A Ruffled Collar Tutorial

In case you missed this a couple of weeks ago at see kate sew's RUFFLES 2012....

One thing that we love over at Simple Simon and Co is taking simple, vintage, classic children's clothing and adding a touch of a modern to them.  And luckily, today's project is no exception.  It's a simple A-line vintage jumper pattern, but made a bit more modern with the addition of a smart, little ruffled collar.

For the pattern, I used this little vintage beauty in my stash.....but there are A-line jumper patterns still made today.  Here is a good resource for a modern simple one with the same lines (you just have to imagine it....without all the...um, lovely trims.)

I cut all the pattern pieces out of a light blue shirting material that I found 3+ yards of at the thrift store for $3 dollars (score!) and then went about adding a ruffle.

Here's how I did it:

Simple, huh?  Yes...I like Simple.  But it gives a touch of detail that you won't find on any store-bought dress, which is precisely what I like.

I also added a belt detail to the dress, which is just a tube of fabric sewn up, flipped right sides out, with the ends sewn shut.  And you are done!

My favorite part of this dress has to be the versatility---with the belt, without, and then with a cute little hot pink cardigan for a pop of color.  

And it is an absolutely perfect style for girls of all sizes!

I wish there were enough shirting to make one in my size.....the more I see this little dress, the more I think I need one!  Maybe a trip to the fabric store is in order.....soon.