how to make a super cute long dress

about 6 months back i came across this super cute tutorial on making a dress. of course it only took me 6 months to make it! to put a little fire under me, i found material to match isabella's birthday color scheme and make it to wear at her party. i love to sew but by all means, i'm no pro but i know some stuff. i'm actually thinking of taking a class this summer to learn a few more tricks. anyone interested in joining me?

so here's what you'll need....

ribbed tank top (cheap ole' tank top-i happened to have one that was too short)

fabric (depending on your sizing)

elastic band

elastic band threader

a sewing machine

fabric scissors

the dress:

i forgot to take pictures along the way but click here for the original tutorial - she provides helpful pictures. i did how ever make some changes but i'll let you know where. 

i purchased 2 yards of fabric which you will want enough to be able to wrap around you 1.5 times and have enough left to make a sash. 

first step is to cut your tank. you will want to cut about 2 inches below your bust (i cut mine a bit longer at first then more after i tried it on). just make sure you have enough room to attach the tank to the skirt. 

next, unfold your fabric and wrap it 1.5 times around your waist where you want the skirt part of the dress to start. cut off the remaining fabric. 

then...fold the fabric in half, to begin creating the skirt, right sides together, and sew up the long side. cut off the remaining fabric. it will look like a box at first but you'll see...

so the original tutorial used elastic thread. i tried this and it was a disaster! i actually had messaged the one who's blog i got it from but my machine just wouldn't cooperate. i then fb'd a sewing friend and she heard that elastic thread was awful...so, i opted for elastic band!

take the top part of your skirt, fold over about a 1/2 inch and sew. my elastic band was 1/4 inch wide so you will need enough room to slide the band through. then thread your band through and sew the openings together. 

turn the skirt part inside out, then slide the tank top in the skirt, making sure the tank is right side out. you will slide it in top (straps) first. pin, then sew together close to the edge.

pin the cut edge of the tank to your ruffled skirt edge. make sure to line up your long seam on your skirt in the middle back of your tank, so that the seam will run down the back of your dress.

hem up the bottom to your desired length and your dress is finished!

now for the sash:

cut a long strip of fabric to your desired sash length. fold in half, right sides together and sew along the long seam then one of the side seams. turn the sash right side out, and fold down raw edges on last side, tuck in and sew.

now tie the sash around your  waist and show it off!