the Madison dress

So I gotta share a bit of craziness we had last night with you guys real quick and then we'll get onto the sewing stuff! So last night the girls are literally on their way to their beds, and Charlotte fell (while getting "hugged" by Sadie...she gives enthusiastic hugs to her sister) into the corner of the wall and split her forehead open on the molding. It was bleeding like crazy but we got it to stop and then called in reinforcements (aka Mom) and took her to the ER. She had to get three stitches but was a trooper (more so than me), and she's doing pretty good now. When we got back my mom had cleaned up all the blood from the carpet and done all our dishes! Thanks Momma! Anyways...it was crazy. Not the first time we've been to the ER for a head boo boo but definitely the worst. OK, moving on!

I've really had bows on my mind lately.

So I made this A-line dress and plopped an enormous bow with long bow-tentacles on the front.

Yep, I pretty much love it. Hopefully Charlotte does too. Oh who am I kidding? She doesn't care a bit about what she wears. Except clippies and hats. There must always be a clippy or hat on her head. At least at home. Ok I lied. She's very particular about what she wears, now that I think about it.


I also adore the house/quatrefoil/floral fabric! (which is Grey Damask by Riley Blake-from my sponsor Ribbon Retreat!)

So here's how I made it...It's not quite a full tutorial, but I'll do my best to have it make sense!

Click below for the tutorisl!

 First I created a simple A-line dress pattern, or you could use a store bought pattern as well. I made my pattern by tracing a tee and then sketching out the shape I wanted. (you can use a similar dress or measure for the length.) Then I cut 2 pieces out of the main dress on the fold, and cut the front neckline lower than the back. I also cut out 2 sleeve pieces (helpful tips here) I also cut out some bias tape strips-enough to go around the neckline, and bottom of the sleeves.

Ok so I didn't take pictures of this part, but I was sewing in the button closure to the back of the dress, then sewed the shoulder seams right sides together, and then I sewed on the bias tape to the neckline.

Then I cut two pieces of bias tape 8" long (or your kiddos arm measurement+ seam allowance), and ironed it in half lengthwise.

Then I gathered the bottom to fit the bias tape piece, and pinned them together, raw edges matching up. Then finish the seam and press. Repeat for other sleeve.

 Then gather the top of your sleeve and fit it into the armhole, sew in and finish seams.

Next I used a measuring tape to figure out how long to cut my bow fabric. I think mine was about 40" long. I cut two strips that long by 3.5". '

Then I lined up the edges and trimmed them off at an angle.

Then I serged (you could also sew no biggie!) all around the edges, right sides together. Do not leave any spots open...you'll see why!

Then cut a small slit in the very center of the strip like so. Then turn the strip right side out using a chopstick or turning tool, through that hole. Press all around the edges with your iron.

Next I cut a piece of fabric 5" wide and tall, and sewed one side up like so, right sides together.

Then move the seam to the back and press with your iron. This is the middle of your bow!

Next at the center (right where that slit is) use a hand needle and thread to make small folds in the fabric to create the center of the bow. Sew around a few times, but sew it together loosely.

Then I sewed on the bow middle. (similar to this but with a needle and thread)

Next arrange the bow how you like it and pin down.

Then I used an invisible stitch to sew it to the dress. I only sewed on where it folds over, and on the bottom and top of the bow middle. 

Then sew the sides together and hem the bottom. Done!