Simple Shirred Dress

Now that spring is here (here in Colorado, we had a teaser spring and then 2 days of snow! in MAY!!!), time to get the sundresses out. And finally step out in what you wear at home and not add on all those layers! So time to make some dresses.

I am starting this season with a very simple sundress. Remember when I said I am shir-crazy now....I meant it. Here is the how-to for a simple shirred dress.

If you need help shirring, refer to one of the tutorials below, depending on the type of machine you have.

• Shirring using a machine with a metal bobbin case
• Shirring using a drop-in bobbin machine

Read on for the step-by-step on the dress making...

Finishing Hems - Using folds and Bias Tapes

When a sewing project is almost done, all that's left is to finish the hems. The bottom hem, neckline and armholes (if sleeveless). There are many methods to go about this...based on the fabric and what you are comfortable with. Here are a few of my preferred methods for finishing hemlines...

• Simple single fold: Ideal for knits and selvage ends
• Finished single fold
• Pinked finish single fold
• Double fold
• Inside finish using single fold bias tape: Ideal for necklines, armholes and rounded bottom hems
• Outside finish using single fold bias tape: Ideal for necklines, armholes and rounded bottom hem
• Using simple bias tape: Ideal for necklines, armholes 
• Using double fold bias tape: Ideal for necklines, armholes and rounded bottom hems

Click on any of the above methods to skip to that section or read on to see them all...

Tin Can Reuse

While sorting/cleaning out my workstation table, I wanted to clear up the table space and move as much as possible to wall storage. The simplest idea was to use the moisturizer bottles turned small wall storage units. (Link). Then again I had collected enough tin cans again to put them to some good use. The last time I did anything with them was make the wind chime. (Link). I decided to use them indoors this time....

Want to make some pretty tin can wall storage? The idea is pretty simple....just let your imagination go wild!