Skip to main content

Ruffler

I bought a ruffler a few years ago and it's quite a scary contraption but does an excellent job. Recently I made a friend's little girl a dress from some scraps from Kindy sheet sets I used to make and sell.


I always used 100% cotton so these scraps were perfect for a dress for our hot climate. I used this old Style pattern (what happened to Style?) for the bodice only as each scrap I had was too narrow for the skirt which is slightly A-line on the pattern.  I just joined 3 panels that I had and gathered at the top.  I then made a bias ruffle from some scrap gingham another girlfriend gave me and used the extra ruffle to cover the straps.


Ruffler contraption

Makes a nice gather 
Recipient of dress

All small scraps - straps not attached yet

 The bodice I lined with the gingham fabric as the print on the front is a rubbery texture and would stick to you on a hot day. 
Cross over straps


I used the ruffler for gathering of the skirt too but at a different setting it makes tiny pleats up to (I think) 6cm deep pleats.  Quite a useful tool. 


I'm quite pleased with this little dress made while watching a French movie on SBS one night last week. I had forgotten how satisfying it is to make little dresses - quick, easy, use of scraps and best of all - no fitting issues.
Labels:

Comments

LinB said…
Oh, the dress and the little girl are both adorable! It IS fun to sew for little girls, especially those who like dresses.
20 January, 2012 03:34
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Trying a vintage togs pattern.

                       Hello, it's been a while again. Not as long as some bloggers who have recently returned to blogging...up to 7 years, but I'm glad people are coming back. I never joined Instagram as I'm not that fussed on 'social media' and more with people who write about their sewing.  So back to sewing. I picked up this vintage McCalls togs pattern. It's quite a good value pattern as there are three very different and interesting swimsuits included. That's pretty rare. It's a size 16. I decided to make view B. All of the patterns have pieces for the bra cups too which is really great. Photographed with it is a Burda beach wrap. I can't find the magazine number right now, but it's at least 10 years old. Basically it's a large square of fabric with arm holes cut out. The fabric is genuine 70s towelling. I know because Mum bought it to cover our 'fantastic plastic' vinyl couch. Vinyl was preferred back then...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kwik Sew

So recently Spotlight had Kwik Sew patterns - 3 for the price of 1. I don't really need any patterns as I have plenty but some took my fancy and I'm keen to sew some up. I have been really liking the waterfall jackets... I have a Butterick pattern (not mentioned yet but brought over from the US with a friend... that's another post though), a New Look cut out and I liked the length of this Kwik Sew one too. I was seduced by Kristy's beautiful version  of the jacket on the right. Don't expect to see it fitting me so perfectly but it looks nice and easy and it's a bit different and a bit timeless too. I was thinking of sailor type pants but when I saw this shorts pattern, I thought I could make them up and see if they suit and I may be able to lengthen the legs and not have to trace out a Burda one. Not sure how KS patterns fit me as I've only made a dress a while ago now. I have these cut out from a leftover piece that was not enough for anyth...
3 comments
Read more

Island night... PNG cruise

Well hello again. I've just come back from a cruise to Papua New Guinea and I made a dress for Island night. Island night or any theme night is just a suggestion... there is no organised event, meals, activities; just a dress code suggestion.  As soon as I read that, I searched for this vintage surfie fabric I bought years ago at an op shop. I was thrilled to use it. I needed an easy pattern that I could make 2 days before the cruise departure and one that I would wear again.  I used this Style 2911 pattern that I only bought online a few months ago. Style are my favourite patterns. I cut out a size 16 but had to reduce it to the 12. It's a great simple but elegant pattern and it went together perfectly. My machines liked it too... they cooperate when they like what I'm making and it was a breeze.  I cannot believe that we didn't get one photo of it on. I was thrilled with it and even tho there is some ink staining you can't really see it as it's so busy. I had ...
Post a Comment
Read more