Ruffly Neck Inspiration

Twice last week and yesterday we went to the outlets. (Don't judge me.) Actually, Joe and I went with the children one day when he had an extended holiday weekend. And then I just happened to be close (okay, not really) when I bought my dishes last week, so I went again. And then I had something to return that didn't fit, so my friend and I took the kids and went back yesterday.

When I passed the J Crew store, I couldn't help but fall in love with the window display. I loved the ruffly neck on this shirt. I kept thinking about the shirt. (And thinking about it ... And thinking about it ...) Not that I wanted to buy it, but that I should make something like it.

So, a ruffly dress for Spenser it became.

I used a thrifted sheet from last week's productive thrifting and made a "practice" one. I love it. She loves it. And she looks adorable in it. I just didn't get her photo on Sunday when she wore it to church.

For the ruffle I cut a strip of fabric two inches wide and twice the length of the neck opening. Then I used the rolled hem feature on my serger and went along all sides. (I didn't want raw, fraying edges on the dress.) Then I sewed a basting stitch down the center of the strip (lengthwise), gathered it and attached it to the dress.

I added a sweet pink vintage button with some velvet ribbon. And she's very proud of herself that she can button it all by herself ... while she's wearing it.