But this dress is finished and it's very, very cute. Rather than make straps at the shoulders that tie for an adjustable fit, I decided to measure and sew on straps of the exact length. If this dress ends up being worn through the winter (or next spring and summer as a top) then I can always put other straps on later.
I made this dress using a piece of Northcott quilting cotton. It very soft and pretty, the colors of the print are vibrant and the fabric is just plain nice to touch.
I started by measuring from underarm to hem to determine the length (29 inches), and I used the entire 44 inch width of the fabric for width. In my experience, shirring with elastic thread always works best if the fabric is about twice the body measurement.
I first hemmed the top edge using my 4mm hemming foot, the bottom edge is done with the 6mm hemming foot. Then, with elastic thread in the bobbin, I ran 22 rows of parallel stitching (starting about 1 inch from the top edge) about 3/8" apart. I made sure to back stitch at the beginning and end of each line of stitching to prevent the elastic thread from pulling out.
Then I sewed the edges together to make a tube. I used a french seam for this seam, again to help keep the elastic thread from pulling out.
Then I made two straps but cutting fabric squares 3 inches wide and about 12 inches long. I folded them along the center line, stitched them right sides together, and turned and pressed to make two long straps. These I pinned in placed while the dress was being tried on, and then I stitched them close to the first row of shirring with a narrow zigzag bar tack.
Voila! All done. And I had a tiny little scrap left over to make a matching dress for a baby doll. Hers has just two straps that tie around her neck for a halter dress.
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