Off-the-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial!

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Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
So, it's been a while since I've sewn anything for Mikaela. We've both been super busy. But I was determined to get her something made before she left for school. We're going to call this dress a birthday present since her birthday was at the end of July. Can y'all believe my sweet baby girl is 20 years old?! Where has time gone?
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I wanted to make her something girly, cute, youthful and perfect for these last summer days.
I was inspired by this Caroline Constas Apollonia Dress which retails for $495.
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
For this dress, I used McCall's 7563 as my base pattern. I only needed 2 pattern pieces, the front/back and the sleeve of view D. Shirring creates stretch, which creates shrinkage. So you pattern should be 1.5 times your normal size. For example, Mikaela has a bust size of 34". So the pattern's bust size should be 51".
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I found that 20 rows of stitching was enough to cover the bust area for an empire waist. If you're smaller than her, maybe 15 rows and if you're larger 25 (or more).
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I created 20 rows of stitching also for the sleeves.
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I also modified the sleeve by created a tiered effect and finishing with a minuscule narrow hem, using my BERNINA Narrow Straight Stitch Hemmer #62.
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I love the way the sleeves turned out.
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I finished the neckline simply by serging.
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
And hemmed the dress with a 5/8" hem.
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
The fabric is Cotton Seersucker from Joann Fabrics.
Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress with Tiered Bell Sleeves + Tutorial - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
This was such a fulfilling unselfish-sewing project, because she is so in love with this dress!

I've written a How to Create Shirring with Elastic Thread Tutorial on BERNINA's We All Sew Blog. Go see how to do it!

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47 comments

  1. You nailed it! It looks so beautiful on her & she looks so pretty.

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  2. YAY!!I think i just found my babyshower dress.Thank you

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  3. O lah lah lah...Absolutely gorgeous on the beautiful model....

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  4. What a beautiful dress for a gorgeous young lady! Yes, time does fly. She is all grown up now. I still can't believe my daughter is 33 yrs old. I still remember the day she was born!

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure it will always feel like that! Thanks Tomasa!

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  5. The dress is so adorable on your beautiful daughter. I seem to remember that I've been following your blog since she was in elementary school.

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    1. And now she's a junior in college! Thanks Eileen!

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  6. What a pretty dress for your beautiful daughter! And after they enter middle school it just flies. Glad she loves the dress!

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    Replies
    1. It sure does! Yes! She is in love with this dress!

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  7. Gorgeous. Stylish. Wow. And I want one too even though I'm pass that age sigh.

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    1. LOL! I'm sure you can rock it! We all have great shoulders!

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  8. Amazing DIY and truly cost saving... It took me a while to understand that we used to pay just for the tag on the dress at retail stores. I am so glad that I can make my own, look unique and no longer spend such a fortune. The dress looks amazing on your daugther.

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    Replies
    1. I totally agree! Thank you Nicole!

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  9. WOW!!! And too think how many of us have watched her become a young woman through Blog Land!!! :) I pray her many, many, many HBD's and I ADORE the dress ... FIESTA ;)

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  10. Excellent use of the McCall's pattern! So cute and age appropriate.

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  11. This is ridiculously cute!!!

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  12. Just beautiful! Mikaela and the dress. WOW 20....

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  13. Erica, I am new to sewing and I am wondering if I can use the pre-shirred fabric that comes on the bolt from Joanns.

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    Replies
    1. Honestly, I don't know because I've never paid it any attention, because it's not something I would buy. But it never hurts to try it out on a small project.

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  14. What beautiful photos of a fantastic dress on a beautiful young woman! Great job as always; your daughter is lucky to have such a talented and thoughtful mom.

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  16. Nice dresses,She is look so beautiful,I like it :D

    AnnieLewis,
    Natural-hair-products

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  17. That's really beautiful! Your daughter is stunning, just like her Mom!

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  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  19. A lovely dress for a beautiful lady. Wishing your daughter success on her new journey. As always you create awesome couture it's always amazing to see how you make it your own. Blessings always.

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  20. Your version is better than the original! A lovely gift for a beautiful daughter.

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  21. This is a very trendy dress! Bought a similar one from Zara recently. Thanks for sharing!

    - Novie
    http://naturallypretty.info

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  22. This dress looks perfect on her. Love the sleeve ad seersucker details. Great job!

    https://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
    http://www.fashionnotfear.com

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