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4.20.2010

The Naples 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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Again, using your Sweet Dress pattern, cut the dress as normal. Sew the sleeves and side seams as directed. Hem.




Then for the sleeves and neckline, use foldover elastic to finish and gather. I used 3/8 inch FOE and I wish I would have used 5/8 inch. 3/8 inch was just a little too narrow.





Foldover elastic or FOE is fun stuff! You can find black and white at Jo-Ann's, in the trims section. It is quite pricey, though. I buy mine in a wide array of colors on ebay from LaceandTrims and at a much better price.





Now, to sew it on your dress. . . cut about two inches longer than the length listed on the pattern for elastic for the neck and the sleeves. You hopefully won't use it all, but it is really stinky to get to the end and be short a half inch.

(Ya, it's happened to me!)





Using a zigzag stitch set fairly wide and long, attach the elastic at one of the back sleeve seams. Then pull the elastic as tight as possible with your right hand while keeping the fabric in between the elastic with your left. Continue around until you overlap just a hair with your starting point. Finish the sleeves in the same way.








It takes a few times to get the hang of using FOE, but once you have it figured out you'll never want to stop!





DIY Day @ ASPTL

31 comments:

Jamie said...

Very cute! I have been wanting to try this elastic...

Holly said...

That is adorable.
Great idea for the FOE!

Anonymous said...

Do you have a favorite place to get the FOE? Looks easy.

Angela C. said...

I've never heard of FOE. Thanks for the great ideas.

Jessica said...

I ave been wanting to try FOE but haven't had the opportunity yet, great project to try it on!

Susan Seeley said...

FOE? Wow, that's great!

Lacey said...

Adorable dress! I love the colors!

acandiedapple said...

How cute! I love the colored FOE. I'll have to order some.

Tong said...

Lovely! Really love what you did with the sleeves!

avisiontoremember said...

This pattern is so cute! I would love to win boblyns at yahoo dot com

chris said...

It IS a sweet dress. I've played with FOE a little...need to do some more. :)

Melody said...

Oh! I've never tried FOE! Looks like an awesome time saver! Super cute idea.

Eve said...

I love this print - I've been eyeing it but couldn't think of the right project. You totally nailed it.

Seegmiller Six said...

okay - love this foe stuff, going to have to try it! love the dress too! :)

Melissa @Lilac Lane said...

How have I never heard of this elastic before? Probably because we don't have JoAnn's! I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the link.

Jenny said...

what a darling dress!

Michelle, Queen Behind the Lens! said...

Learned how to use foe when sewing diaper covers-- great stuff! Gives a professional finish to home sewn garments. Count me in again. :)

Melissa said...

What a lovely dress - I'd love to make this for my 2 girls
loudonland.blogspot.com

Jill said...

LOVE that color of FOE! Off to buy some....what a great idea!
boobearybinks.blogspot.com

Ange Moore said...

I must try FOE - it's got to be easier than sewing a casing, finding a safety pin and threading the elastic!

Heather said...

I have been dying to try FOE, thanks for the tips.

Kelly O. said...

nice!

Amy said...

I've never used FOE. Maybe I'll have to try soon.

Sarah said...

I've never even heard of FOE! I'm going to have to check it out!

sarah8914 at gmail dot com

mel said...

Interesting info! Didn't know about FOE. I love your fabric choice on this one!

Natalie said...

Adorable dress!

The Wynn Family said...

FOE? I'll have to try some. It makes the dress something special.

Megan said...

I LOVE it! So cute!

Jess said...

What fun, colorful fabric, and I'm excited to try the FOE!

Peggy said...

I've never even heard of foldover elastic! This is something I am definitely going to have to try!!

Anonymous said...

I'm extra loving the fabric for this one!