I really really love it, as you can see by the plethora of photos. There are about 25 more that I'm not posting. :)
It was my first time making a ruffle, which was a little tricky, but definitely worth it.
Is there anything better than a gingham ruffle?
Maybe polka dot trim?
The dress is pretty baggy, so there is plenty of room for her to move, which I like. I may take it in under the arms to help define the shape just a bit more.
I used my new bias tape maker, which I could use a few tips or hints about if you have any to share. I thought this little tool was going to solve all my problems. Ha! I wish.
This is what it looks like when it is ironed. Does it supposed to gap this much? Do you supposed to fold it in half and iron it flat at this point? I'm so confused. This is one reason why I usually don't mess with bias tape.
Anyway, back to the dress. I added snaps on the straps instead of the ties that I used last time.
The pattern was pretty much made up on the fly.
I do love the vintage-y feel of this dress. If only I could make a version that would look this cute on me.
What a cute little girl, she makes that dress just shine! I also wanted to mention that the pink quilt turned out great.
ReplyDeleteYou should do a blog sometime on how you get so much stuff done. Do you sleep? LOL
have a great weekend!
OH that is WAY too adorable. I really feel the need to make one of these! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThe dress is wonderful and your daugther looks so sweet wearing it :-)
ReplyDeleteI use bias tape makers as well, and I find it a bit tricky too... Purl has this tutorial: http://www.purlbee.com/mollys-handmade-napkins/2006/11/20/handmade-napkins-make-binding.html
I don't pin the bias to my ironing board, simply because the pins gets in the way of my iron! You want to iron it as close to the bias tape maker as you can, so it doesn't unfold... Also, I sometimes cut it 1-2mm wider..
Yes, the bias tape makers gaps it that much and yes you can fold it one more time & iron so it looks like it came from the package. :)
ReplyDeleteI also pin the metal thingy (the handle bit) to the ironing board & pull the fabric through while holding the iron still.
And if the bias tape arm straps were a wee bit longer, you won't need a fastener or ties.
I agree with you about the adult version. I think I'd just look like I was wearing a sack.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely and so is little A. She is getting so big! Good idea with the snaps. I'm sure ties can be a bit of a hassle at age two! :)
ReplyDeleteOMG...Cute! Cute! Cute!
ReplyDeletehttp://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2007/11/diy-version-of.html
ReplyDeleteThere's also this method of making bias tape, although I haven't tried it yet. Looks like you avoid the gap this way.
The dress is super cute!!
Super cute dress - love ruffles! I have used a bias maker but found thru trial and error, I like to pull it down a couple (maybe 5) inches and then iron. I use my fingers a bit to keep it flat, then there's not as much of a gap. . . Your pictures are adorable =)
ReplyDeleteso adorable!
ReplyDeletehow sweet! that tiny rose bud paired with the pink gingham is just so adorable!!
ReplyDeleteSo, so sweet!!! (and by that I mean both dress and baby!!!) Great tips on the bias tape maker. I have one of those little gizmos in my drawer but have never used it -- I'll have to give it a try, thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteReal cute! - How on earth do you do all the sewing with a young one wow!
ReplyDeleteTip to making ruffles.
Use fishing wire or fine string.
Sew in postion on fabric you want to gather up by using a large zigzag stitch. (try not to catch wire or string - rather - it will sit in between the large zig zag stitches.
Then pull string or wire & easy peasy you will have a ruffle just like that.
Sew ruffle onto garment. Then pull out string & the zigzag will not show if you have sewn smaller than the seam allowance.
I used this method to make roman blinds & that was a lot of ruffles!
Love Leanne
Adorable dress!
ReplyDeleteAnother bias tape tutorial at Posie Gets Cozy: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2008/02/binding-tute.html
And a cool ruffle method at Craft Apple: http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/gathering/
What a sweet little dress! I like the ruffle and the bright colors. I think you did a really great job of making up the pattern. I think you would look super cute next to your baby girl in matching dresses. It is not so much the dress but the matching that makes it great. You could also use the same material but tailor your dress so that it is more flattering to you. Hanna Anderson (love that stuff!!)does quite a few mother/daughter dresses for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute dress!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very sweet little comfy dress...I have one in mind for my little one I need to get started on!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I never had a little girl to sew for. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an adorable dress! Your daughter is really sweet!
ReplyDeleteI purchased a bias tape maker a while ago but haven't tried it, so was glad on reading your post that others left helpful links. Thanks!
So cute! Love the fabric combinations. I love my bias trim maker. Not sure if I have any good tricks, but I like to push the fabric through and then push the trim maker with my iron so there is no gap between the iron and the metal gadget. Then I fold it over and iron it so it's easy to use. Have you ever tried a gathering foot for making ruffles on your sewing machine? I never have but think it might be fun to try.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute dress! She's a very lucky (and adorable) little girl. I've had the same problem with bias tape makers, and the only tip I can add to the good ones given above is to immediately iron it in half (folded) as you go. This helps to keep the gaps under control and neat.
ReplyDeleteCute dress for a cute girl.
ReplyDeleteThat dress is adorable. I don't think I can add to anything other commenters haven't already mentioned. The gap never bothered me. I just fold in half and iron one more time since I sew my bias tape on in one step.
