Polka Dot Pocket, Ric-rac Trim, And Ruffles {adding fun to a girl’s tunic}

September 20, 2013 · by CampClem · in sewing. ·

When I saw this Amy Butler fabric, it completely spoke to me…

It said, “Hey! Take me home and make me into a tunic for Li’l Sis.” And really, who am I to argue with a print like that?

The pieces you see above are the raw cut pieces, a sleeve on either side, and the front and back of the bodice (folded in half together) in the middle.

To make this basic tunic, you can just make a super simple peasant dress, only shorter, or you could construct them very much like a pair of ruffle pants, only with a third “leg” for the bodice.

This came together fast and easy. I decided to add a couple of fun details, like some ric-rac trim, a ruffled neckline, and a little pocket.

Do you know how to add ric-rac trim? I was so intimidated and impressed by it for ages until I realized how actually very simple it is to add. [I’ll share a tute on how to do it some time, m’kay? Wheee!]

For the little ruffle on the neckline, I added a row of stitches all the way around the neckline seam, about a quarter-inch from the top/edge/opening. Then I added my channel for the elastic and elastic as usual. This creates a lovely little ruffle effect with the quarter-inch of fabric sticking up. Cute!

Oh my goodness! And then there is this cute little pocket! Sis loves to ask for a penny or two out of the change when i go to the grocery store,so I thought I pocket might be just the ticket for her.

She literally has asked every single day since I made this if today‘s outfit has a pocket. I’ve created a monster. [Pockets are also insanely easy to make and attach, oh I MUST share a tute on that!!]

Originally I thought I’d pair this top with the pants I made for this aqua outfit, but I decide the blousy volume of this poet-type shirt would be best paired with leggings. Gah! And I was RIGHT! SO very adorable!!

Oh my gracious, speaking of poet-style shirts… I think I also need to share a tute on how to make a cutie little girl’s beret. They are actually quite simple too! OH! That would be marvelous indeed! [Hmm… So I think I’ve created quite a bit of sewing tutorial action for myself in this post!! Can’t wait to share!!]

So, what is your favorite detail to add to (or see on) an article of clothing! Do tell, and maybe I’ll tackle and share how to do it!! Wheeeeeeeee!