This is my second time making the Margot dress by Sunday School Patterns. I was actually one of their pattern testers a while ago, back when the Margot was originally being designed.

The $2 Thrift Store Sheet

I visited Wisconsin back in July and went to a thrift store. Anytime I'm thrift shopping I always take a look at the linens, because you just never know what cute vintage stuff you could find. I found a white flat sheet with cute little purple designs on it, and the cuff had a lot more floral print. It was only $2.

Holding the folded vintage flat sheet at the thrift store in Wisconsin, showing the purple floral cuff and the price tag

I bought it with the idea that I would sew something with it, I just wasn't sure what yet. Then I remembered the Margot pattern that I really liked.

Bias Cut vs. A-Line

The pattern gives you the option to cut on the bias, and that's what I did the first time. This time around I went with the A-line version, where you don't cut on the bias.

I was intentional with how I cut the fabric. For the waistband I used the cuff section of the sheet, since it had more of the floral design and I thought it'd be cuter to have more flowers on the waistband. The rest of the dress I cut from the main part of the sheet, where the flowers are more spread apart.

Margot bodice pieces cut from the sheet on the cutting mat, with the floral cuff used for the waistband The Margot dress laid out flat on the cutting mat before the lining went in, showing the floral waistband
Emily wearing her first Margot dress, cut on the bias in a sage green polka dot fabric

That's my first one above, in the sage green polka dot. I chose a longer hem on that one, and went shorter on this second version.

The Fit

I used the exact same size that I did when I was pattern testing, but this one came out more fitted than I prefer. I don't know if it's because I wasn't cutting on the bias this time, and didn't get that little bit of ease. So I made some tweaks to the waistband midway through, and it worked out.

The back of the finished Margot dress, showing the halter tie and the floral waistband wrapping around

It's very darling. I can see myself wearing it in the spring and summer, which is kinda funny since we're now heading into fall, but that's okay.

What I Used

  • Pattern: Margot Dress by Sunday School Patterns, A-line version (not cut on the bias)
  • Length: Hemmed shorter than my first Margot
  • Fabric: White vintage flat sheet with purple florals, thrifted in Wisconsin for $2
  • Waistband: Cut from the floral cuff of the flat sheet

I'm @DesignsbyERB on Instagram if you want to share your Margot with me. Thank you for following along!