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| Add-on with simple skirt and back zipper. |
One of my favorite designers is New Zealand designer, Lydia Persson of LittleKiwis. I've tested several patterns for her and really LOVE this one, Tara's Tiered Sundress and the Add-on.
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| Tara's Tiered Sundress--Original version with back zipper. |
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| Add-on with simple skirt and back zipper. |
The Add-on also includes an option for a knit bodice (NO zipper!) a simple skirt, and simple tunic. I've made the knit one for my girls completely from knit (no different measurements need for the skirt) and knit bodice with woven skirt.
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| Knit bodice, woven skirt (length added), FOE shoulder straps |
I finally had the opportunity to make another knit bodice with woven skirt. This is a size 8 so there are no modeled shots, but there are shots of the alterations I made.
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| Knit bodice, woven skirt, woven ribbon shoulder strap, matching knit headband. |
Lydia does an excellent job with directions. They are easy to read, step-by-step, and have great pictures.
One of the changes that is a must, is adding elastic at the waist. This helps the wearer get it on and off with ease.
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| Elastic at waist, top stitching back seam. |
You can use clear swimsuit elastic or 1/4" elastic. I usually use swimsuit elastic, but I didn't have enough so I used 1/4". I put the elastic underneath the fabric and keep it in the center of my presser foot as I sew to make sure I go through the center of it. The purpose of the elastic is that with the stitching in it, it will stretch--a lot--making it very easy to get on and off.
I had finished the edge of my woven fabric before I attached it to the bodice, so I choose not to finish the edges of the bodice so as to not interfere with the stretch I gained by adding the elastic. However, I have no worries about not finishing it because it is knit and knit doesn't fray or unravel.
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| Elastic at waist, top stitching back seam. |
I like to top stitch when and where I can. I think it adds a more professional touch and helps the seam to lay flat when it's worn.
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| Outside view of the back seam, top stitched. |
Another alteration from the original pattern, making the shoulder straps attached and not tie. Because my knit was on the thinner side, I decided to line the bodice. Simple alteration by cutting two fronts and backs, sewing right sides together, adding the straps while sewing, and turning. I top stitched the edge around the whole bodice so that it would lay flat and be comfortable when worn.
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| Close-up of ribbon straps and bodice top stitching. |
When I finished, I noticed that it seemed to be missing something. So, I sewed a star button to the center of the bodice. I believe in sewing as many sparkly's on as I can instead of hot gluing them. By sewing them, they last longer and are less likely to fall off or be pulled off by curious toddlers.
I did not top stitch the waist because I didn't want to interfere with the stretch I had gained by adding the elastic.
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| No top stitching at waist. |
So, where did this dress go? I donated this dress to a little girl battling cancer. I added the knit headband (my own design) so she would feel beautiful even though she didn't have hair. <3
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to order one for your little one.
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