Crafty Nanny | Crafty Things I Do

Ed’s Spring Dress

Ed’s Spring Dress

I was browsing through mall with Ed’s mom the other day when we came across this dress. We loved the dress but hated how the fabric felt.  It felt a bit like cardboard and was definitely not a fabric we wanted to put on a 5 month old. Knowing how much Ed’s mom loved the dress, I set out to make it. Please bear in mind this is my first attempt at making clothing.

Supplies:

• Your sewing supplies
• 1 yard of fabric
• 1 yard of lining
• 15″ of 1/4″ knit elastic
• buttons (I am using 3)
  

Optional Supplies:

• Embellishment-I used pre-made ribbon roses
• ribbon
• 1/2 yard contrasting fabric for a sash

**I sew using a 1/4″ seam allowance unless otherwise noted**

To make the bodice pattern, I traced one of Ed’s dresses. In case you do not have a dress to trace, I drew out the measurements for you.  The dress is sized 9-12 months.

To make the bodice pattern, I started with two sheets of copy paper (any paper will do).  I trimmed them down to 4 1/8″ by 5 1/4″

Front Bodice

I forgot to write how far down the slant of the shoulder strap is.   It measures 3/4″ down at the tip.

Back Bodice

Cutting Instructions

Main Fabric:

- Front bodice: Cut 1 on the fold

- Back bodice: Cut 2

- Band: cut 2 pieces 2 1/2″ X 15″ (one can also be cut from the lining)

- Skirt: cut 1 piece 8 1/2″ X 33″

Lining:

- Front bodice:  Cut 1 on the fold

- Back bodice: Cut 2

- Skirt: Cut 1 piece 81/2″ X 33″

Step 1:

Attach the lining pieces to the bodice pieces.  I found two great tutorials on how to do this.  They are at Crafterhours and Kitschy Coo.  I used Kitschy Coo’s method, but you can use whichever one works best for you.

I stitched the back and the front bodice pieces together at the shoulder seams for both the lining pieces and the bodice pieces..  Right sides together.

Next you need to place the two pieces right sides together and pin pin pin!  Sew around all curves. Follow the directions for how to attach the lining on the sides from one of the websites I listed above.  Once you have everything sewn together, clip into the seam allowances to have your bodice lay flatter once you flip it. I made each of my snips about 1/4″ apart. Be careful not to cut through your stitches. Flip and press.

The next step is attaching the band. To do this first center your band strips on the bodice.  Put the strips right sides together on both sides of the bodice. Pin in place.

Once you have it pinned. Sew the band onto the bodice.

(I forgot to take pictures during these last few steps-email me if you have any questions)

On your skirt piece of fabric, curve the bottom corners of the edges.  I used a CD to make my curves.

Then Gather the skirt fabric at the top (the side without the curves) using a basting stitch.

I finished the edges of my skirt by taking a piece of ribbon, folding it in half and stitching it to the edges.  Once you have finished that, you are ready to attach your skirt to your bodice.

To attach your skirt,  Align the center of the skirt to the back of the bodice and overlapping the edges in the front right sides together.  

For the back of my dress. I sewed on three buttons, and made tread chains instead of button holes to hook the buttons. I used a tutorial by Oliver and S for making the thread chains.

 

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1 comment June 2, 2011