Mama’s Got A New Dress
January 11, 2010 8:43 amWho needs a pretty new dress?
Let’s get started with an easy tutorial with things you probably have laying around.
I started with an old T-shirt and a yard of coordinating fabric. Originally I was going to use an old men’s shirt for the skirt part, but this fabric matched too well to not use it.
Let’s get started with an easy tutorial with things you probably have laying around.I started with an old T-shirt and a yard of coordinating fabric. Originally I was going to use an old men’s shirt for the skirt part, but this fabric matched too well to not use it.
Find your natural waist line and cut the shirt at that point. Save the scraps!
Then I cut out a few more scraps. I cut out a piece from my skirt fabric and a piece of coordinating cream chiffon.
Fold them in half and ruffle them.
Now, I knew that on this T shirt adding a lot of detail would weight it down a lot. So I added a piece of lightweight interfacing to the inside of the shirt.
Now add your first layer of the ruffle bib. Start with the outer layer. You may want to lay them all out before hand so you can mark where they will need to be sewn. Pin the first layer in place then stitch.
Add the second. Pin then sew.
Repeat with the third.
I wanted the front to look completed so I added a button strip. I just cut this off another shirt. But you could create one by adding piece of fabric then sewing on some old buttons.
I ironed the edges in then pinned it in the center.
After that, fold it over the top of the shirt and pin down. Then stitch it in place.
Determine the length you want your skirt to be. Before attaching it to the top I like to hem it. I did a wide hem.
Here’s another little extra step I did. I really wanted to bring the color of the dark top down to the bottom so it would look really put together and well thought out. So on the under side of the skirt I added a little dark grey hem tape just peeping out. It really made this dress look more complete.
Very slightly ruffle the top of your skirt. Then stitch the ends together to create your skirt piece.
Now it’s time to attach it to the top. Let me explain what I’m going to do here first so these next steps make more sense. I wanted to create a drawstring waistline so you could adjust it for your own waist without adding a zipper. So to do that you need to leave an overhand as shown on the inside of the shirt. Pin and sew the skirt to the top.
Now fold that flap over and Pin it to the insde of the skirt. Stitch it closed.
Once you turn it right side out, this is what it will look like. You now have a little pocket to pull a drawstring through.
On the side seam, create two small holes for your drawstring. I just used my seam ripper.
Grab whatever you want to use for your drawstring and pull it all the way through.
And now you’re done!
It’s perfect with my grey boots!
I really love the ruffle bib detail. And I think the button strip adds soo much to it.
Isn’t it so Anthropologie?
Now go make yourself a new dress!!
Tags: anthropologie, dress, ruffles, t shirt
Posted in refashions, women's clothing | 80 Comments »
80 Responses
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- Feb 5, 2010: Ruffles Ruffles Everywhere | How Does She...
By Anonymous on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
This is so cute!
By Liv on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I do love that. Must. fix. sewing. machine.
By laydeedancer on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I have been reading your blog for months. I tell everyone I know about it because you make such cute things. I love Anthropologie but I cannot afford it. This dress is so adorable…I am going thrifting this weekend and am going to collect supplies to try and make my own.
Thanks for inspiring me!
By Ariel on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
LOVE it…everything about it! Must get going on some summer ones…old tank tops are plentiful around here!
By The Cottage Mama on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Oh my gosh – get out!! I love, love, love that dress – great job!! You are such an inspiration
By SH on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Love it! You look so sweet in it.
By Laurie Anne on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Awesome dress!and great tutorial. xx
By mjb on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I love it! This is just so cute
By courtneyhelman on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I love this! Thanks for the great tutorial!! Please please please keep them coming!
By Laura Gerencser on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Love it!! Great idea!!
By bugs 'n' bees on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I've been making dresses like this for my daughter for a few months…never even thought of making one for myself! Love it!
By Brittany on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Hi there. I've been browsing through your blog and I just have to tell me how inspirational you are. It's so cool to see all your amazing creations. I love how you dress your girls up, but you don't forget about yourself, either. You are awesome.
By peace.love.applesauce on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Oh, I love it! It's beautiful!
By adva on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
cute! i love the color combination
By lilmisskriss on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
WOW!!! i LOVE It! thank you so much for the tutorial!!!!!! =D
By amber on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
That is just adorable! Thanks for the tutorial.
