She Sews Seashore Dresses

In threes it seems.

It all started when I made my niece Caitlin a Seashore dress for Christmas.

I had some pieces left so I decided to make my great-niece Amaya one as well.

But it didn't fit.

Her mummy requested another one so nicely I couldn't say no.

And why would I? 

Who doesn't love to sew a baby dress?

After consulting my brains trust I decided to go with a size 3T.

Better too big then too small.

As I have made this dress four times now and twice very recently I have it down pat so I thought I would share some short cuts.

Please note, I am a big fan of following instructions. I always pull them out and check as I sew. I may do things a little differently here and there but if in doubt always check the directions.

So, lets get sewing....

 Apply the interfacing, use a pressing cloth to avoid getting gunk on your iron.
An egg cup makes the perfect template for the round pieces.

 If you like to sew a label or size tag in, do it now, sew it to the facing and it won't show on the outside
of your dress.
Just like the posh fashion houses!

 Pin the side panels to the centre back piece matching notches.
Dont worry about the wee gap at the top, that will disappear into the seam allowance.

1. Sew the facings together at the side seams
2. Sew the side panels to the centre back
3. Sew the pocket linings to the front ruffle.

1.  Press the facings side seams open.
2.  Press the seam of the back piece
3. Trim the pocket lining/front ruffle seam and clip the curve.

 Turn the pocket facing and roll it under your fingers, finger press and then press well with a iron.

1.  Neaten the bottom edge of the facing
2.  Neaten the back piece/side panel seams and press towards the side panel.

1.  Topstitch the pocket lining/front ruffle
2.  Topstitch the side panel/centre back

 Press well.

 Pin the pocket bag to the pocket lining.

 Neaten the edges and press well.

 Pin and then baste the top and side of the front ruffle to hold the pocket in place.

 Gather the front ruffle and the back ruffle with two rows of large stitching.

 Pull up the gathering threads to fit the front ruffle to the side panel.
Knot the threads once you are happy with the fit. Then you can ease out your gathers with out the fear of it coming undone.

 Gather the back ruffle to fit the back piece and pin in place.

1.  Sew the front ruffles to the side pieces
2.  Sew the back ruffle to the back piece.

 Neaten the edges and press up towards the dress bodice.

 Topstitch the seam and then remove any visible gathering threads.

 Pin and sew the front side panels to the main front panel.

Neaten the seam and press it towards the side panel.
Topstitch.

 Pin the front dress to the back dress matching notches, sew, press and neaten the edges.

 Press the side seams towards the back of the dress

 Turning the dress inside out, topstitch the side seam UP TO the drop waist seam.

 Here, stop, leaving the needle in the dress, rotate the dress and match the topstitching of the front a nd back pieces.
Straighten up and keep topstitching.
Repeat for the other side seam.

 Hem the dress.
I like to stitch a narrow turning guide.

 And then turn and press a deeper hem.
Press, pin and sew.
Then press again.

 Pin the facing to the dress, right sides together.
Match notches and side seams.
Transfer the centre notch stitching guide.
I like to mark all the seams I will be sewing over with chalk and reverse a few times when I reach the mark. This will make these seams sturdier when they are trimmed at a later point.

Sew the bodice facing to the dress.
Take your time and sew accurately to achieve a nice curve.
Press and trim back the seam allowance.

Carefully clip the centre front seam.

Carefully clip the point from the shoulder strap.

Turn the facing to the inside of the dress.
I use a piece of dowel and a knitting needle (very carefully)

Roll the seams under your fingers and finger press well.
If this is a struggle, dampen the fabric a little.
Press well.

 Slowly and carefully edge stitch.

Press the edges with a good steamy iron and then let it cool.

I like to pin the facing in place at each vertical seam and the topstitch a few stitches from the right side.

Mark the buttonholes using the guide.

Check the markings against the button size.

Make the button holes and sew on the buttons.
For some tips see here
Press well and you are done Baby!

Tilly loves it and wants one exactly the same.

Ummm, no Sweetie.
Chose a different fabric.

Happy Seashore sewing.
xx N

The butterflies are stencilled. I show you how in this post.
Thanks Elizabeth.