{The Elastic Band} Empire Waist Dress

So, I've been dying to make myself something fun to wear lately but being pregnant makes it hard to justify especially with only 5 weeks to go. But, this weekend I finally bit the bullet and made myself this little puppy:

Oh-So-Darling!

I figured it was the perfect thing to make because it could easily be worn after the baby comes and look just as cute cause of the empire waist. No fleeting last minute maternity wardrobe additions for me!!

Even better is the fact that I just used a tank top I had on hand that had some grease stains from me not wearing any aprons in the kitchen while I cook. Does this happen to anyone else? I swear I ruin waaay too many shirts with butter or EVOO splashes...so annoying!! Well, here is a great use for saving one from the throw-away pile!

Annnd what's even better is that I had a super cute dress to wear on Father's Day...yay for something cute to wear in the 90 degree humidity we have been "enjoying" this summer!

So whether your pregnant...

or not...

an Elastic Empire Waist Dress is so easy to sew you just have to make one for yourself!!

Or you can even make a smaller version for your little lady...

The instructions are the same just scaled down for your Mini Me!

A-dorable!!

Are ya ready?

Ok, here we go!

{The Elastic Band} Empire Waist Dress

1 tank top

2-inch wide elastic cut to the size of your measurement under your bust line (for your mini-me use 1 1/2 inch wide elastic)

fabric of your choice (1 and 1/2 x the length of your waist measurement for the width and cut it however long you would like it to be...I made mine hit at just above the knee)

rotary cutter and mat

sewing machine and coordinating thread

The goods...easy sewing project here we come!!

See, what did I say...grease spots!!

Ok, so first put your tank top on and mark where it would fall under your bust line. If you are serging the cut edge add about a 1/4 inch to your length. If you are using a regular sewing machine add about 1/2 inch so you can fold it under about 1/4 inch twice and hem.

Then, place the elastic band under your bust and add about an inch to the measurement. I know my elastic is white here but I had a change of color choice at the last minute!!

Then, zig zag stitch the elastic band into a tube overlapping the edges by about 1/2 inch. I zig zagged mine a few times for strength!!

Then, take your fabric and either hem (folding the fabric over 1/4 inch two times) or serge the top edge...where the elastic band will meet it.

Next, you are going to make a gathering stitch right under the hem (or serged edge). To make a gathering stitch you are going to use the longest and widest straight stitch and you are going to sew a straight line all the way across your fabric (at the width you measured at 1 1/2 x your under bust measurement). Do not backstitch at either end and leave long threads at both ends!

Then, pull the bottom thread (or the bobbin thread) and make nice gathers throughout the fabric until the length measures your elastic band.

Now, at this point I sewed my fabric into a tube but your could easily do this step right before your gathering step...it really makes no difference.

Then, just pin the skirt fabric, right side facing the elastic band, to the bottom of the elastic band and zig sag stitch it in place. Make sure your skirt seam and your elastic band seam are matched up too!

Then, pin your tank top, wrong side out, at the upper portion of the elastic band and zig zag into place too. Making sure your tank top side seam is matching the elastic band/skirt seam too!!

Lastly, flip your dress right side out and try it on to see where you would like the bottom hem to fall. Then just cut your fabric and hem it in place and you my friend are all done!

Woo Hoo!!

You just made yourself an Elastic Band Empire Waist Dress!!!

Sooo Pretty!

...and Stylish!!!!

Or, make one for your little lady!!

**FYI: Penny's elastic band measurement was 20 inches and her fabric width was 30 inches...she is 22 months old!**

Now, your Mini Me can stop and smell the flowers looking Oh-So-Cute!

Yup, now that's sweet!!

LOVE IT!