Born to Party Dress

I knew I wanted to submit another entry into Lil Blue Boo/Dharma Trading Design Challenge, so I decided to make Ari a dress. I purchase a couple of t-shirts at my local thrift store and had planned using the solid portions of the pink and red shirts, but as I contemplated the saying that was on the red shirt I decided to incorporate it into the dress.

“Born to Party Forced to Work”

For the basis of the dress I used the Lil Blue Boo Hoodie Pattern. I shortened the length of the top and then added a simple “A” line style skirt to the top.

For the stitching I used a technique I just learned called “Flat Lock” serging. I love the extra detail it gives to the dress. (notice the stitching at the sleeve and neckline)

After I put the dress together I then used freezer paper and fabric paint to stencil the hearts on.

LBB/Dharma Design Entry #1

Here is my first entry for the Lil Blue Boo/Dharma Trading Design Challenge.  I used the LBB Recycled T-Shirt Hoodie Pattern.

“Monster Truck Rally”

The line that goes across the front of the shirt was the source of inspiration for adding the Monster Truck Appliqués. 

One of the changes I made to the pattern was I did the sleeves as two layers.  I made them so I can detach the lower sleeve when it warms up.  That way my son can wear it now and wear it through the summer.

 

I love this tunneling affect the pocket gave!!!

My Handsome model!!!

 

Not so plain anymore…shirt updo

I decided to have a go at the freezer paper stenciling using bleach again.  It worked great this time!  The changes I did this time was that I used the bleach at nearly full strength allowing me to use less of it and preventing bleeding.  You can find the tips I used here (scroll down until you see a cute little cement truck on a red shirt and that’s where the pdf is) from Hoppo Bumpo.

I just found a graphic I liked on the internet and then cut it out on my Cricut into the freezer paper.  Then ironed one sheet of freezer paper on the inside of my shirt and then ironed the freezer paper with the design cut out onto the outside of the shirt.  Then spritzed the bleach and watched it work it’s magic!!! (make sure you cover up the areas that you don’t want bleached really well)

(I’m trying really hard to suck in the post baby bump)

Made several other shirts but they are for Christmas gifts so I’ll show them off later!

Recycled T-Shirt Holiday Dress

My inspiration for this dress came from Lil Blue Boo and this dress (interchangeable Santa hat, stocking and star).

Take 2 T-shirts of different colors and lay them on top of each other (this will make you two dresses).

I used this pattern here. (adjustments to pattern include that I made the measurements a little extra big to accommodate the extra seams with the stripes and added a armhole.)

The difference is that I made mine with more of an arm hole so that the dress would sit up higher. I just drew a 1/4th of a circle at the outside edge (not on the fold).

Then unfold the two shirts out and then cut across starting at the empire waist area and then evenly space the stripes down to the bottom. I did 5 stripes at 3.5” wide but yours may differ due to the size of dress.

I then staggered the two shirts making one like the one above and one like the one my daughter has on in the first picture. To sew them together I first sewed each tier together at the sides with right sides together so it made a complete circle. Then I started with the bottom tier and laid the wrong side of the upper tier onto of the right side of the lower tier (lining up the side seams) and then used a decorative stitch about 1/8 of and inch from the edge of the upper tier.

Looks like this:

Keep doing this until you have all of your tiers sewn together including the upper body portion sewn to the skirt portion.

Then I cut three 2” strips of each color of shirt making the strips long enough to go around the arm opening to create the strap. two of the strips you will use to make the straps and one you will use to finish the top of the front and back.

For covering the top of the front and back: Lay the right side of the strip to the wrong side of the top lining up the edges this time instead of overlapping. Do a 1/4th inch seam. Then fold over in half making sure that the other half lays over the seam you made. Leaving the edge showing use a decorative stitch to sew it down.

For the straps do the same basic thing as for the top except along the actual strap portion you will have to fold over that seam and lay the other half over.

I didn’t do anything to finish the bottom edge of the dress.

I don’t know if I’m making any sense so if you don’t understand something then let me know and I’ll try to clarify.

To make the interchangeable objects:

I used Wunder Under to adhere a small square of fabric to the center inside of the front of the dress. I then hand stitched a snap to it. Then I used felt to make the Santa hat, stocking and star. I made two pieced of each shape and stitched the opposite portion of the snap to one of the shapes and then used Wunder Under to adhere the two shapes together hiding the stitching of the snap.

I’m participating in:

Holiday Gift Extravaganza: GiFTS FoR CHiLDReN (Updated)

Here’s for Day #2: Gifts for Children!! (click on picture to go to tutorial)

Don’t forget to leave a comment to enter into the Giveaway!!!

Hooded Doll Blanket

Tie Onsies

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Placemat Apron

Guitar Appliqué Shirt

Baby Legs from Socks

Crocheted Bracelet

Satin Wrapped Tutu

Alphabet Flashcards

These flashcards are made by taking pictures of things around your house that your child sees often.

Silk Flower Clips

Toy Tool Belt

Sock Animals

Daisy Chain Beanie

Lacing Cards

Faux Makeup

Purse Notebook

Bean Bags

Doll House