I found this kitchen towel bundle for pretty good price (it was originally $16 and I got it for $8!). I had an idea of what I wanted to do with them...
They are 100% cotton and very absorbent. I thought these would make a comfortable summer dress for Rachel!
I will show you what I did. :)
{You will need}
Five kitchen towels (the ones that you see all over the place. Five slightly different patterned ones)
Matching thread
{Before you start}
I used three towels for the skirt, one for the top, and the last one for making bias tape.
Look at the towels and decide how you want to coordinate them first.
{How to}--Skirt
1. Cut off the sides from two towels that you chose for the skirt. Cut them into three equal pieces.
2. Lay them out and coordinate how you want to combine them and sew side by side.
3. Cut the third towel horizontally to make a couple long pieces (4" X length of the towel).
4. Add those long strips to the bottom of the main part of the skirt from step 2. Sew front and back of the skirt together.
5. To make the pockets, cut 2 -- 6 1/2" X 7" rectangles from rest of the third towel. Take care of the edges except the top (6") with your favorite method to prevent fraying.
6. Fold those three sides with 1/4" seam and press with an iron. Fold the top of the pocket two times and sew.
7. Pin the pocket on to the skirt. I placed them a little off to the sides. 5" from the top and the side of the pocket will go to the back part of the skirt by 1 1/2".
Use the picture as a guide.
{How to}-- Top
1. Fold the towel in half with right sides together. Cut off the bottom seams and mark the sides as shown in the picture.
2. Sew the sides.
3. Mark the center of the folded part and mark the neckline. After I made mine, I wished I cut the neckline smaller, so it is best to measure your child’s head first.
4. Cut the front of the neckline open, then, mark the line for the back part of the neck. I drew the line higher than the front.
5. Lay the last kitchen towel flat on the cutting mat. Cut seams off and then cut diagonally to make bias tape (I cut mine 1 3/4" wide). Sew them together and press with an iron to make the bias tape. You can also see how I make my bias tape here. The bias tape will cover the neckline, two loops for the belt, and the belt.
6. Pin the bias tape around the neckline. Sew, turn it towards the inside and finish with slip stitch.
7. Now, you have the top.
{How to}--Finishing up
1. Pin the top and the skirt together and sew. I forgot to take pictures on these steps, but basically, you sew the edge of the top of the skirt with large stitches, pull the thread to gather the fabrics. Make sure that the length of the edge of the top and the skirt will match up. Right sides together, pin them, and sew. After you take care of the edge with Serger or zig-zag, press the seam toward the top. Top stitch the seam. You can go here to see what I have done with another project.
2. Cut 2-- 1 3/4" strips for the loops. Sew them on to sides of the dress.
3. Put through the belt to the loops...and it is ready to wear.
My little girl is five going on six soon, but she is small for her age. The dress is a bit too big for her, for now, although, it might be perfect for regular 6 year olds.
The dress is soft, airy, and comfy...it is perfect for a summer afternoon to relax.
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