If you’ve looked around at any ads lately you will notice that shirring is EVERYWHERE. You can’t escape it. If its not on an adult dress, tweens’ shirt, a child’s dress its on a child’s shirt. Its all over the place! If you read my previous blog post you know I plan to incorporate it into some of my spring and summer sewing. This weekend I got a chance to give it a go and I am so pleased with the results!
The first thing I did was make “toile” or a “muslin.” I made this using the Children’s Corner Bishop pattern with a few alterations. I added two inches to the top of the pattern and removed about four inches of total width. I also used the back pattern piece on the fold. This dress has no placket.
I find this to be very cute…but it was not what I wanted. Honestly I want it for myself more than I do for Maria. I will try this exact thing again in the future but will remove A LOT more width. In order to get this small enough for her neck, I actually had to gather my shirring. Not really my idea of fun sewing.
For my second round, I wanted less of a turtleneck and more of a traditional bishop look. Soooo, I tried again and I think it worked!
For this version, I used fewer rows of shirring and adjusted my stitch lengths from long to short as I shirred from the top row to the bottom. The inside is served so this is a super quick sew…think one nap 🙂
I am debating creating a tutorial for this. If this is something you’d be interested in, drop a comment below, send me a message, or reach out to me on social media! If you’re interested in purchasing this fabric. It can be found here.
Hope you all had as much sewing time this weekend!
In other news, I got the kids in these sweet outfits for church today.
With the exception of John Luke’s little bubble, these were garments I made last year. I made the two big kid’s outfits a scosh big for the end of last summer so they fit perfectly for this spring! John Luke’s outfit from last year did not fit so I whipped him up a little Children’s Corner Taylor with some left over fabric. I think he likes it 🙂
John Luke’s sweater is a Feltman’s sweater I got several years ago. I purchased the big kids’ sweaters recently from The Children’s Place. At $11.48 the price cannot be beat and the style is exactly what I like…classic. I’ve just joined their affiliate marketing team so I am pleased to say that if you purchase a sweater from them in the future using my link, I will earn a small commission. I’m also obsessed with their school uniform polos for Robby. Again, the price cannot be beat and they’re perfect for a little embroidery and play.
This is a new type of blog post for me, often I save everything tutorial-y for my blog and do stories like this on my social media. Hoping this is something you like to see. Let me know if you do!
16 Comments
Sally Hilfiger
I love the shorting and would so appreciate a tutorial on how to convert a bishop and add shirring!
Mary Leyden Johnson
Hi, Abby! Your kids are precious as usual! I personally like the blogs instead of the stories, because I can save them and read at my own pace! Keep up the good work! Love the Children’s Place.
ardyrd01@gmail.com
That’s great to know!! I’m not sure why but I felt like all of my posts needed to have some sort of lesson in them. In the stories I can just be less formal. I’ll try to be less formal on here too!
Anonymous
Your little dumplings are beautiful! I would love a tutorial on shirring. Thanks for teaching us so well. God bless!
Jennifer W Weaver
I would love a tutorial on your 2nd round of the bishop dress. Your version is wonderful!
Sally
I would love to make the shirring dress for my grand daughter!!!
MMK
Gorgeous work as always! Yes, I’d love a tutorial on the shirred blue dress!
Amy Norcross
Please give us all the scoop on the second bishop!
Donna
This version of the shirred bishop is perfect! It looks comfy and Maria looks pleased :). I’d love a tutorial, too.
Pam
So very cute! This grandma is interested in seeing your tutorial. I’ve found you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Janelle Davis
Loved this writing today. Felt like a conversation with a friend, who also enjoys being creative for her children. I confess I don’t read many blogs, they’re just stuffy and not helpful, they’re just fluff. This was super informative, especially telling us what your aim was, and how you felt you didn’t quite hit the mark and readily made another attempt! We are Human crafters and we sometimes miss our goals. So, you thankfully already conquered some steps for us. So appreciate the honesty more than anything. This was so informative and human and sweet, just makes me want to cheer you on and get back to smocking myself. I’m a grandmother of 7. Three new babies and two are girls. You’ve encouraged me to jump back in. Honestly I have been knitting for the years I had no young grandchildren and even that is a process. I ALWAYS have to start over 3 times before I master it. Handwork is a process. Takes time to create heirlooms. Doesn’t bother me anymore to make mistakes. You don’t seem to be bothered either, and that’s what makes a good crafter! This piece today and the picks of your darling children was a blessing at the end of my day. I thank you.
ardyrd01@gmail.com
Well now you’ve been a blessing to end my day. Thank you so much for your comments. I’m certainly not bothered, I think in the beginning of my sewing I was very hesitant to share mistakes. Now that I feel more confident I realize a lot of sewing is making mistakes. Or at least in my sewing! Your grandbabies are blessed to have you.
candace Manuel
Your children are beautiful! Would love a tutorial on the shirred blue dress!
ardyrd01@gmail.com
Thank you so much!! Alrighty! I’m going to start working on it tomorrow 😊
Allison R Nelson
I would love a tutorial–seems like a great option for some prints that are a bit thick for a bishop…and quick! Can make a few for summer–and as a top, too!
ardyrd01@gmail.com
Yes! Or poly/cotton blends like this one so there isn’t as much ironing involved! So glad to hear that. I’m going to get started tomorrow ☺️