Sunshine and Summer Time

It's only February, I know, but it's so sunny that I thought I would get these projects that have been in the back of the craft cupboard since last summer finished.

A little repurposed sundress, I cut the old worn out straps off the tank top, took it in on the sides, made arm "holes", and added ribbons that tie up for straps. The smocking is shirred so it will stretch. The embroidery was on the shirt already and I added a jeweled stud for some added sparkle. If you want to make a similar dress, here's the basics

materials -

old t-shirt preferably with some fun design elements

ribbon to coordinate

child's measurements

'pattern' from above (you need to draw your own based on pattern info)

blunt needle

fray check(optional)

Step 1: create pattern and cut fabric (use the bottom of your t-shirt as the bottom of skirt to avoid hamming the dress)

Step 2: Shir or smock top portion of front

Step 3: put front and back right sides together and stitch side seams

Step 4: around top and arm holes use a zig zag stitch (or serger) to create a rolled hem
Step 4: pin ribbon along back leaving long tails and stitch it on - don't forget to backstitch. stitch along top and bottom edge of ribbon

Step 5: pin two lenghts of ribbon to the inside top edge of front, stitch them on so they are secure

Step 6: cut all ribbon edges on an angle to prevent fraying, edge with fray check if you like

Step 7: You're done!