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

5.12.2010

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.


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



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. . .






Show and Tell Green

Photobucket

Creations by Kara

21 comments:

Unknown said...

Definitly up there with one of my favorites! I love the colors on this dress and the details at the neckline are adorable.

Angela C. said...

Love the color and details on this one! Good work!

accoupons at gmail dot com

Brooke said...

I LOVE that one!!!! Super cute!!

AmandaHall said...

This is Super Cute!

Mommyof2girlz/StephD said...

Adorable, love the look and the boots are perfect with this!

The Wynn Family said...

I so wished that I looked as cute as your little girls in something like that.... Super cute!

Peggy said...

Hey that's my maiden name!! More along the line of James,not Marilyn, ha ha! Love the colors!

Heather said...

Wow, I absolutely LOVE it! The pleating at the neckline is my favorite part, so stinkin' cute!

Lacey said...

What a cute one!!! I love it and love the colors, yet again!!

The Sewing Dork said...

Striking color combination! This is very stylish - your model looks so cool.

kayerj said...

so cute, I haven't forgotten about the contest, I'd love to have the pattern. theriverdaughter@gmail.com

Tringali Family said...

i love this one!

Sarah Jackman said...

Super cute!

lorena said...

Oh, I really like this one! Too cute! :)
lorepuckett (at) verizon (dot) net

Anonymous said...

Ooooh! ME, ME!!!! I want the pattern. I have 3 girls (including twins just about the age of the adorable model in the picture) Please please please PRETTY please!

Andrea @ TheTrainToCrazy.com said...

Super cute!

Natalie said...

Oh wow this is gorgeous!! Might be my favorite!!

More Than "Just Mom" said...

I loved this! I hope you don't mind but I linked to your post after doing a similar ribbon collar on my dress.

http://amijustmom.blogspot.com/2010/05/dresses-dresses-dresses-and-headband.html

BlondieBlueEyes said...

So CUTE!! I love the sassy look.

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

First off, she is just precious!! And the dress just adds to that! I love it! Thanks for linking up!

Sarah said...

Hi new here. Great blog! I just wanted to put in my two cents. After looking at The Sweet Dress Pattern I realized it is very similar to Simplicity 5695 view D with out the ruffle. This look could be done with this pattern as well! Okay, now I am off to try it.