Off-the-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial!
11:00 AM
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!
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47 comments
You nailed it! It looks so beautiful on her & she looks so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you Metropolitan Frock!
DeleteYAY!!I think i just found my babyshower dress.Thank you
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Enjoy the shower!
DeleteIt's GORGEOUS on her!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kisha!
DeleteO lah lah lah...Absolutely gorgeous on the beautiful model....
ReplyDeleteThank you Aminat!
DeleteWow! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you ShamJ!
DeleteWhat a beautiful dress for a gorgeous young lady! Yes, time does fly. She is all grown up now. I still can't believe my daughter is 33 yrs old. I still remember the day she was born!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it will always feel like that! Thanks Tomasa!
DeleteThe dress is so adorable on your beautiful daughter. I seem to remember that I've been following your blog since she was in elementary school.
ReplyDeleteAnd now she's a junior in college! Thanks Eileen!
DeleteWhat a pretty dress for your beautiful daughter! And after they enter middle school it just flies. Glad she loves the dress!
ReplyDeleteIt sure does! Yes! She is in love with this dress!
DeleteGorgeous. Stylish. Wow. And I want one too even though I'm pass that age sigh.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I'm sure you can rock it! We all have great shoulders!
DeleteAmazing DIY and truly cost saving... It took me a while to understand that we used to pay just for the tag on the dress at retail stores. I am so glad that I can make my own, look unique and no longer spend such a fortune. The dress looks amazing on your daugther.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! Thank you Nicole!
DeleteWOW!!! And too think how many of us have watched her become a young woman through Blog Land!!! :) I pray her many, many, many HBD's and I ADORE the dress ... FIESTA ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Monica!
DeleteExcellent use of the McCall's pattern! So cute and age appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThank you AriB!
DeleteThis is ridiculously cute!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda!
DeleteJust beautiful! Mikaela and the dress. WOW 20....
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam!
DeleteErica, I am new to sewing and I am wondering if I can use the pre-shirred fabric that comes on the bolt from Joanns.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't know because I've never paid it any attention, because it's not something I would buy. But it never hurts to try it out on a small project.
DeleteThank you Like2Sew!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos of a fantastic dress on a beautiful young woman! Great job as always; your daughter is lucky to have such a talented and thoughtful mom.
ReplyDeleteThank you Genevieve!
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ReplyDeleteNice dresses,She is look so beautiful,I like it :D
ReplyDeleteAnnieLewis,
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Thank you Annie!
DeleteThat's really beautiful! Your daughter is stunning, just like her Mom!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ann!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA lovely dress for a beautiful lady. Wishing your daughter success on her new journey. As always you create awesome couture it's always amazing to see how you make it your own. Blessings always.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kris!
DeleteYour version is better than the original! A lovely gift for a beautiful daughter.
ReplyDeleteThank you AMJ!
DeleteThis is a very trendy dress! Bought a similar one from Zara recently. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete- Novie
http://naturallypretty.info
Thank you Novie!
DeleteThis dress looks perfect on her. Love the sleeve ad seersucker details. Great job!
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