Di's Dolly Designs Pattern Hack: Seashore Sundress

Hi everyone!  Follow along as Edith from Di's Dolly Designs shows you how to use her Seashore Swimsuit pattern to make an adorable sundress!

Giveaway Update:  Congratulations Marcie R! You've been selected to win the blue Seashore Sundress!  Thank you to all who entered! We really enjoyed reading about all of the memorable moments that were shared over the summer. 

You will need:

• a copy of the Seashore Swimsuit pattern for 18 inch dolls
• 1/3 yard of fabric knit or cotton
• 3 inches of 1/4 inch hook and loop tape
• matching thread

Pattern pieces 1-8 are used. Ruffle piece is added 3 inches wide x 44 inches long.

Let's get started...

Step 1. Cut the seam allowances - 1/4 inch off the top and bottom of pattern pieces #3 and # 6. Tape pieces #3 to 2 and to 4 putting piece # 3 so the new edge lines up with the seam allowance - dotted line on piece 2 and 4 to make a new front. (You are eliminating the seam allowances) Repeat with pieces #6, 5 and 7 to make the new back.

New Front and Back pieces

If you are making the dress from a knit fabric make sure you put the pattern pieces with the stretch across the width of the dress.

If you are making the dress from cotton you need to add 1/4 inch along the Central Back Seam on the back and the facing. This modification is for a doll with a 10 3/4 inch chest, 10 1/4 inch waist, and 12 inch hips, if your doll is different you will need to make different modifications.

Step 2. If using a knit, follow pattern directions steps 5 to 12.

If using a cotton, follow pattern directions steps 5 to 7. In step 8 place the strap 1 1/4 inches from edge and then follow steps 9 to 12. Also with cotton, be sure to finish the seam edges.

Step 3. RUFFLE Turn bottom of ruffle up 1/4 inch on one long edge and then top
stitch near the top edge to make the hem.

Step 4. On the top edge, gather the ruffle evenly so it is the size of the bottom edge of dress. Sew ruffle to top with 1/4 inch seam.

Step 5. Press the seam toward the top and top stitch the seam edge down.

CENTER BACK SEAM
Step 6. On right center back, fold and pin facing to back so right sides are together and sew.

Step 7. Turn the facing to the inside of the dress and press.

Step 8. Sew back seam from 3 1/2 inches from bottom to the bottom of the ruffle.

Step 9. Attach the loop side of the hook and loop tape on the inside. Attach the hook side to the left center back on the right side of the fabric.

Press and your dress is finished.

Voila! Your pretty new sundress is complete!

Giveaway Time!

Edith is graciously giving away the blue knit dress shown at the top of the page to one lucky winner.   

Summer is a time to go on vacation, relax and unwind!  To enter the contest, leave a comment below finishing this sentence...

"My favorite thing I did over the summer was..."

We'll pick a winner on Monday, September 10th, and get in touch via email.  Thanks for entering and good luck!

For Pixie Faire,

Edith & The PF Team