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4.18.2010

The Florence Dress and Petti

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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The inspiration for this outfit comes from DreamSpunKids, an Etsy shop (although I can no longer find the listing that had this cute outfit!).
And, oh!
How I love this petti!!!



To make this pattern variation, using your Sweet Dress pattern, cut the top out of your printed fabric. It needs to be cut short. It is best to measure your little one to find the perfect length. For my five year old, I cut several inches shorter than the 12 month size on the length. But I used the 5T lines for the rest of the pattern. You will also want to remember that you are adding a ruffle to the bottom, which adds an additional 2-3 inches (depending on size). For a 5T, I cut two 3.5 inch x 40 inch strips for the ruffle. Sew the dress as directed in the pattern, except do not hem. Instead, add your ruffle.








To make the ruffle, first sew your strips together into a circle. Make a rolled hem on one edge. Gather the other edge and attach to your dress.




For the petti, you can use the Simple Skirt pattern by Leila and Ben. I made mine in white muslin. My favorite muslin is Robert Kaufmann (Kona) Premium Muslin found a Jo-Anns.

Then add ruffles. You will want about 2/3 of your skirt covered with ruffles. I used three strips, each 2.5" wide and 45" long for the 5T size. For a smaller size, find your 2/3 length and divide by three. This will be your width. (If you are doing a rolled hem edge on both sides of your ruffle, you will need to add a seam allowance to your width.) The ruffle length of 45" will be the same for all the sizes (12M to 5T).





Sew your strips into a circle. Finish both edges of your strips. I finished mine with a rolled hem edge on my serger. You can also just serge the edges or use your sewing machine to make a rolled hem. Gather down the middle of the strips. Starting with the bottom ruffle, sew to the skirt just above the hem, sewing on top of the gathering stitch. Continue up the skirt, keeping the ruffles close, but not overlapping.












Did I mention that I LOVE this petti?





Don't forget! You can win a Sweet Dress pattern from Leila and Ben
by leaving a comment on this post.
Making
Keeping It Simple

33 comments:

Jessica said...

I love ruffles! The petti is so cute! Thanks for sharing!

Tong said...

It is very very pretty!

Jenny said...

ruffles are just so cute. i really like all this inspiration.

Jamie said...

Very cute!

Elizabeth said...

So cute!! I would love to win this!

Anonymous said...

What a cute summer outfit!

Michelle, Queen Behind the Lens! said...

Oh! Adorable!

Angela C. said...

Very nice! I love the fabric used for the top. Thanks for the great ideas!

accoupons at gmail dot com

Meg said...

I saw this little dress/ petticoat combo on Etsy too and fell in love with it! A petticoat is definitely on my list of "to makes". Thanks for the quick tutorial!

Heather said...

This is insanely adorable, I LOVE the pettiskirt, I have GOT to make one for each of my youngest girls. So stinkin' cute!

Kelly O. said...

this is so fabulous!

leigh7911 said...

Ha! I don't think my toddler would put up with that much ruffliness, but it's way cute. :)

Shanea said...

So...adorable! Can't go wwrong with ruffles.

The Wynn Family said...

I want it... but I would really like you to make it for me. You are so talented!

Marcia W. said...

Cute ruffles - very nice shirt idea

carmel said...

yes! i love it
it would look great on my 6 year old princes!

Fowl Single File said...

I'm lovin' all the ruffles!

Ange Moore said...

Love the ruffles and I'm sure it'd twirl a treat!

Lacey said...

That is too adorable!! I love it!!

Jen said...

This is adorable! I love it!

Amy said...

Great idea!
llpreschool at gmail dot com

Tringali Family said...

Super cute!

Kaysi said...

That is darling!!

Sarah said...

oh I love this, I think it's one of my favorite ideas so far!

sarah8914 at gmail dot com

mel said...

I love the fabric choice and the shortened dress! Perfect!

Natalie said...

OK I LOVE this outfit!! And your photography! I just found you from Happy Together, and I am loving your blog!

The Sewing Dork said...

I just found your blog, and may I say I want to go back to my childhood and wear one of everything you've made!

Unknown said...

If only white leggings stayed white for more than 5 minutes! Cute ruffles!

Jess said...

I love how you explain your variations. So creative

Peggy said...

Thank you for all your detailed instructions! You have been truly an inspiration with all these dress ideas!

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

Beautiful!!
acwink@cox.net

Anonymous said...

i love how sassy her sandals make this outfit!

alisha said...

I guess I am way too late for a chance at winning that pattern for free...

But I LOVE this outfit. The petti is AWESOME!