The Monroe 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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How about this sassy little version?

Cut this dress as directed in the pattern, adding about 1/2 an inch above the neckline. Do not cut sleeves.




Sew your side seams on both sides. Iron the armholes in 1/4 inch, twice. Stitch around both armholes, making a rolled hem edge.





Instead of gathering this dress at the neckline, I made pleats. And I found that the easiest way to make pleats is by using striped fabric! Take three pleats on each side of the center line on the front and back. Each pleat should be about 1/2 inch. Pin each pleat. Baste the pleats 1/4 inch from the neckline.





Cut two pieces of double-fold bias tape 25 inches. Find the middle of your bias tape and place it over the midpoint of the neckline.




Pin in place. Start stitching on one side of the neckline and continue until the end of the bias tape. Then go back and finish the other side of the bias tape, like so:

Finish the hem with bias tape.

I also added a little bias tape bow to the hemline. You can also finish the ends of your bias tape by sewing it closed or you can cheat-- like me! Just use Fray-Check or clear nailpolish to seal the ends.

Add a belt to finish the look.

Just a few more days. . .