By Jessica on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
It's adorable! I have a black shirt like that with the puckered sleeves and it's too short for me to wear and would be PERFECT for making this dress! Now I just need to buy some fabric. And WHERE did you get those awesome gray boots!!
By Andrea on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Love, Love, Love it!!
By Catherine Phung on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I absolutely love this one!! The pattern is fantastic
By Summer Lewis on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
The only thing I would do differently is perhaps find a coordinating dark blue ribbon to tie around the waist so it looks more finished. Now I really want to go thrifting!
By Hello_marzipan on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I love it… I tried to make one like tht for me but the syle just doesn't suit by body type! I wish it did tho!!! Beautiful
By Mary D on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
So Cute! You really need a button for your page, I would put it on the site!
By luvinthemommyhood on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Love it! Looks great on you!
By Suzanne on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
So adorable! I used that same fabric and made a purse with it- now I need to make the matching dress. Check out the purse
http://mamassparetime.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/purse.jpg BTW- you make such inspiring projects, I have so many of them in my fav bookmarks as projects I want to do! Thanks!
By 9crafty11 on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Great design for an old shirt…great tip for adding the interfacing in front of the shirt.
By Donna on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Wow! I would have never thought of making that. Love your creativity!
By Happy Together on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Totally Anthropologie
It is gorgeous. You picked a beautiful combination of colors and prints.
By Crystal on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
So fabulous! I'm going to have to make one now!
I can't tell, is the drawstring in the front or the back??
Thanks for the great idea. I love the colors together too.
By artyfeminist on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
Wow love the dress! Your work is so inspiring. Also where did you get those boots? They are gorgeous!
By emily on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
great tutorial and so easy to follow. thanks!
By Elizabeth on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
All I have to say is WOW! Can I borrow you for a few days so you can help me create a new wardrobe from my old one. Seriously!!
-xoxo
E
By Mary Flynn on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
Lex, this is probably one of my all time favorite dresses you made! So wearable, classy, casual, and yet so CHIC!
Love you!
By Alida L. on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
I love this! To the thrift store I go…
By cassandra on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
sings in her best Jemaine voice…." did you ever know that your my hero…..your everything i wish i could beeeeeee"….your awesomeness is inspiring!! keep it up Lady!!
By Twiddle Thumbs on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
Completely gorgeous!
Wow. I am endlessly impressed!
Thanks for your inspiring ways!
By Abra on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
This is just amazing! I have been reading your blog for a while now (so inspirational), but now is a great time to comment because I LOVE this dress and think I might actually be able to make something like it. Thanks for sharing!
Abra
By Anonymous on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
This is really, really beautiful! I'm inspired to hit the thrift store this week, as well as to make sure nothing I have in my outgoing thrift store box can be repurposed for a dress instead of being donated.
A second request for info on the boots; they're to die for.
By jenjen on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
AMAZING!!!! I love everything about it! Can I put it with my Friday Favorites this week? I will link back to you of course!
XOOX
Jen
By Paula Kathlyn on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
Super Cute!!! I can't wait to try it!!!
By Staci Danford on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
You give the best instructions.. Just LOVE that.. It is a darling dress for sure..
Staci
By Karen H on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Love this tutorial….cute dress!
By Jennifer on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
This is so cute! I have made this style fir my daughters but never considered making one for me. I love it!
By piko0099 on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Awesome job!! It looks really good on you too!! Thanks for all of your inspirations. You rock!
By Julie on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Oh that is so awesome and yes, looks fab with the grey boots!
By Elle on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
I love it! I don't think I can do this myself, but I love yours!
By emily on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Very cute. I aspire to wear more dresses and this might be a good one {once my little one is born in a few weeks}.
What is the fabric that you used? I really like it.
By Adventures in Dressmaking on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
That is one of my all-time favorite fabrics, I loooooove it!! I made a dress from it on one of my very first blog posts… http://adventuresindressmaking.blogspot.com/2009/10/next-dress.html
Great job!
By casserole on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
So pretty! And it looks comfy too! Now I know what I'll be sewing after I finish the skirt I'm working on for my daughter.
I blogged your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-sew-yourself-a-pretty-new-ruffle-bib-dress/2010/01/14/
–Anne
By the greenhorn knitter on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
This is adorable and so creative! I must say…it certainly does have an Anthro flare! Nice job!
