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4 Ways Sundress by Cheryl of Sew Can Do

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Today we have Cheryl with us. Her linky party, Craftastic Monday, is the first I ever linked up with, so it’s so cool to me that she’s here on my blog now!

Hi Everyone!  I’m Cheryl from Sew Can Do and I’m excited to take part in the 30 Days of Sundresses here at Melly Sews.   I’m a self-taught crafter and designer who loves making all sort of things.  I learned to sew just a few years ago and I share my crafting adventures, tutorials and project ideas on my blog: 

I especially love sewing special things for the kids – clothes, toys, accessories:
I also host a weekly link party called Craftastic Monday, where people can link up their latest crafty creations and discover other fantastic, creative blogs.
Today I’m going to share a new tutorial I’ve created for a sundress that can be worn 4 different ways.  It’s easy enough for a beginner and a great way to show off several fun fabrics in one simple dress.  Wear it with the full bodice in front or with the cross-over sides.  
You’ll Need:
– Two 1yd cuts of cotton fabric or Four 1/2yd cuts (for sizes 3T or smaller)
– Four inches of 1/4in wide elastic
– Two buttons
– Sewing Machine & Notions (iron, press cloth, pins, ruler, hand sewing needle, thread, scissors/rotary cutter)
– Tank style top/dress, pencil & paper to trace it

Make a pattern piece for the dress bodice by tracing around the top and sides of of a tank, adding 1/2 inch around all edges:
From each of the fabrics cut:
One piece from the full bodice pattern.  Then fold the top of the pattern piece so that there is a straight line running from the top of one side seam to the top corner of one shoulder.  Fold the fabric and cut from the folded pattern, so that there are two angled bodice pieces that mirror one another.
Next cut three rectangular pieces for the skirt.  The width should be twice the width of the bodice pieces (to make a nice full skirt).  For my 2yr old I used a height of 14 inches.  

Cut four strips 2 inches wide by 10 inches long for the shoulder ties:

Fold inward lengthwise so edges meet in the center and press.  
Fold over a second time and press.  Fold raw edges of one short end inward and then topstitch around close to the edge to finish the tie.  Set aside. 
With right sides facing, sew together the side seams of the bodice pieces with angle pieces as shown for each dress side:

Sew together the sides of the three skirt pieces:

Baste along the top length of the skirt and then pull the bobbin threads to gather.  With right sides facing, match up the lower edge of the bodice to the top edge of the skirt, adjusting the gathers to fit and pinning together.  Stitch with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Press seam allowance upward.  Flip over to right side and top stitch just above the seam:

Place each of the ties at the shoulder points:

Cut two, 2 inch pieces of elastic, fold and place 1/2 inch below the outer corner edge on each of the angle bodice pieces:

With right sides facing, place the other dress side over the first dress and pin all the way around.  Stitch sides all the way around, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a two inch gap at the bottom hem for turning.  Trim seam allowance, clipping around curves and turn right side out.  Press all edges and then topstitch all the way around to close the opening and reinforce around the elastic and ties.

Hand sew each button to inner left seam on each side.

Now the dress is ready to wear and fully reversible:

Wear it wrapped in front with a fun print

~or flip it around and inside out for a totally different look~

An easy & fun dress for all summer long:)  Thanks for having me be part of the Sundress Series Melissa!

Thanks Cheryl! While you’re looking around Sew Can Do, make sure to check out this Laminated Messenger Bag (I have a thing for laminated cotton lately).



And this adorable Little Owl Dress.



And don’t forget to come back tomorrow to check out Justine’s creation from Sew Country Chick. 

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Comments

  1. Lauren

    Absolutely adorable! I love all the fabrics you chose. I don’t know that I’m brave enough to put my sewing skills to the test and give this a try, but it’s so stinkin’ cute it’s tempting. I’d love it if you’d link up at Off the Hook.

    Reply

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