The Lancaster 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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(Sorry about the picture. . . my models are on strike!)

This little number is dedicated to all my quilty friends out there ;0)

Cut the two dress pieces as directed in the pattern out of muslin. Cut the sleeves and a ruffle out of a contrasting fabric. The ruffle should be 2 strips measuring 3 inches by 40 inches. For the patchwork, you will need squares measuring 2.5 inches square (you may want to make slightly larger squares for the larger sizes). I cut one 2.5 inch strip from each of 15 fabrics and had plenty for a 12 month size.

Mark a line on the muslin dress pieces, using your quilting ruler to find the diagnol. Stitch together enough squares to completely cover the muslin along your marked line. There will be some overhang on each side. Lay the patchwork strip along the line, right side up and stitch 1/8 seam on one of side of your patchwork strip (see picture).

Sew another patchwork strip together that is the length of the un-stitched side of your first strip, again covering all the muslin. With the right sides facing, stitch the two strips together, with the muslin underneath using a 1/4 inch seam. Match your seams as you go. Press your second strip flat and continue until you have covered the entire half of the muslin dress piece.

To finish the other side, sew another strip the length of your very first seam. With the right side of your new strip facing the first strip, sew together using a 1/4 inch seam. Press. Continue until the muslin is all covered.

Press. Baste all the way around the dress piece. Trim the excess patchwork around the dress piece.

Complete the second dress piece the same way. Finish the dress as directed, adding the ruffle instead of hemming.