In case you missed it, this is the dress I made for Me Sew Crazy’s pattern remix series!!
I was so blown away by all the posts – I felt a little like a party crasher lol. :)
Jessica asked us to change up a pattern we loved and make it something new.
And of course to protect copyright we showed what we changed but not the original instructions or patterns.
I was so tickled when Jessica asked me to be a part of her Pattern Remix series – I think she’s amazingly talented!!
But after I said “yes of course!!” I had a little brain spasm and couldn’t figure out what to remix!
After much pondering – I decided to be brave and make a new dress!! It’s been a while since I sewed clothes for me – so this was a perfect opportunity!
It’s always chilly here in Carlsbad, so we end up wearing sweaters of some sort year-round.
A tank dress seemed perfect – easy to add any type of sweater to – plus I’m always on the lookout for a reason to wear a cute belt. ;)
Here’s what I came up with!
Can you say dark roots? Sheesh.
I need a dress form for pictures. ;)
I really like how it came out – and it was super easy to do!
If you’d like to make your own, here’s what you’ll need:
1 yard of fabric for top (or purchased tank top)
Small amount of cotton for pleats on tank
1 1/2 yards fabric for skirt
elastic (enough for waist)
Patterns of choice (I used Amy Butler’s Barcelona Skirt and McCalls 6036)
I cut out the tank from a nice weight knit using my pattern –
I wanted to add some embellishment to the top and decided on pleats.
I cut out strips of a lightweight cotton on the bias (so it wouldn’t fray).
For the center pleat I cut a 1″ x 30″ strip, for the others I cut 2 – 1/2″ x 24″ strips and 2 – 1/2″ x 18″ strips.
To make a pleat, measure every 1/2″ and mark. Then fold the fabric together and press down so the marks meet at 1″ increments until the pleat measures 10″ down.
Pin in place.
Sew a seam down the center.
Make the pleats down the sides a little more random, by tilting the folds opposite directions.
The two strips on either side of the center pleat are 8″ long and the outside two strips are 6″ long.
Sew down the folds by hand or using a few small stitches on the machine at each fold.
Sew the tank top together as instructed, then sew the skirt together.
(I cut the skirt out 2 sizes bigger than called for because I planned on adding an elastic waist rather than the zipper the pattern called for and I wanted a little more fullness.)
Place the top and skirt together at the waist and sew together with a casing for your elastic.
Measure your waist and add the elastic to the casing.
Hem your skirt – and you’re done!!
(Note my April Fools Joke Flamingo Trophy in the background.
I love it so much that I can’t take down despite the fact that it is a Plastic. Wall. Mounted. Flamingo.
Please don’t hold it against me.)
I have a tutorial coming soon for the cute interchangeable belt too!
This is such an easy dress. I hope you give something like it a try!
I’m linking to Sunday Scoop, Today’s Creative Blog, Met Monday, Skip to my Lou, Tutorials & Tips Tuesday,
and the other fabulous parties on the sidebar – make sure you check them out!
Jessica at Me Sew Crazy says
still love this dress!!!! Thank you so much for being a part of the Series!!!
Amanda says
I love it! I just love the color combination. Beautiful :-)
I have the barcelona skirt pattern and you have just inspired me to use it! Thanks.
ashley says
so cute!!!! love the colors
Michelle L. says
I missed it, glad you posted here! I think it’s so adorable – and one reason I love it is that it would look cute on pretty much any figure. Important for me. And pooh pooh pooh, what are you talking, you make a great model!
Janlynn says
Beautiful dress. Another stellar creation from you!
Leah says
It looks beautiful!!! I wish I had the guts to even TRY to make something like that!!
Michele @ The Scrap Shoppe says
Super cute, Bev! I can’t believe you even made the tank top! I soooo need you to visit me and freshen up my wardrobe. ;) Can’t wait to see the tute for the belt!
Tauni says
Look amazing Bev! I don’t know that I have the patience for all that pining and tucking, but I do have that skirt pattern….Hmmm.
Jessica@MakeItLovely says
Really cute Bev! I love the ruffle detailing on the tank!
Erin from YAY!DIY says
This is amazing! It’s so cute, and it looks so easy to wear. It would be perfect for work with a sweater. And I LOVE the pleats. Easily dresses up an easy tank. I’m going to remember this one for when I break out my machine again! Erin from YAYDIY.com
Christine says
This is so cute! I love the all of the details.
Sandy says
Very, very cute. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing and inspiring all of us. :)
The Answer Is Chocolate says
Oh my gosh Bev this is so gorgeous! HA…easy for you to say this was super easy! Thanks so much for linking up!
Caren says
I love the picture of all the pins in the pleats – cracks me up! Good job!
Geraldine says
Very NICE, and clean. Admire how well it turned out. Is the top a knit and the skirt a woven? Look very good together.