I’ve been doing some sewing and it feels so good!!!!! I have been working on a new schedule for myself and it’s working pretty good so far. I am managing to fit in everything I want to, within reason of course.
One thing I finally got around to was making a tutorial for this dress (see pic below) I made a while back. I know. I take forever sometimes. All in due time though π
I decided to give it the name “The Ruffles Behind Dress.” It was inspired by an Anthropologie sweater dress from last winter. And I must confess, after I made it, I did try to see if it would fit me (well, before I put the ruffles on). Unfortunately, it didn’t fit.
So, I am definitely going to make me some shirts with the same idea behind it.
I just adore how it looks on my daughter. I made it a bit larger than the first one because I want it to last longer.
I used three old shirts of mine to create it, still trying to stick to the “don’t buy anything unless I absolutely have to” plan.

Let’s start by creating a pattern (or use one you already have).


*NOTE: You could make this part a lot easier and use a shirt that fits them already. Just cut off the sleeves and use that as a pattern. And cut down the sides of the shirt to make the other sewing parts easier. Leave the shoulders sewn together though and make sure to chop off the bottom half of the shirt.













I loooove this π question for ya… how well do the ruffles hold up in the wash… do they curl reeeeally bad? I want to make about 20 of these π well, I have to see how many old shirts we have first!
“how well do the ruffles hold up in the wash… do they curl reeeeally bad?”
Well, I have never had a problem with that actually. I think the thinner the knit the more it might do that. Air drying might help prevent it from curling up too.
Wowwww, Congratulations!!!
She is so beautiful and the dress is so special with her!!!
Thank You for this idea and tutorial!!!
xoxo
Carine
I want one for myself too! It would be super cute and comfy over leggings…I really love the handkerchief you used for your daughters dress!
I LOVE this!! I get the catalog Chasing Fireflies and have been hunting for ideas on how to make several of their dresses that have the ruffles in the back. Thank you for the tutorial. You are inspiring me!!
Super darling! Great mix of colors and patterns.
She is so lucky! This dress is so fun!
Just Better Together
Yay! I have always adored this dress! It is so cute. Well, all of your stuff is adorable. π Thank you!
This is adorable!!! I love the derruffles! Thanks for sharing!
And here she goes again! Sharing something AWESOME so we can do it too. I have mentioned this before. But, I must say it again. You are so stinkin’ talented! I love All of your work and I love to see updates from you. When I first started the whole making your own clothes for the girl, I stalked LilBlue and Happy Together for tutorials and inspiration. My little girl is the same age as yours, and it has been such a joy watching them grow. I hope someday you can come to Kentucky for a move. That would be GREAT. Take care and I am so glad to see your settling in so wonderfully. P.S. You should share your scheduling technique with us, and thanks for always keeping it real.
This is a very nice tutorial!Thank you for giving us all these gorgeous pictures and instructions! I really appreciate it.
Enjoy nature.
Thank you for sharing this. It’s darling and very creative.
Great idea. I love the way it came out!
Hi! I made two projects inspired by yours tute (halter top and cardigan with a twist). I linked your blog and tutes in my post π if you want to see my versions, click: (although text is in finnish, but you can see the pics)
http://madambc.blogspot.com/2010/10/oh-so-happy-together.html
Thank you for sharing this tutorial! Your dress is SO cute!! I think I may need to make one for my little niece.
I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-ruffles-behind-t-shirt-dress-for-little-girls/2010/10/22/
–Anne
This dress looks so adorable on your daughter. I love the fact that you’ve used old shirts and things that you already had on hand. Great job!
justenoughstyle.blogspot.com
Little ruffle bum babes sure are the cutest! Love this!
Cutie girl! Maybe all things would be cute or much cuter just because of she wears them π
Absolutely adorable! I’ll have to make several for the nieces for Christmas. Thanks for the tute!
this is soooooo cute great fabric choise!!! Gonna save this in my album to make!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this.. I am going to make some for my little one!!!
And you need to share your new schedule technique… anyone out here in the blogosphere would probably love to hear how other moms schedule in time to create and cook and clean (or not) and be a mother and a wife…all at the same time!
LOVE!!!
now i just need a baby girl!
How cute, I have been wanting to take a skirt pattern for me and make a couple extra layers of ruffle in the bottom back… I will definitely stop back when I am in the process of making my skirt for tips on how to do it!
This is so cute! I love the fabrics you paired together and the cute buttons you added.
What a beautiful dress. You are so so creative.
okay i totally want this in adult size!!!! i LOVE it!
I saw this over on I heart Naptime…and I absolutely love it!!! So cute!