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From: fisherfolk
Date: 12-19-2004, 06:25 PM (1 of 18)
| Does any one have a simple sundress pattern that I can sew for my one year old, who is about to walk? Or how I go about drafting one? She is a petite little thing, and I want some little dresses for her for the hot Aussie summer!! Is there a website that I can download a pattern from? I've had a look with not much success, maybe I need to try other search engines...If I can get a free pattern, all the better, seems crazy to pay $AU10-12 for a pattern to make a scrap of a dress??!!! |
User: fisherfolk
Member since: 11-07-2004 Total posts: 7 |
From: smith972
Date: 12-19-2004, 06:31 PM (2 of 18)
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This is just why we need a swap for patterns.....if you can wait a couple of weeks and send me your addy i can send you some patterns....they are on sale here for 99 all the time.... this one is really cute http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/mccallspatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.M4433=x&TI=40015&pageNum=4 Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-19-2004, 06:42 PM (3 of 18)
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Actually I was thinking of making the pattern swap the first one of the year. So if you ladies want to wait until then we could all take part in the swap.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: smith972
Date: 12-19-2004, 06:45 PM (4 of 18)
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Great!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-20-2004, 06:59 PM (5 of 18)
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Fisherfolk, No need to wait.. just go and buy a spool of elastic thread.. Look in the notions section, it comes on a cardboard tube... about 3/8 inch in diameter and about 4 inches long.. Now , hand wind that elastic thread onto your bobbin, and insert into your machine.. Take a length of cloth that is wide enough for the skirt of the sundress and has enough room at the top for the bodice of the dress.. With matching thread on the machine put a very narrow hem at the top edge and then you begin making the top by stitching on the right side of fabric , in rows . I usually stitch 1/2 inch rows . Do this for the length that you need to reach the waistline. Then stitch the two ends together. Making a center back seam.. Now, turn on your iron and use plenty of steam ,,( I hold my iron about an inch above the fabric.. ) Steam all those rows of stitches you just did and MAGIC happens.. It shirrs itself.. (elastic gathers itself up).. You now have a sundress with a shirred top. you need to hem the skirt part and attach whatever kind of straps you like.. I used to put 2 straps on some, and just a v strap on others ( v-strap ties around the neck) ... That is the easiest sundress you will ever make.. I learned that trick years ago, and never got to use it.. (my 2 boys never would wear a dress)..So , I couldn't wait to make my DGD one when she was born.. I made her several her first summer..I suggest you make a small practice piece of the shirring first to see how it works.. Be sure to secure your thread ends.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: fisherfolk
Date: 12-20-2004, 08:09 PM (6 of 18)
Thanks Libby for that idea - I will most certainly have a practise run or two first!!! Shame about the boys not wanting to wear dresses - can't imagine why not!!!  I love the idea of the pattern swap, but I'm in Australia, which makes it difficult, and costly with overseas postage etc...but I will certainly check out the website that you provided, smith972. If I get really clever, I may be able to draft a pattern from a drawing - not my strong point!! But, where would the world be if people never tried things!!?? Cheers,Gaye. |
User: fisherfolk
Member since: 11-07-2004 Total posts: 7 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 12-20-2004, 08:28 PM (7 of 18)
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Libby, do you thread the elastic thru the tension discs on the bobbin or by pass them. I've never had any luck sewing with the elastic thread.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 12-21-2004, 11:03 AM (8 of 18)
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I have to say this as a little girl who was tortured by these kind of dresses, please, please, please make sure the elastic is not too tight. These dresses are very uncomfortable and tight elastic makes them cut into you. That being said these dresses are very cute and that is why I continued to torture myself as a child by wearing them. If my mother were alive she would probably tell me that I was the one who picked out the dresses so any pain I had from them was my own fault.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Sherri
Date: 12-21-2004, 11:21 AM (9 of 18)
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You ciould try a pillowcase dress they work out quite cute. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/sewing/pillowcasedress/instructions.shtml My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-21-2004, 05:03 PM (10 of 18)