By kristen on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
it is sooo anthropologie! awesome!
By Holly at Tropic of Mom on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Love! It! I just got some thrift store tees for repurposing. They won't make great dresses, but I will keep your great project in mind for another time.
By Alida L. on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
I'm sorry, I just have to know, WHERE did you get those boots!? I think I'm in love!
By mushbelly on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
So cute!!! I don't know if it would look quite so amazing on me though….your cute little body makes everything look great.
And I agree – great boots.
By hing12133 on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
So pretty!! I cannot wait to make one myself
-Heather
By Kristi @ Pink and Polka Dot on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
i.am.so.doing.this for blissdom! thx for the how to!
By Susan on Jan 16, 2010 | Reply
wow! and yes! very anthropologie
great job! i'm in awe!
By Lissa on Jan 16, 2010 | Reply
I can not believe you made this! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I need one of my own:) I am NOT a seamstress by any means but your tutorial makes me think I could do this. Thank you! Sososo darling. An especially handy way to put to use all those old shirts of mine that have a few small holes in the front along the bottom from my counter tops.
By atia on Jan 17, 2010 | Reply
this is amazing! I love it, and yes it goes great with your boots
By Julie on Jan 17, 2010 | Reply
Love this! Would make a fantastic Easter dress!!!
By Tiffany on Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
I love this dress! What is that fabric and WHERE are those to-die-for boots from??
By admin on Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
These are Fyre’s from last season. They are one of my FAVORITE purchases!!
By Amy Croley on Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
That fabric is lovely! The dress looks awesome, especially with the boots.
By dana on Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
oh man, that’s really, REALLY cute Alexis.
By Ester on May 11, 2010 | Reply
Lex, I am a 25-year-old living in Alaska. I went to Joann’s yesterday looking for fabric to reupholster some chairs I bought and saw the fabric on the skirt of this dress. I just thought you might think it was funny that a gal shopping in Alaska thought of you
Thank you for sharing your imagination and skills with us in blogging/sewing world 
By J. Loy on Oct 5, 2010 | Reply
Very impressive!
By alba on Oct 11, 2010 | Reply
beautiful dress
By Donna on Oct 12, 2010 | Reply
I just love this dress. So simple and so quick to throw together.
I’m definitly trying it!
Donna
Indianapolis, IN
By joanna on Oct 19, 2010 | Reply
i love the fabric! where did you get it?
By Linda Johnson on Apr 12, 2011 | Reply
Inspiring me to start making my wn clothes again. Very cute!
By Elaine on Apr 12, 2011 | Reply
cant wait to make this for my grandaughter!
and new fabric is sooooo expensive now.
By Lindsey on May 8, 2011 | Reply
This is gorgeous, so my style!
I did a similar ruffled bib for a tank top on my blog but yours is much nicer! Thank you for the inspiration! xx
http://elegantpaws.blogspot.com/2011/03/ruffled-singlettank-top-tutorial.html
By jojo on May 25, 2011 | Reply
I think I will make something for myself now. Thanks for the project just to do that.
By mongs on Jun 29, 2011 | Reply
love how the dress turned out, it’s fabulous. Your talent is amazing! Following you!
love~mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com
By steph on Aug 15, 2011 | Reply
This is such a great idea and so chich. Love it. I would love to see a belt around the waistline though. Just that one extra touch.
By sammantha on Sep 4, 2011 | Reply
this is pretty cute, a good idea for me since I like to sew for nieces and a great granddaugher that all live very far away. they grow faster than I can get measurements. this tee shirt idea is the perfect foil!
(not a fan of bib styling and will probably do a couple of ruffles from shoulder to shoulder) thanks again, excited to get started!!!
By Kayla on Nov 12, 2011 | Reply
Could I do it w/o a sewing machine?
By Commission Autopilot on Jan 4, 2012 | Reply
I want to know some new tips.
By kudzu on Feb 17, 2012 | Reply
This looks like it could be the perfect thing to get back into sewing
Thank You! I’m sorry you’re going to stop blogging, but I still have much to catch up on for the last year and will be reading all posts you have. Good Luck with school!
By Haler on Mar 15, 2012 | Reply
Very fast, pretty dress! The dark hem strip really is a great ‘finish’. And I love using knit with a completely not knit fabric! The slip cord is nifty. Love it!