ReplyDeleteVerrry cute! I had a fight with the bias tape on a little girl dress for the armholes as well..I won! I pinned the end of the bias tape to my ironing board and steamed the heck out of it as I pulled bit by bit. I used an awl too to push the escaping part in line. Great dress!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! That ruffle makes it complete!
ReplyDeleteI am glad I am not the only one who is not totally in love with the bias tape maker. I am all thumbs and it is not a success.
ReplyDeleteThat dress is sooo sweet though .
Very, very cute! I can't wait until my girls are walking so I can make them dresses, too. I love the gingham ruffle! I never seem to have as much of a gap when I use my bias tape maker...not sure why its happening to you. Make sure your fabric is as wide as its supposed to be and keep the iron right at the tip of the maker. I iron mine flat as a pancake...its easier to apply that way (it is for me, anyway!).
ReplyDeleteArizona
that is so sweet! i love it.
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous dress on an equally gorgeous girl. Great job.
ReplyDeleteSo cute; the dress and the darling! I think you should make one in every possible fabric you can find!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteWow, this has many of the elements of the Micronesian dress :) All you're really missing is the puffy sleeves. But I would have preferred this version, given a choice.
ReplyDelete(Your model has cute toes, by the way.)
So, so cute ... And the dress is cute, too!! :o]
ReplyDeletehttp://acomfortablecupoftea.blogspot.com/
What an adorable little dress! I've never had much luck doing bias that way. When I sew bias onto a garment like you did, I just do it like I would a quilt -- fold the bias strip in half, sew the raw edge to the garment, and then bring the folded edge around to the seam and stitch it down. It gives it more body that way too!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely, little dress and I like the ruffle.
ReplyDeleteSorry, bias tape makers are a mystery to me.
The dress is so cute...the model...simply adorable!
ReplyDeleteOh her dress is adorable. You're one talented chickie! I posted another challenge on my blog. It has to do with all kinds of quilts. I'd love you to put your latest quilt masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteoops I meant post instead of "put" !
ReplyDeletesimply adorable!
ReplyDeleteYour little sweetie looks adorable in the dress you made. So pretty! I too, would love to look half so cute in such a dress.
ReplyDeleteI love this little summery dress - super sweet on your little one.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteenjoy it while you can.
I used to make dresses for my little girl.
Once they reacha certain age, no more, so make lots now.
you are all too creative, I am beginning to feel like a gadget lady but a ruffler for my machine is my first purchase with a new machine.
ReplyDeleteMind you I have only ever bought two in a long life....the first was for a top of the range Singer in '65 when they were still a good machine....then I got one for the Hus about 6 yrs ago. I do not think I could cope without that particular machine accessory. I think you are all very clever if you do.
But thanks for all the tips for bias makers...I have several and do not use them often. I have been shown an easy way to fold and fold and not use one at all but would need to experiment a little before I used it again.
Am currently sewing ribbon over seams in a bag which is in my blog but unfinished......must do this next week.
I wish I could accomplish an eight of what you do. My max today has been 4 face cloths with machine embroidery as I had not used toweling much if ever before.
El cheapo ones and it all worked perfectly.
Happy sewing and I did have fun looking up all those tips.
What a cutie! And the play dress is darling.
ReplyDeleteI checked my bias strips I've done and yes they do come together pretty close. It looks like your fabric might be a tad bit too small for the tool size you're using.
Something I've found that helps is Starch. After I've cut my strips I'll loosly pile the strip and give it a quick shot of spray starch before I put it through the too. Don't make it wet...just a quick misting. Then when I iron it the fabric will sort of 'glue' closed. Works great.
It's beautiful - looks a lot like a pillowcase dress! I think you could put darts under the arms for now, then when she gets bigger, you can take the darts out and she can wear it as a top with some bloomers!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet! Both your little girl and the dress you made for her!
ReplyDeleteThat dress is SO cute - but little A is also SO cute! I can't believe how big she's getting!!
ReplyDeleteMiss you, friend!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWhat a little cutie. It's lovely to sew for your children. Mine are too big now for that anymore.
Try spray starch on your fabric this will give a more definite fold when you iron the tape when it comes through the bias maker and just guide the folds to come together more when pressing but mind your fingers, steam burns are not pleasant!!!
Kind regards from Liz
The beautiful little girl and the pretty little dress go very well togethe indeed !
ReplyDeleteLovely !
Adorable!
ReplyDeletesuch a cute dress!
ReplyDeletemy one piece of advice for you on your bias tape maker is to get yourself a clover tape maker. It is flater, so the fabric actually folds like bias tape should. I used to have the tape maker you have and it never worked for me because it was all bendy in the metal area. Definitely need a clover!
Oh, I love this!!! The polka straps and the gingham ruffle have it going on, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAnd I gave you that fabric?? Me??? Really? I think it was from that box of vintage stuff I had. It's totally cute as a dress!
oh my goodness – how CUTE!
ReplyDeleteShe looks just adorable. Nice job with the little dress.
Of course you have 25 more photos of your sweet little girl in this dress - how adorable! I do love it when you branch out into clothing. And the little details on this dress are so cute.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty dress. From her profile, Lil A, kind of resembles Anita - from some of the baby pictures I remember seeing at Grandma's.
ReplyDeleteYou are so crafty :)
My mom made most of my clothes when I was young -- wish I had the knack to sew. I tried to make a pair of pants but they came out with different pant leg sizes!!