Hello Sewing Friends! Tamar here from Tamar Hope Designs. I’m excited to be here today to share a Sunflower sundress hack! My daughter has been asking for a maxi dress for forever, so as soon as I saw that Sunflower was the pattern of the month for July, I had to make it! But, I added a little twist! Read on for all of the details!
Ivy/Sunflower Pattern Mash
I absolutely adore the bodice for Ivy, so I decided to combine the Ivy bodice with the Sunflower skirt. You can choose any elastic-back bodice that you love and combine it with the Sunflower skirt.
Adding Piping
I also chose to add piping between the bodice and skirt. I love the crisp finish that piping provides.
To add piping to an elastic-back bodice, fold the end of the piping over at the edge of the elastic panel.
Attach the piping to the raw edge of the bodice, sewing 3/8” from the raw edge. Using a zipper foot will allow you to stitch very close to the piping.
Attach the skirt to the bodice as normal, making sure to maintain an exact 3/8” seam allowance.
Press the seam allowance toward the bodice and topstitch above the piping.
Adding inset lace
I also decided to add a row of inset lace. This breaks up the long skirt a bit for tall girls and adds a pretty finish.
To add the inset lace, measure 4 inches from the bottom of the skirt and cut.
Cut a piece of lace 2.5 inches tall x width of skirt. Sew the strip of lace to the bottom skirt piece right sides together.
Press the seam allowance toward the skirt and topstitch.
Attach the other long edge of the lace strip to the top skirt piece right sides together.
Press the seam allowance toward the skirt and topstitch.
Finish the skirt according to the Sunflower tutorial.
And that’s it! I love the sophisticated silhouette of this sundress.
Happy Sundress Sewing!!!
-Tamar