Today I'm going to show you my version of the recently released Lil Luxe dress pattern and to give you a mini tutorial on how to sew beads or sequins to any bodice. I love how this dress is so versatile. You can use this pattern to make a really fancy dress or a super cute casual dress. I was lucky enough to be one of the testers, before this pattern was released and I just love the professional finish you get with this pattern. If you don't own it yet, this is your chance to purchase it now that is on sale!
For this dress, I used Kona cotton and I made a few slight modifications to make it more casual and unique. My daughter wanted me to make it with long sleeves and I wanted to make it with cap sleeves, so we decided to on the 3/4 sleeves. I couldn't be happier with the result! Modifying the sleeves was super easy! I just lengthened the sleeve pattern piece to the desired length and cut the sleeve a tiny bit narrower toward the hem, so that it would be more fitted on her arm.
We also decided to make this dress maxi length, because my daughter wanted it to be more "princess" like and apparently maxi dresses are for princesses. :) Another thing I added to the dress were inseam pockets. My daughter loves to put toys and "treasures" in her pockets, so they were a must have here. The good thing is that they are completely invisible, because they blend with the side seam.
As far as embellishments go, I wanted to sew some large black beads I used on another dress I made, but I couldn't find them so I decided to use sequins. Like I mentioned earlier, toaday I'm going to give you a mini tutorial on how to add beading or sequins on a dress. So if you have been waiting to try this technique, here is your chance to learn! :D
How to add beading on any bodice:
1. Add lightweight stabilizer to the main bodice on the areas you decided to embellish. I wanted to embellish around the neckline, so I cut a piece of lightweight stabilizer using the bodice pattern piece and cutting it to cover only the area I wanted to embellish.
2. Sew the main and lining bodice pieces together as you normally would, by following the directions on the sewing pattern. I usually leave the armholes and the bottom of the bodice unsewn, so that I have space to put my hand between the two pieces and sew the beads on.
3. Insert your needle through the wrong side of the bodice main (where the stabilizer is adhered) and insert a sequin. Pull your needle and thread all the way, but gently hold the sequin in place with your other side. Next, insert a small bead on the needle and push your needle through the middle hole of the sequin. The small bead will hold your sequin in place. Repeat these steps until you have completed your design. Add as many or as few sequins as you want, you decide how you want it to look. Just remember to have fun! :D
4. Once you have finished sewing your sequins, finish sewing the bodice and attach the sleeves (if applicable) according to the instruction on the pattern.
That's all I have for you today. I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and give it a try sometime.
Don't forget to check the Lil Luxe Collection blog to link up your dress here.
Maria <3
So gorgeous and Princess like. The sleeves are perfect.
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