It all started because I found this gorgeous fabric at Hobby Lobby. Pre-smocked fabric is at every fabric store but I had never seen one this modern and pretty. So, I began thinking "I want this as a shirt and a dress for Camilla." at $13.99 per yard, I went back to Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon and bought 2 yards. I then googled the dimensions. Some tutorials said measure the bust, then subtract 2 inches and others suggested 3 inches.
So, I decided for Camilla's, in order to be large enough for her to wear two summers: 2 inches with straps to help hold it up.
For mommy who wants it to be tight enough to stay up: 5 inches! And I still added straps for
security.
The one step that every tutorial did not mention is that you need to sew the ends of your fabric, as soon as you buy it or it will start to "un-smock" itself. Here is what the end of my fabric looked like after sitting in the bag for a week. I lost a total of 5 inches of fabric.
1. So, add a binding seam down the edge of the fabric before you cut it and after you cut it or the smocking will unravel. Measure your fabric lengths. Camilla measured 21 inches and I cut 19 inches of fabric. I will not reveal how much I measured.....but do the same math. I subtracted 3 inches at first, and then went back and made it tighter.
2. Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, and stitch together with a 1/2 inch seam. Your binding stitch should be on the outside of your seam so that it is not visible on the dress.
Here, you can see my seam and my binding stitches on the outside of the seam. Also, after trying it on, you feel it is too large, seam it together closer. It is real hard math..JK.. and very forgiving. So, you can see from the right side the binding stitch, my first seam close to it, and them my alteration to make it tighter.
3. Fold up the bottom and hem. I did not even cut the fabric.
4. With the dress inside out, pin some matching ribbon to the dress. I folded the ends in to prevent it from raveling as much. The ribbon should also be inside out so that everything matches once you flip it.
5. With the dress still inside out, place it onto your sexy model. Pull the straps around to fit and pin to dress. I pulled the straps in a crisscross pattern. Then remove dress and sew all four strap endings into place.
6. Repeat the whole process for your own shirt. Now, we are all set for a cute summer Baby Shower together for our new cousin arriving in September!! Now I need to find me an awesome yellow bubble necklace to dress it up on VeryJane.com
Total Cost: About $20.
Supplies: 2 yards of pre-smocked fabric
Matching Ribbon
Thread to match.
