Today I'm going to let you in on a little shirring secret. Ready? They sell pre-shirred fabric at JoAnn's. Yup. Super easy, if you're not up for the task of shirring.
But first of all, in case any of you don't know, this is shirring (picture below). It's two or more rows of gathered fabric. Basically, it's all scrunched up and stretchy and it looks pretty cute.
I bought a yard of it today. I recommend using your JoAnn's coupon, which would make it half off. ($7.50 instead of $15. You can sign up to get their coupons online.) So, what are we going to do with it? We're going to make a little dress/tunic/whatever you want to call it.
1) Wrap it around your chest and mark it where you want to sew it. Try not to fiddle around with the edges much, since it's been cut and you haven't sewn it yet.
2) Sew it into a tube that fits you.
3) Cut it to your desired length. Hem the bottom. (Optional: Use the extra scraps to make straps.)
That's really it! Here are a few ways you can wear your new little outfit. Spice it up with some fun shoes and you're good to go.
Other shirring ideas: My sister, Leca made adorable swimsuit cover-ups for her girls the same way. She gave me the idea initially. Here they are:
Thanks so much for dropping in. Thank you for sharing your ideas and thank you for encouraging me. I sure do appreciate it! Have a wonderful day!
So simple, yet so FAB! I have seen that fabric, but I've never picked any up. I will certainly be checking it out next time I go!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I am swooning over that brown belt! Did you find it recently? (Please say you did!)
I always see that fabric and am tempted to buy it. Love the one you chose! Thanks for linking up today!
ReplyDeleteI love it under the green cardigan! I'm also in love with your belt:-)
ReplyDeleteI have used their fabric in the past. A dress I made my daughter she loves. I put ties on it for a halter look.
ReplyDeleteI like the green cardigan belt combo. That sister & mom of yours are pretty darn awesome! U too of course.
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteGreat "cheat". I hate shirring myself and avoid it at all costs. Would they have these fabrics online?
ReplyDeleteCute, Cute - you have great style! I consider myself to be a pretty experienced sewer, but I cannot sew with elastic thread to save my life - I have tried and tried and just can't figure it out on my machine.
ReplyDeleteSo, I think this is totally the way to go - thanks for sharing!!
Lindsay
WOW! That's an awesome idea! So cute. I found your blog from your sister Leca (who is hilarious!).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great idea!
http://www.ihasnobooty.blogspot.com
So cute and clever! These shirred dresses were really popular way back when and here they are again. Love your choices!
ReplyDeleteThis is my kind of stuff haha Easy peezy. I saw the ready shirred fabric at wal mart the other day also. I loved the ways you wore it, i love all the colors!!
ReplyDeleteI've see this kind of fabric before, but not such a cute print. And I don't think I could pull it off like you...seriously cute!
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of doing it for me...love it! I'm particularly in love with your belt, dress combo!
ReplyDeleteThose are fun shoes!
ReplyDeleteI like it best with the cardigan too! Super cute...I would even hang out with you in public when you wear it....:)
ReplyDeleteSooo darling - I love the shoes too! Where'd ya get em! Do tell!
ReplyDeleteI've shirred my own dresses and the monotony is pretty tiring!! I've seen the fabric at joanns and never chose to buy it. But after two full dresses in shirring...I'm ready to buy. They make such cute dresses!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress! Thanks for the tip! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable. I love your style too. Way cute!
ReplyDeleteErin
www.frundy.com
What???? They sell shirred fabric??? I did not know that!!! I hate shirring so this would be great for some projects I'm thinking about. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeletetell me more....about the shoes!
ReplyDeleteI love this fabric. I bought the same black fabric for myself and the strawberry fabric for my daughter. Her dress is done and she looks adorable in it! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI just recently purchase the strawberry fabric from Joannes for my daughter! She is such a tiny thing that I was able to cut the fabric in half and make two dress for her. She is such a doll in this print.
ReplyDeleteOh I totally made a dress in that black and blue and red shirred fabric this summer and I love it! I made a matching dress for my 3 year old and had just enough to make a little skirt for my 1 year old!
ReplyDelete