I love Project Run & Play and couldn’t be more excited about their new 2015 format. They’ve decided to make each month a sew along with a pattern or tutorial from one of the PRAP past season designers and have a link-up so everyone can get involved. January’s designer is the lovely Alida from Alida Makes who I adore. The tutorial she chose is for her Bubble Dress and the link up runs through this Friday!
Last Thursday I realized in a panic that the link up was open already and I hadn’t even thought about what I’d make. In a moment I realized I should use the Balmy Breezes tunic I had designed for Sew Mama Sew and turn it into the bubble dress I always thought it should be. I redrafted the tunic to be dress length and size 4 (Bean is growing so fast!) and to have the bubble shape at the hem.
To be honest, I typically use more of the Simon’s bubble tutorial technique than Alida’s, but after reading about her use of shirring I think I’ll try that next time. For this dress though, I made a shorter and more narrow full lining with the outer dress being about three inches longer so it would bubble under once gathered and attached to the lining.
The nice thing about the Lattice Smocking in this bodice is that the result naturally drapes fuller at the bottom so it is perfect for a bubble shape.
The fabrics I used are both from Imagine Gnats. The outer fabric is a new double gauze with metallic (*affiliate link) that is gorgeous. I don’t know if the pictures really do it justice. Since it’s a double gauze it flows beautifully so it’s a great fabric for this shape.
The lining fabric is an interweave chambray which I’ve used many times that is just the perfect shade of purple. Bean is obsessed with anything purple at the moment so it was a must for this dress and the color compliments the double gauze really well.
A purple four way stretch from my stash was used to make these quick pair of tights. Bean was so excited to have purple tights! She would’t even wear shoes over them for these pictures cause she wanted to see her purple feet hehe.
Don’t forget to check out all the other bubble dress inspired looks in the link up and then vote for your favorite once the voting opens this weekend!
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