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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Today's guest blogger is Kris, from Pea Pod Creations.
The first time I was introduced to Kris was on So You Think You Are Crafty? She had this adorable little dress as her winning creation:
I honestly want one for me!
Later, I found the Pea Pod Creations blog-- and it is so cute! I am very excited to have her here, sharing another adorable idea with all of you.
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Hi, my name is Kristin and I blog at Pea Pod. I am excited to be a guest writer at Brown Paper Packages. (I must say I fell in LOVE with the baptism dress that Leisel made!)
When asked to re-do a pattern, I started to think of what I wanted to make....well, with summer on it's way, we spend a lot of time at the splash pads around our house. So I thought I would work with a pillowcase dress pattern, and turn it into a swimsuit cover dress for my daughter.
With the pillowcase dress pattern, I decided to change it by using a different type of fabric and adding appliques.
Instead of a typical cotton fabric used in a pillowcase dress I used a knit material. (As a confession I have actually never used knit before, and it was much easier then I thought it would be!)
The bottom edge and armhole were a ribbed knit fabric (in the turquoise color). Both the bottom hem and the armholes where made by taking the ribbed knit material and making a bias tape. Need help making bias tape? Check here for help.
Doing something as simple as changing the type of fabric can make a huge difference.
The other change I mentioned was using appliques. The pattern for an applique can be found anywhere, clip art, a free hand drawing, I used my die cut machine to create what I wanted.
The key to using any applique is to remember to use Wonder-Under, especially on knit! The material shifts far too much, you need the Wonder-Under to help stabilize the design, then you can go around and satin stitch around the design......Changing your thread to match each piece of material will give you a much cleaner look.
I loved how easy and cute this simple dress turned out to be. I think that when you have a pattern you love, perhaps you don't need to look at making a major change to it, start simple by changing things like the fabric and adding appliques to your dress!
Summer here we come!
When asked to re-do a pattern, I started to think of what I wanted to make....well, with summer on it's way, we spend a lot of time at the splash pads around our house. So I thought I would work with a pillowcase dress pattern, and turn it into a swimsuit cover dress for my daughter.
With the pillowcase dress pattern, I decided to change it by using a different type of fabric and adding appliques.
Instead of a typical cotton fabric used in a pillowcase dress I used a knit material. (As a confession I have actually never used knit before, and it was much easier then I thought it would be!)
The bottom edge and armhole were a ribbed knit fabric (in the turquoise color). Both the bottom hem and the armholes where made by taking the ribbed knit material and making a bias tape. Need help making bias tape? Check here for help.
Doing something as simple as changing the type of fabric can make a huge difference.
The other change I mentioned was using appliques. The pattern for an applique can be found anywhere, clip art, a free hand drawing, I used my die cut machine to create what I wanted.
The key to using any applique is to remember to use Wonder-Under, especially on knit! The material shifts far too much, you need the Wonder-Under to help stabilize the design, then you can go around and satin stitch around the design......Changing your thread to match each piece of material will give you a much cleaner look.
I loved how easy and cute this simple dress turned out to be. I think that when you have a pattern you love, perhaps you don't need to look at making a major change to it, start simple by changing things like the fabric and adding appliques to your dress!
Summer here we come!
9 comments:
Very cute! I love the bright appliques!
Thanks Leisel! I love your blog!
yes that dress is certainly a winner in my book too!
This looks fun and comfortable for summer! Thanks!
That looks so cute and comfy for the warmer days ahead. Not that we have really had any warm days yet, what with this oddly cold May, but I am still hopeful!
This is a great idea! My son's family has a pool, and this would be a great gift from nana for my granddaughter...she's 4. I think her mom would appreciate it....
I, too, love the three girls' dresses! So cute!
I love the appliques!
Really cute idea!
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