina!
1 year ago
KylieO says:
What a great story and a brilliant idea!
1 year ago
TrimsNmore says:
I love your work, you are truly talented. Its so great to see how creative and innovative people are. So glad sewing has become the "new rage"....
1 year ago
DevineCollectible says:
before arthritis I used to sew takes a whole lot of work, peace Devine Collectble
1 year ago
brightcolour says:
What an excellent idea! You have made some lovely dresses! :)
1 year ago
StitchinStyle says:
Hi Mena, you so inspire me . I sew all the time for everyone else, and rarely for myself. You have inspired me to sewan outfit a week for myself a whole new wardrobe, and take my old one to good will. Thanks Mena
1 year ago
aequintan08 says:
Fabulous story!! I usually try to knit a new design every week but I never thought to try and blog about it. You have definitely inspired me to do so! Thank you for the inspiration!!
1 year ago
auntcarriesattic says:
A great story!
1 year ago
PoorJean says:
I am sew jealous! What an inspiration! I spend so much time making clothes for other people, that I rarely have time to make anything for myself (most of my clothes have holes in them). This was a refreshing reminder that taking time to take care of myself is the road to discovering new designs for my store and my customers :-)
1 year ago
FunkyFriendsFactory says:
Pure inspiration!!!!!!!! I've always thought making my own clothes was too difficult, BUT my mum used to make my clothes as a child.... so I really don't know why it wasn't passed on to me? I think the vintage look is awesome too and if Mena can do one outfit a week I can surely do one myself? I'm going to give it a go now! Thanks for the inspiration!
1 year ago
RubyMarilyn says:
I love this! What a great project. I keep thinking I need to do something like this but I don't what and I would need to make sure my motivation was solid like Mena's so I wouldn't just quit! Cheers to you and keep up the good work!
1 year ago
WingbornRavenJewelry says:
very inspiring! having a goal is a good way to keep it :)
1 year ago
chachingck says:
Awesome story, I have been toying with designing a art jacket a month. I love sewing, but repurposing is a bigger love for me. All we own and every want will one day be... sorry to say trash and if I can keep it out of that category a little longer,, or keep the recycle going, I am going to be a happy camper. I think Ms. Mena's project and blogging is a good way to stay on task. I will consider it an idea to work on after Christmas. What do you think?
1 year ago
DistortedEarth says:
Very Cool! I would love to be able to make my own clothes.
1 year ago
NyamaniDesigns says:
What an inspiring story! You Rock!! I love your work! :)
1 year ago
StitchKnit says:
Great project! Reminds me of my senior year in high school.....dating myself here: girls were required to wear dresses or skirts. I sewed during the summer, and continued sewing that year and managed to wear the same outfit only twice the entire school year. Very fun! Thank goodness I sewed! Couldn't have managed it otherwise. Thanks for bringing up some great memories!
1 year ago