I feel like I am being a bit risky with today’s post, or at least embracing my inner teenager. Lol – I am not gonna lie, I thought after having 3 kids…my belly was on permanent lockdown from public viewing. But then I stumbled across a lace midriff dress, and thought to myself…’I could totally rock that’. And well, WHY NOT?! Sometimes its fun to show just a little bit of skin, in a classy way.
The lace dress I stumbled across was way sexier, essentially for a night at the club. So with a new silhouette in mind, combined with the lace midriff detail that I liked, I made something that feels fun, yet classy…and most importantly, appropriate for a Mother of 3.
The lace midriff dress DIY has a nice loose flowing body, while still accentuating one’s waist with the peek-a-boo lace. It flatters the body, while still covering up post-baby belly. Showing just a little bit of skin, in a much classier way, while still being fun and flirty. Perfect for Summer. And trust me when I say, you are going to feel VAVAVAVAVOOM while wearing this. I did :).
How to Sew a Lace Midriff Dress DIY.
This post is a part of the 30 Days of Sundresses Series going on over at Melly Sews. For more Sundress inspiration, click HERE.
With bloggers such as Sew Country Chic, Sew Mama Sew, One Little Minute, Tea Rose Home, Flamingo Toes and more all taking part….it is sure to be a fantastic Series. Be sure to check it out!
Furthermore, be sure to check out the giveaway she has going on this week HERE.
MATERIALS:
- 1.5 yd Black knit fabric
- 1 – 1.5 yd. 3″ wide Lace trim
- Ball Point Needle (for knit fabric)
- Thread
- Basic sewing essentials
- Scoop neck T Shirt that fits well -OR- similar pattern for hack HERE
HOW TO:
- If using a T-Shirt = Cut around the front and back of a scoop neck T-Shirt pattern that fits well. You want the T Shirt to be loose, not skin tight. Determine where your bust falls when you are wearing your T-Shirt (with a bra on), and cut approximately 3.5″ – 4″ beneath that bottom line. You want to make sure that when you are wearing the dress, even if you lift your arms, you will not give everyone a ‘show’. If using a dress pattern = determine where the bodice waist will fall on your body. Cut off a little from the bodice hem, just enough to add in the lace trim, using the same 3.5 – 4″ rule as above.
- If self drafting = Cut (2) 30″Wide x 18″L fabric panels for skirt. If using a dress pattern = Cut off 2″ from the top of the skirt pattern piece.
- Cut 1.5″ Wide piece of knit bias tape. Fold tape in half wrong side together, matching up the long raw edges. Press.
- Place front and back bodice right sides together. Pin and sew shoulder seam. Finish seams.
- Place raw edge of bias tape around neckline, right sides together. The bias tape should be slightly shorter in length than your neckline. Pin and sew using a stretch stitch, starting 1″ away from the beginning of your bias tape and slightly stretching the bias tape as you sew. As you get towards the end, stop sewing – sew the ends of the bias tape together, and then finish sewing the neckline. Press neckline up, and edge stitch seam in place with a long straight stitch.
- Place raw edge of bias tape along armsyce, right sides together. Once again, the bias take should be slightly shorter in length than your armsyce. Pin and sew using a stretch stitch, slightly stretching the bias tape as you sew. Repeat for both armsyce. Press arm band out, and edge stitch seam in place with a long straight stitch.
- Cut a piece of lace the same length as the bottom width of your bodice. Sew to the bottom of your bodice, by either overlapping the lace on top of your knit fabric -or- placing the lace and knit fabric right sides together and sewing. Repeat for back bodice. Finish seams.
- Sew a gathering stitch along the top of your skirt pattern piece, and pull the bobbin thread until your skirt is the same width as your bodice.
- Place the top of your skirt together with the bottom of your bodice, right sides together. Pin and sew. Repeat for front and back of dress. Finish seams.
- Place dress front and back right sides together, pin and sew side seams. Finish seams. Hem dress.
And you are finished!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy Sewing!
You look FABULOUS honey… !!!
I love it! It was also made my day to read the first comment on the post!
I feel like you could wear anything, especially anything you make, and look amazing in it. This dress is fab!
very appropriate style for your beach wear
glad you tried something out of your comfort zone…I am trying to sew for my 35 year old daughter who says the same thing about her tummy after 7 pound twins. I going to make this style for her in a white summer fabric for her beach wear….thanks for the tutorial.
This is just lovely, so feminine. You look lovely in it, thanks for the inspiration!
Smokin’!!! I love this! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that links to your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=82825 –Anne
Totally cute on you Jess!
Jess you are such a rockstar!! I love the dress and you look amazing in it!!