5.17.2012

Table Cloth Dress DIY



There is just something about a white lace dress on a summer day that screams perfection. Perhaps it's because it creates the illusion of golden, sunkissed skin? Or maybe because of the effortless, bohemian feel it exudes? All I know is that I have to have one. I am seeing these lovely little dresses creep up everywhere from fashion blogs to shop windows to Coachella photos and it has inspired me to see what I can create using things from around my house. I found this old table cloth and thought it would be perfect for my project. This DIY is best done with a sewing machine. If you don't own one, ask around. I'm sure a friend or a family member would be happy to lend you theirs. Also, thrift stores are always loaded with used sewing machines and trust me, sewing machines built 20 years ago are MUCH better quality and were built to last. So why not pick one up and see what you can create this summer?


What You Need
  • Lace Table Cloth
  • Measuring Tape
  • Elastic
  • Pins
  • Basic Sewing Machine  


What To Do

  • Take 2 measurements: the first is around the widest part of your hips, the second is from your underarm to the desired length of the dress on thigh
  • Transfer these measurements onto the lace and make 2 identical rectangles. The measurement from your underarm to your thigh is the long edge, the measurement around your hips is the short edge. Also, add an extra inch to each side for your seam allowance.
  • Add an extra foot in length to your vertical edges for the flap covering your chest, as shown in the photos.
  • Cut out two identical rectangles from the lace
  • Now, place your two pieces of lace together, right sides facing each other and pin them together along the long edge
  • Sew along the long edge 
  • Flip dress right side out and put it on. It should be much too long. Take the top hem of the dress and fold it down over your chest to create the flap. Keep folding it over until your dress is the desired length on your thigh.
  • Now, time for the elastic. I used regular white 1/2 '' elastic. Measure the elastic around your chest where the top of the dress will sit. Be sure to pull the elastic as tight as you want your dress to be. Snip it.
  • Take your dress off and leave the flap exactly as is. It helps to pin the flap down while wearing it so it doesn't shift as you remove it.
  • 1 inch from the top of the dress (the folded edge), pin the two layers together around the circumference of the dress. This is where your elastic will sit
  • Sew over your pins around the whole dress, stopping about an inch before you complete the circle
  • Feed your elastic through the loop you've just sewn. Once your elastic makes it all the way around, sew it together with your sewing machine
  • Last step is to sew together the hole in the loop for the elastic and you're all finished

*If you have any questions about the steps, please e-mail me. It was difficult to take clear photos of the lace step by step.












Topped off a perfect evening by sharing a couple local beers with my boyfriend, Richard. If you're a beer drinking girl like myself, try something different than your typical watered down ale. Every town or city has a local micro-brewery you should try. Check it out. You'll be pleasantly surprised. 
Phillip's Ginger Beer is my fav 

Love,
C

15 comments:

  1. What a unique & lovely DIY! Great result :)

    <3 Shawna
    Serpentine Streets

    ReplyDelete
  2. nice dress!

    www.LaByDiana.com

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  3. Dress is lovely! :) fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for your lovely comment! Amazing blog!!
    I'm following you right now!!
    Follow me back if you want!:)

    xoxo
    Thania

    http://imaddictedtoglamour.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely dress, thanks for the tips!!

    Love your blog! I'm your new follower now!
    xx
    http://hotspotemily.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. You look so lovely in this dress!!

    Take care :)

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  7. That is such a great idea. As a child, I've always used something type of fabric to wrap myself and pretend it was a dress, whether it was blankets, bedsheets, a towel, table cloth and even once, a couple of grocery bags. However as I gotten older, I've never attempted at sewing those items into a dress--maybe that is because I can't sew. Anyhow, the dress came out amazing. I hope to see you put some use into it in another outfit or something.

    THATS GRYT, Aves Gry

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  8. thanks so much for stopping by and your sweet comments! first of all i can't believe you have black bears in your backyard sometimes that is absolutely terrifying!! hahah also this is a great idea it turned out really lovely! and there is this local brewery downtown where we live that has wonderfulllll beer!

    -Jessica
    http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com/

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  9. This came out great! Very creative :)

    And yes, nothing like trying a new beer. The ginger beer sounds awesome.

    Speaking of ginger, we are both freckled redheads! I love finding fellow redhead bloggers.

    Hope you have a great weekend :)

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  10. oh hey smartie, that is the best idea ever! it makes lacy table cloths into fashion! :)

    Lovely Little Rants

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  11. Thank you for the sweet comment! and I love your blog, this DIY turned out perfect!! I am a new fan and follower!

    xo, Cari

    lesweettooth.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Completely agree with white lace on a summer day, perfect need for any summer wardrobe!
    This looks fabulous, and it's just a simple table cloth :)


    -Sydney xo

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