So, it's been a while since I've sewn anything for Mikaela. We've both been super busy. But I was determined to get her something made before she left for school. We're going to call this dress a birthday present since her birthday was at the end of July. Can y'all believe my sweet baby girl is 20 years old?! Where has time gone?

I wanted to make her something girly, cute, youthful and perfect for these last summer days.

I was inspired by this Caroline Constas Apollonia Dress which retails for $495.

For this dress, I used McCall's 7563 as my base pattern. I only needed 2 pattern pieces, the front/back and the sleeve of view D. Shirring creates stretch, which creates shrinkage. So you pattern should be 1.5 times your normal size. For example, Mikaela has a bust size of 34". So the pattern's bust size should be 51".

I found that 20 rows of stitching was enough to cover the bust area for an empire waist. If you're smaller than her, maybe 15 rows and if you're larger 25 (or more).

I created 20 rows of stitching also for the sleeves.

I also modified the sleeve by created a tiered effect and finishing with a minuscule narrow hem, using my BERNINA Narrow Straight Stitch Hemmer #62.

I love the way the sleeves turned out.

I finished the neckline simply by serging.

And hemmed the dress with a 5/8" hem.

The fabric is Cotton Seersucker from Joann Fabrics.

This was such a fulfilling unselfish-sewing project, because she is so in love with this dress!

I've written a How to Create Shirring with Elastic Thread Tutorial on BERNINA's We All Sew Blog. Go see how to do it!

Here is another jumpsuit I'm adding to my collection. Because if you didn't already know, one-piece dress is the TRUTH! Dresses are fabulous, but sometimes you want to be more dressed up, but wearing pants. And this little number fits the bill.

This is McCall's 7632, a fabulous single-shoulder design. My fabric is Theory Baja Blue Stretch Crepe, which is unfortunately sold out. I bought this fabric last year and made this great dress and it immediately sold out then. If Mood restocks this one, you should grab it. But until then, here are some selections that I think would be great (Ralph Lauren Evening Blue Stretch Crepe, Deep Wisteria Stretch Polyester Crepe and Italian Stretch Polyester Crepe Fabric). Even though I rarely take my own advice, I highly recommend swatching first.

I went with view C. I cut the bodice in a size 12, and graded to the 14 at the waist. I also added an inch to the bodice length.

The bodice is self-lined, which is a necessity because of the way it ties at the shoulder.

If I had done one of the other views, I could've gone with lining fabric and careful understitching.

I cut the pants in a size 14 and graded to a 16 at the hip. I added an inch to the crotch length. I liked the length of the pants from the envelope. Whenever I wear culottes, I like for them to be the length of a midi skirt/dress.

The jumpsuit has an invisible zipper on the right side. And I finished the pants with a blind hem stitch. This fabric cuts, sews and presses so well, not to mention how comfortable it. I love when a woven feels like a jersey, but with a more polished look. So this one is another winner!

Disclosure: I'm currently collaborating with Anjolee.com and this post is sponsored by Anjolee.com. I received the included earrings as compensation.

And I used these beauties to accessorize my look! When Anjolee reached out to me, it goes without saying that I was stoked! So I am collaborating with them to introduce you to their amazing Diamond Drop Earrings.

These are Three Shape Drop Diamond Earrings and they're simply stunning! These are 4.04 ct. The website is extremely user-friendly. You can select to customize all of the pieces on Anjolee.com according to preference of metal type, diamond size, diamond/gemstone quality, and length/size. 

Here is a video I made of the unboxing. Mine arrived via UPS. The packaging is so glamorous that I couldn't wait to get in them.

Even with their daintiness, these earrings make a powerful statement. They're beautiful and I plan to wear these with everything, so you'll be seeing these A LOT!

When I bought this pattern, the possibilities seemed endless with all of the great views in this package. I already had this amazing Black/Ecru Saint James Striped Ponte Knit. But I had a few yards of it and I wanted to make the best use of it, so why not a dress?

I started with the size 14 of view C. I knew from past experience with a top/dress like this that I would need to do a FBA. So I did a one inch FBA to create a horizontal bust dart.

And I extended the length into a dress. Once I sewed my darts, this dress sews up just like the top.

The only other thing I did differently was cut out my fabric on a single layer do to the stripes.

This was the perfect fabric for this dress. Maybe I'm a tad bit biased, but I've said it before: Mood Fabrics has the absolute BEST selection of ponte knits. This knit has amazing recovery and this dress will never "bag out". I'm really pleased with how this turned out. I'm going to carry this one right over into autumn and pair it with a long cardigan or a leather jacket.