Pin-It Up Thursday=Ruffle Dress

I'd like to start something new here at the Project Corner.  First let me explain something, Pinterest seems to be the current buzz word of the blogosphere.  I love it because:

1. Eye candy

2. I feel organized

3. Great ideas with included links

It's like starring all your favorite posts in Google reader, but having them organized into folders with an instant visual reminder of what you have in that folder.  And when you pin something it usually has the link to the original source-so you can get the tutorial or any other information.  My only complaint is that swear words pop up on pins-and I wish I could filter those out.

So on to my "something new."  I've seen several Pinterest Challenges and will probably participate in some, but I wanted to start to share projects that I have pinned and redone in my own way.   This may be weekly or monthly or bi-monthly-but it will be posted only on Thursdays.  So for my first

Pin-It Up Thursday project:

Inspiration~

 My SIL has a dress similar to this, she wore it to church while visiting us last Sunday.  I analyzed the dress and Monday afternoon this image popped up on Pinterest.  I really wanted to sew this dress in a linen or cotton, but I didn't have any of that on hand and didn't have the funds to get more material.  I found some grey waffle knit in my stash and used the Coffee Date dress pattern.

My Version~

 Ruffles, sleeves and length.

Here's what I did...

 Made a V-neck and wider shoulders (so the sleeves would look better)

 Wider shoulders on the back too, the rest is the same.

 I matched the v-neck and shoulder width for the facings.

Cut sleeves-I made up my own pattern for this, and 2 inch strips of fabric for the ruffles.

I sewed the top and tried it on and adjusted the darts to be a little more fitted (not too fitted because it is a knit)

Each ruffle is one long piece of fabric.  I started on the left outside ruffle and pinned it one inch away from the center and neckline.  The second ruffle is 1/2 inch from center.  The third ruffle was stitched differently, almost backwards, then flipped over and top-stitched for a finished look.  Once the ruffles were on I added the sleeves.

The sleeves were finished off with a ruffle and shirred to give it more shape.

The front and back skirt are pleated in the middle.  

 The hem is zig-zagged in contrasting yellow for more ruffle.

Here is the dress completed.  I tried putting a grey sash on, but it just wasn't working.  I grabbed the sash from this project and it made the dress come to life.

It is a comfy fun dress.

 I still might figure out a different belt-but it definitely needs one.

 The ruffles on the neckline are subtle and feminine.

 

What do you think?  I'm anxious to try this in a cotton or linen to the ruffles would be bigger like the inspiration dress-but this dress is a keeper for sure.