photo home_zpsf660307b.jpg            photo follow_zpsf3eeb6e5.jpg         photo tutes_zps2632b987.jpg         photo galleries_zpsbe72ef9d.jpg

5.10.2010

The Dixie Dress

This post is part of a month long series called 'Pattern Makeover Month.' I took a simple pattern (The Sweet Dress by Leila and Ben) and 'made-it-over' into many different styles. For more information, go here.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reversible Dress #2-






A perfect little picnic dress!


For this version of the Sweet Dress, cut the main dress pieces out of both fabrics, making the neckline straight across, instead of curved. Do not cut sleeves.





Sew the side seams together on both fabrics. With right sides of your dresses facing each other, stitch the neckline of both the front and back together, with your trim in between. Turn the dresses right side out and topstitch along the neckline. Then measure down 1 inch from your neckline and stitch a line across on both the front and back. Make another stitching line 1/2 inch down from the last line, making your casing.




Cut two elastic pieces about 4-6 inches long (longer for larger sizes, smaller for small sizes). Thread one piece through each side and stitch into place on each side. Finish the armholes with FOE or bias tape, same as directed here.





If you want a waistband, measure your little one from the underarm to the waist. Go down a couple extra inches to make it bubble slightly. Stitch two lines around, 1/2 inch apart to make a casing, going through both layers of fabric. Leave a small space near one side on the bottom stitching line to thread the elastic through. I use pins to mark the stitching line around to keep it even and to keep both layers together.






Measure around your girlie's waist. Cut the elastic to that measurement. Thread it through the casing, stitch together and finish the casing stitch.



To finish the hem, use bias tape and secure both layers together while attaching it.


24 comments:

Unknown said...

So far this is my Favorite! I have added to my list to make for Desi this week. Thank you for your wonderful ideas on how to transform this very versatile pattern.

Brooke said...

Oh my gosh seriously???? I HAVE to have these dresses!!!! I am in LOVE!!!

Angela C. said...

I love the yellow trim on this dress. Thanks for the reversible tips!

accoupons at gmail dot com

Emily said...

I like the peek-a-boo yellow accents on this one. I also like your model's cute haircut!

Peggy said...

Cute dress! And your models are adorable!!

thebirdflock said...

Love It!

Lisa said...

Dixie is the PERFECT name for the dress!

The Sewing Dork said...

Oh where do you get these great fabrics?! I love this dress too. I can't believe how many you've made!

Lacey said...

Oh Kira, you are one gorgeous little thing!!!

One adorable dress too!

I love you use of color and patterns, too cute!!!

lorena said...

Oh I LOVE it!

Jamie said...

I love it w/ a waist band!

Heather said...

Darling dress, how do you keep coming up with these!

Jess said...

SO I think I have commented on every single post because as a mama of 2 little girls I need this dress pattern BAD!

Natalie said...

What a pretty sun dress and a cute and carefree look!!

crafterhours said...

Lovely, as usual! I now know what I will do with my two faded floral pillowcases!

Jessica said...

What a great idea, and so cute! Thanks for giving me so many fabulous ideas.

free indeed said...

Seems a little complicated, but the results are too cute and so summery!

Ange Moore said...

What a clever idea - to make it reversable, two dresses in one!

What I read said...

as usual very cute.

Anonymous said...

I'm loving the dresses casual enough to wear everywhere!

Pattij said...

I really love this dress! So cute!

AmandaHall said...

these are just getting better and better!

Somer said...

I love the red and white.

Georgine said...

Hi, is the trim at the neckline the same trim you used at the hem and around the arms and as straps? I can't tell from the photos. Thanks for any help. I have some cute ladybug fabric that is screaming to be this dress. Thanks!