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4.24.2010

The Abingdon Dress

This post is part of a month long series called 'Pattern Makeover Month.' I took a simple a-line, peasant dress and 'made-it-over' into many different styles. For more information, go here.



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What's better on a dress than ruffles?



Finish the dress as directed. Then measure from several inches below the underarm seam to the hem. Divide that number by 3 and add 1.5 inches. (If you are going to hem each ruffle you will need to add 2 inches. I used a fabric that doesn't fray and didn't hem.) This is the length of your ruffles. You will need 2 widths of fabric for each ruffle. Sew two of your strips together into a circle. Finish the edges, if needed. Gather one side of each ruffle. Attach to the dress, starting with the bottom ruffle. Attach it so that your side seams meet up and there is about 1 inch hanging below the hemline. Then attach the second ruffle so that the bottom of it overlaps the bottom ruffle by about 1 inch. The third ruffle should sit just a couple inches below the underarm seam. It should also overlap the second ruffle by 1 inch.




For the sash, cut two strips of fabric that are 60 inches, by 3-4 inches. With right sides together, sew together with a small opening to turn right side out. Topstitch all the way around. My sash tended to slip down on the dress, so I stitched it into place along one side seam, opposite the side you tie the sash.








Make it dressy or vintage-y or fun and spunky!









17 comments:

Sarah said...

Oh I LOVE this one!!! it's great!!

sarah8914 at gmail dot com

Tong said...

ruffles are the best!

Meg said...

I can't believe how many tutorials you have going on here! Is that chiffon that you used on this one?

mvansciver@gmail.com

Ange Moore said...

I love the ruffles - lovely!

Emily said...

Your kids (I'm assuming they're yours) are looking cuter by the day with all of their new dresses!

Lynette said...

This is such a fun idea! I love this one with the ruffles...so beautiful! I need to try some of these ideas...thanks!

Angela C. said...

Love it! You're so creative!

accoupons at gmail dot com

mrsmac said...

gorgeous! my little girl would love all of those ruffles!

Lacey said...

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm, gorgeous!!!
Are you making these as you go or did you have these all done before hand?

Heather said...

What's not to love about ruffles!

Mama Lusco said...

This dress rocks! Love the ruffles :) luscofamily@ortelco.net

Natalie said...

Beautiful!! You should start making your own patterns or connect with Leila and Ben to sell a bunch of tutorials along with their patterns!

Jess said...

Oh these are gorgeous! I can't wait to try this

Anonymous said...

I quilt but I have not tried my hand at sewing clothes. Could a beginner really do this dress for a wedding in July?

Unknown said...

LOVE the ruffles!

Ana @ Don't Fear the Ripper said...

Very nice. Your girls are adorable!
acwink@cox.net

Anonymous said...

LOVE these ruffles!