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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.

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.

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