Wednesday 25 April 2012

A-line Tunic Dress...


I was lucky enough to win a giveaway, over at Creating My Way to Success... four PDF patterns from Whimsy Couture!!!  I chose Terrific Tees, Ladies Peasant Top, Hooded Jacket and the one I've made up, the A-line Tunic Dress.

Two versions of the A-line dress are included in the pattern: one that is fully lined and the second with a ruffle. You know how much I love ruffles, so of course I chose the unlined one with a girlie ruffle.


My first version is this red floral, co-ordinated with a black and white polka dot. From the outside, this dress looks exactly like the one in the pattern, but I have modified how it is constructed. The pattern suggests: 1) Sew bodice lining to front. 2) Repeat for the back. 3) Sew ruffle to front. 4) Repeat for the back. 5) Sew the side seams.  I have used the old school way:
  • Sew side seams.
  • Sew bodice linings together at side seams.
  • Sew bodice lining to the dress.
  • Sew ruffle pieces to form one long tube and gather.
  • Sew ruffle to dress.
Either way, it's a cute, little dress that's very quick and easy to make.


Here's my second version. Isn't that bear fabric just adorable!!! My Mum found this brand new fabric in an Op shop (Thrift Store). This dress is constructed the same way as the first, but with two modifications. These changes are not in the pattern, but are so easy to do. First up, I've added a contrasting fabric for the bodice. Just remember to add the seam allowance to both the bodice and the main fabric.

The ruffle, both in the pattern and on the polka dots in the first dress, is a strip of fabric that is doubled over before it is gathered. For my second dress, I haven't doubled the fabric. I like both methods. They just give a different effect.




Here's what I began with for my third A-line Tunic dress; an adult's dress. I cut the top of the dress off and have kept the two bands of elastic. I'll most probably use those instead of wide elastic for a couple of circle skirts next Summer.

The embroidered hem is the main feature of the adult's dress and I obviously wanted to retain this for the girl's dress.

Same as for my second dress, I've added a contrasting bodice. To attach the skirt to the bodice was simply a matter of gathering the fabric and sewing. The bodice lining hides the gathering seam on the inside.
When I held the finished dress up, it seemed a little thin. It wasn't see through, but I could see my hand when the dress was held up to the light. Just to make sure, I added a black lining to the skirt.


For someone who is new to sewing, this is a great pattern. The instructions include lots of photos with detailed, step by step instructions. If you are more experienced with sewing, you may not need the instructions, but can use the pattern as a base to create your own design variations.

I mentioned that the pattern comes with a fully lined version, which is reversible. That's one for me to make next time. I think I'll need the instructions for that one.

Thanks Creating My Way to Success and Whimsy Couture for my new pattern. I love it!!!

These little dresses will be joining the previous dresses for the Hopeful Threads sew-along to support Dress A Girl Around the World.
Have a look at some of the gorgeous dresses that have been made for this month's sew-along. 

... Pam

13 comments:

  1. Oh I love them! I love that polkadot with the floral. The bear fabric is so precious! What a fun pattern, I'm going to have to check it out!

    Thanks for the shout-out. :)

    xoxo

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  2. Congrats on the win Its lovely when this sort of thing happens Mind you despite entering competitions the most I have won is a whole load of cleaning stuff you know rubber gloves, brillo pads sponges and a dustpan and brush. Sad I'd much rather have won patterns or craft stuff never mind never look a gift horse in the mouth as the saying goes.
    Love the frocks and such like very pretty

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    1. I'm glad I won patterns instead of cleaning things!!!!!

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  3. Such beautiful dresses Pam! So glad you enjoyed the patterns - Whimsy Couture does have some lovely ones!

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  4. Beautiful sewing Pam! And I love how you used the adult dress with the border, that turned out so pretty!!!!

    Thank you for your amazing support and participation throughout this project too Pam! :)

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  5. Oooh that dress with the embroidery is gorgeous. Now I'm thinking back to the cheesecloth dress I made for Dress A Girl and I think that may be a little thin too. The bodice is lined, but I think I'll have to go back and line the skirt too, thanks for the reminder!
    Congrats on such a fun win!!
    Thank you so much for the mention too!

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  6. Congratulations on your win, you have definitely got good use out of it already. The dresses are all lovely, the upcycled embroidered hem dress is my favourite though :)

    Inspiring as always!

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  7. So so pretty. I can't believe all the interesting and adorable variations you have been making on your dresses.

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  8. awww....those are sweet. I love the red one!

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  9. Lucky you! And lucky little girls who will receive these dresses!!! They are lovely Pam :)

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  10. Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  11. They are all so cute! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Cute! You've been busy! So glad that you shared. Thanks for helping make Things I've Done Thursday a success!

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