These are the perfect little dresses for summer. I have to admit I found the shirring quite tricky and we’ll see how strong it is but I enjoyed making it and definitely will try it again!I actually started this dress for Annabelle 2 years ago but when I tried it on to make the straps, she hated the feeling of the shirring so much I lost a bit of drive and didn’t finish it! I found it recently and thought Maddie would now be the perfect size for it.
I love it on her and she wore it so beautifully.
I had never shirred anything before so I used this fab tutorial to keep me right.
So here goes…
// Measure out the length of fabric you require…I used a gorgeous vintage fabric I had.
// Sew down a hem along the top edge of the fabric piece.
// Wind your bobbin by hand with the shirring elastic ensuring it is not too tight.
// Sew from one end of the fabric to the other.
// Repeat this as many times as you require…I did 10.
// Put right sides together and sew down the side seam of the fabric.
// Zigzag the edges.
// Press open.
// Iron up the hem, folding over twice and sew right around the bottom edge of the dress.
// Cut 2 strips of fabric for the straps. I made them about 1 inch wide.
// Iron each edge to the centre to create a bias binding effect.
// Fold the edges together and sew along length of strip.
// Place the straps in appropriate position for the child. I actually put Maddie in the dress and made my measurements then.
// Handstitch in place.
I love this little dress…it looks so light, summery and cool to wear.
See who I’m linking up with here.
lovely dress!!! how i would like to sew like you… 😉
Ha…thanks!!! Such a novice so it's not hard!