This tutorial is for the Spring Dress in size 12 - 18 month. To make it for 18 - 24 months, enlarge the bodice measurements by 1.5"; to make it for size 6-12 months, reduce the bodice height by 2" and the bodice width by 1.5". Skirt length is up to you, just be sure to add in an extra 0.5" for gathering and attaching to the bodice.
This tutorial uses a standard pillowcase as a starting point. If you would prefer to use your own material, simply use the measurements provided. Always iron the material before starting a project to get the best results.
Materials:
Standard Pillowcase
Ribbon/Lace for straps
Large button
Extra embellishments (optional - my pillowcase already had lace, but if you want to add some, have it on hand)
Start by cutting the skirt - the open end of the pillowcase will create the hem of the dress. I chose my skirt to be ten inches long, so I cut 10.5" from the bottom. This creates a fairly long skirt. If you would like a shorter/longer one, cut accordingly.
Next, measure 7.5" from the closed end of the pillowcase. Cut across the pillowcase, putting the middle section aside for later (although you may need this if you are making the dress larger than 12-18 mos). Cut the long strip into rectangles that are 7.5" x 10.5" long. This should be in the exact middle of a standard pillowcase, but ALWAYS measure!
Your pieces should look like this:
Now iron iron iron! The more time you spend ironing, the nicer your dress will look in the end.
Next, finish the raw edges of the fabric on the bodice and the skirt. Do not sew the skirt shut!!! If you are not lucky enough to have a serger, then you can use a simple zigzag stitch right at the edge of the fabric to do this. The bodice pieces will be 2 layers each, and the skirt one layer.
Using a zigzag stitch to finish edges:
Chose which side you want facing "out" on the bodice pieces. Place that face down and sew a 1/4 inch hem along the long edge you just finished. Do the same with the other bodice piece. IRON. Then place the right sides together (with hemmed edges together) and sew the bodice pieces together (short edges) at 3/8". Leave the long edges open. IRON.
Cut 6" lengths of lace or ribbon for the straps. Use wide lace or ribbon - I used 2" wide lace, but you could also use 1.5" wide satin ribbon. Create a small hem (similar to on bodice bottoms) at either end of the straps.
Pin straps to the bodice (which should still be inside out) on both sides. Attach using a straight stitch.
Turn right side out, and iron. Turn inside out again and place bodice aside for later.
If you would like to add any embellishments to the skirt, do so now.
Next, you will gather the skirt. Taking the rectangle, be sure that the edges are all finished. To gather the skirt, sew a gathering stitch along the unfinished edge of the skirt (top of it) using the presser foot as a guide. Sew another gathering stitch beneath the first, again using the presser foot as a guide. Be sure to leave long tails on both ends! Holding the bobbin threads, gently but firmly pull the threads while pushing on the fabric. Once the waist measures the same as the finished bodice, tie the threads together and snip. Distribute gathers evenly around the skirt, and it's done! Just be sure that you have left the skirt waist open (unlike what I did the first time) or you will have to pull the stitches out and do it again.
Line the seams up on the sides of the bodice and the skirt, and pin. You will need to sew the skirt onto the dress between the gathering stitches, so try to pin it on to match the serging/finished edge on the bodice.
Sew the skirt to the bodice between the gathering lines.
Turn the dress inside out, iron and you are done! I added a fabric flower using scraps of fabric and an extra button I had laying around; find the tutorial for the flower here.
Once you've made the flower, pin it to the dress and sew it on.
Add the button (needs to be big enough to cover the raw edges of the flower) and voila - a perfect finishing touch to your dress.
Here's a few photos of the dress in action:
