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.

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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.