What can I say? The sewing bug bit me this morning and now I can share this with everyone.
Can you tell she’s excited about it too?
My inspiration? Anthropologie why of course!
This dress was up on their website a little while ago and I stored it in my “inspiration” folder. It was one of those “I will find some way to create a similar look.” My daughter ended up benefiting from this one. I might have tried a dress for myself, but I am discourage at the moment at making adult clothing after a FAIL last week (don’t worry, I won’t be discouraged for long….I just need to use real patterns for myself I think). I decided to give it the name Lunar Bow though because I think the bow looks kind of like a lunar moth.
I made the little version out of knit material. It’s just so much easier to make things with. And of course, way more comfortable.
To make a little dress yourself, find a t-shirt or knit shirt and a piece of coordinating knit for the bow.
You can either use a pattern you have for the dress or make your own (like we did for the Ruffles Behind Dress). I just grabbed a dress from my daughter’s closet, pushed the sleeves in, and cut it out- making sure to leave seam allowance.
But, before cutting, I cut the shirt in half to line up the neck (it was really scooped in the front).
I then made my own sleeves, using the sleeves from the dress to get an idea. This is how they looked.
Now measure to create a piece for the front. It will be rectangular looking. I just guessed with the length, but I say it’s better to make it too long and then trim the bottom to where you like it.
Hand baste and gather down the middle some. I just went as far down until I was happy with how it looked.
Then pin to the top middle of the front piece of the dress.
Take another rectangular piece and fold the sides in. Fold the bottom half under and place right at the end of where you basted. Then fold the top underneath the top of the bow. Pin in place.
Then pin the bottom down. I pinned where I would be sewing.
Sew the middle bow part in place and sew across the middle bottom.
Then I placed the front and back piece of the dress right sides facing and sewed the shoulders together. *Make sure the bow is not in the way!*
Then pin on the sleeves and sew them on.
Place the dress right sides facing and pin sides together. Sew down bottoms of sleeves and sides of the dress.
Now, tack the top sides of the bow in place.
Turn up the bottom inside and sew around for hem.
That’s all. The bow technique could easily be done to an already made shirt or dress too. You could use a pretty chiffon or a fun cotton print. Just make sure to do something to the edges on the fabrics that will fray. Happy Sewing!
This rocks! I’ll be trying it!
sp cute!
Very cute! I love it! You did such an amazing job.
justenoughstyle.blogspot.com
That is adoroable. Your little one looks so cute in purple. Thanks for sharing!!
taidye original
I love how it turned out.
I will definately me giving this a shot!
That bow is fantastic! Now I’ll have to add this tutorial to MY inspiration folder
So cute! Love the bow – you are fabulous my dear!!! Adding to my list
You are so incredibly talented! I consider myself a pretty decent sewer, but I’m not good at freestyle pattern making like this!
I love it!
I love this and my daughter would love this! I can not wait to try it!
Can you adopt me? I want a dress like that. So sweet! (I have placed myself up for adoption by the way, just have not told the kids or hubby yet)
This is such a pretty top! I think you should make one for yourself too!
Just Better Together
Gorgeous! I will definately make one!
I need to start using patterns for myself too. My last ‘me’ outfits just haven’t fit as well as they should have. We should have a sewing for ME week!
This is incredible! You make it look so easy that anyone could make this expensive looking dress on a limited budget. Thanks so much for sharing.
This is *BEAUTIFUL*!! Thank you for sharing this with the world!
What a gorgeous little dress!! I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-the-lunar-bow-frock/2010/11/14/
–Anne
Wow! you amaze me in what you come up with!!!
I gave you a blog award-check it out here:
http://happyhomemakerandmomma.blogspot.com/2010/11/we-have-csn-winner-wohoo-i-received.html
Thank you for your site-it is an inspiration!!
So cute! I’m def trying this one out. Might even make matching ones for my two girls to wear on turkey day! YOU ROCK
I saved a picture of that dress in my inspiration folder, too. How funny!
Love this dress.
This is so, so, so pretty.. I love it!!
You are amazing to whip this up in a morning. I love it. So very pretty and whimsical. It makes it all the better when they love it too!
your blog is so beautiful. I love he. I am sorry for my english is bad. hug
This is a beautiful project. Thank you for participating in the Fave Crafts blog hop. We wanted to let you know that we’re doing a special FC newsletter issue on 11/24 recapping the blog hop, including their projects and yours! We can’t wait to see what you link next month.
Thanks,
Blair, editor at FaveCrafts.com
Gah! That’s so cute! Thanks so much, I’ll be linking to your darling dress.
This is so pretty! I ♥ the bow!
-Ponytails
very cute dress and what a great idea. The material and colors chosen are just wonderful for adding a little cheer to the winter misery. Have 5 granddaughters that would look cute in this.
I can’t believe you copied this Anthropologie dress. I have been drooling over it for months. I wanted to try to make one for myself, but of course I’m last on the list. My baby girl, however may just benefit. Thank you so much. I don’t really sew knit so I’m intimidated but excited.
Briana J
I am completely trying this idea!! But for me first, then the girls ;O) That dress is in my inspiration folder, too. Thanks for taking away the guess work for me!
Adorei o seu tutorial! Ele me inspirou a fazer um vestido também, mas não tão lindo quanto o seu. Dê uma olhada na página do flickr e veja o meu vestido. Beijos.
Alexsandra Brito
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexsandrabrito/
That bow looks amazing and so easy with jersey! Thank you for sharing. xx
You are inspiring!!!
http://amelieobscura.blogspot.com/2011/04/upcycled-onesie.html
thank you so much