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Gina, the elastic thread of today must be totally different from when you were a little girl.. It is so soft, there is no way it could bind or hurt anyone, unless it was made too small in the beginning..It is as soft as the pajama elastic or softer.. Whoever asked me about the tension on the bobbin, I honestly cannot remember.. I THINK I tried it both ways in a test, but I don't remember which way I went with it.. Stephanie is now 7 years old, so its been a while since I did those..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: auzzi
Date: 12-29-2004, 07:22 AM (11 of 18)
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Although it is a dress-up costume, check this for the basic idea of how to put a sundress together: http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?&type=content&id=channel190945&site=&page=1 Put Junior on a large piece of paper on the floor and trace around her torso: no tickling or the paper will scrunch... The yoke of the dress can extend 1. the waist-area [will need buttons/zip] 2. the chest [if loose enough, will go over the head] 3. into the arm-hole. [over the head] NOTE: don't make the skirt too full/long - trips/tangles beginning walker - experiment with attaching a-line shirt rather than gathered. If it has no sleeves, remember to "slip, slop. slap.." before going out in the sun |
User: auzzi
Member since: 10-28-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: SewnCrazy
Date: 01-28-2005, 08:26 PM (12 of 18)
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http://andersonsplace.net/sewing/pillow_case_dress.htm Here is another pattern for pillowcase dresses if anyone is interested!! Blessings to all!
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User: SewnCrazy
Member since: 01-26-2005 Total posts: 8 
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From: blackie
Date: 01-31-2005, 04:08 PM (13 of 18)
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Actually I was thinking of making the pattern swap the first one of the year. So if you ladies want to wait until then we could all take part in the swap. a pattern swap? that sounds great! where can i learn more? in answer to the OP - sewbaby (http://sewbaby.com/) has a pattern for a one-piece sundress (http://sewbaby.com/big/patterns10_/sb-10.html) that looks super easy. I know you said you wanted to get one for free, but if it helps they are having a "buy 5, get 1 free" sale on their patterns. i have had good luck with their items so far (not affiliated, just a happy customer). see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-01-2005, 08:00 PM (14 of 18)
just catching up, but wanted to say hi, and let all of you know I've really enjoyed this thread. 
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-02-2005, 10:25 AM (15 of 18)
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I have heard of a no pattern sundress for kids. Here is how I "think" it goes. Measure around the child under the arms. Measure length you want for dress plus hem. Cut one piece of fabric twice (or 2 1/2 times) the underarm measurement and length including hem plus 1". Turn under top edge to make elastic casing. Hem bottom edge. Cut two strips and make straps to go over shoulders. Turn long edges under and stitch. Sew up center back seam. Attach straps to top edge in front and back making sure they are comfortable for child. Ta daaa, a simple easy sundress. You could also make the straps to tie into bows on the shoulder. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: ittycritters
Date: 05-08-2005, 09:37 PM (16 of 18)
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Try out the New Look pattern # 6501, it's by simplicity, very cute very easy... ties behind the neck. and you get 5 different patterns for less than $3.00 US. ~Krys Just when I thought it was over....
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User: ittycritters
Member since: 05-03-2005 Total posts: 50 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 05-22-2005, 11:28 PM (17 of 18)
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I buy most of my patterns at the thrift store for 25 cents each. You wouldn't believe the selection and many of them have never even been opened. I just lucked out on about 4 Kwik-Sew that are brand new. But I really like the idea of a pattern exchange too.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Marlyn
Date: 07-17-2005, 02:53 PM (18 of 18)
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A sewing pattern swap ... what a great idea!!!! I would be all for that. Please keep me in mind if anyone is beginning this. I have patterns for all sizes from 1/2 (newborns) to 14 for girls, as well as many patterns for women in all styles (now that I am retired I no longer require the suit patterns, nor some of the business attire), I also have a maternity pattern (from my daughter when she was expecting), many quilt patterns for home such as appliance covers, chair seats, handbags, etc. 
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User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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