Is That Another Bubble Dress? A tutorial

Why, yes... Yes, it is.


Even while I was making the tutorial for the Bubble it Up Dress, I wanted to design a different bubble dress, but I felt like I had to get the tutorial for the original one up, too.  So, yep yep yep, here's the second version!

 Since it's the second version, I called it the double bubble... not because there are two bubbles.  Don't get confused.  It does have a super cute crossover back, though!

And look at that fabric!! I've been saving it because I love it so much, and then it hit me-- balloons are perfect for a bubble dress! And Riley loves that there are little bunnies holding onto some of the balloons. And I quote: "Bunnies?! Holding balloons? That's silly!!" :)

Whatcha Need:

front piece and back piece patterns (why I couldn't save them as one file?  dunno.) in size 4T
about 1.25 yards main fabric (more for larger than 3T/4T)
about .75 yard lining fabric
5 coordinating buttons
general sewing stuff


Instructions:
Cut out your pattern pieces: 2 of front piece (one main and one lining), 4 of back pieces (2 main, 2 lining), and skirt pieces.


To get the measurements for your skirt pieces, you want to decide how long you want it.  Add 3 inches to that length for the length of your main piece.  Cut 2 pieces that length x 30 inches wide.  For lining, cut length minus 3 inches x width of fabric (selvage to selvage).  My main is 16 inches long, my lining is 10.

Let's start with the bodice.  Sew shoulders of your main front piece and main back pieces (I used the same fabric for main and lining).  Do the same with your lining.

 Sew main piece to lining piece, around the neckline and the armholes, but DO NOT sew the side seams.  Clip the curves.  Turn.

Place sides together, lining up the seam, right sides together.  Sew up the sides.

Turn right side out and press.  Then topstitch around the neckline and arms. 

Place your bodice flat and overlap the back pieces, so they are the same width as the front piece.  Baste them in place.  Now you can set that aside while we focus on the bubble!

Sew the side seams of your main fabric, right sides together.  Sew lining fabric into a loop (note: I actually used an old t-shirt for my lining!  It's comfy and free!  If you do this, cut it so this skirt is roughly 40 inches wide). 

Run a gathering stitch along the bottom of your main piece and gather it till it's the width of your lining piece.

Place right sides together and sew up the bottom.  It'll look like this (from the inside) after you turn it.

Run a gathering stitch through the top of the main and lining pieces.  Gather them up until they're BOTH the width of your bodice.

Place the bodice inside the skirt, right sides together, lining up all your side seams.  Sew them all together then finish with a zig-zag stitch.  

Grab your five buttons and sew them along the neckline.  Sorry it's hard to see.  It was SUNNY out!!

There you have it!  The double bubble!

Oh yeah, you can make a sash, too.  I'm into sashes these days, it seems.

I love bubble dresses! :)