This is a dress that has been on my mind for a long time now and yesterday I decided to just sit down and put it together. I really like the idea of mixing different fabrics, textures, and patterns in a simple design. And awhile ago I was looking at one of my husbands ties and thinking how cool that tie material would be on a dress.
Later I was looking at the shape of the tie and decided that shape would even be cool on a dress and so the idea for the “Daddy Daughter Dress” was born and that tie I kept looking at was stolen.
(In all fairness I gave him this tie and he’s never loved it…that much…so all I did was take it back..and cut it up…and use it for something entirely different.)
Anyways, here’s what I did:
I cut out the front of Gracie’s dress like I normally would and then centered the tie down the middle.
Next I pinned that tie down like crazy so it wasn’t going to move.
After that I stitched up each side of the tie—attaching the tie to the front of the dress.
Next I followed the shape of the dress and cut off the excess tie parts.
Then I completed the dress just as I normally would.
It was easy it only added 2 extra steps and it is an inexpensive way to add something unique to a dress. (That is if you know where to snag a free tie…or you pick up a few lovlies at the thrift store, which I did.) I love this idea and I’m ready to make some more!
In fact, I’ve already cut out two others—with different dress patterns and with collars.
I can’t wait to sew them up. (And I’ll try to remember to post them when they are done.)
Until then…I’m loving this one—with that shiny tie material against the cotton…
The only thing I have left to do now (aside from finishing up those dresses) is getting Grace to explain to her daddy why her mommy is chopping up all his ties!
Have a good weekend everyone!
-liZ
PS–Just in case you were wondering I do know that most ties (including the one I used) are dry clean only. So I did an experiment and washed this dress on the delicate cycle and hung it up to dry. It worked like a charm.
PPS—Yes, I did think about setting the tie in the fabric instead of sewing it on top of the fabric. But once I got going I decided that I would rather have the tie on top so that it would be the cotton against Gracie’s skin and not the back side of the tie.
PPSS—If you do this chop off the little loop doodeebopper on the back of the tie. (You know that loop where the guys slide that skinny end of their ties through? Well it’s that thing. Cut it off.)*Note: I really did make another version like I talked about up above, with the collar and some other changes. If you want to see it, you can check it out HERE.Linked to these parties:
HoH and 36th Avenue
HoH and 36th Avenue
2littlehooligans says
what a great idea! i love the paisley with the stripes:)
Leentje says
I love this idea!
traci says
Love, love, love this. I am on it…soon, I hope.
eat. sleep. MAKE. says
Smart! I bet you could find a ton of cute ties at the thrift store to make more cute dresses. The pattern combos are endless!
-Jen
IRedS says
Love this idea and your site, but did I miss something — are you anti-Pinterest?
Erin Biggers says
LOVE this idea. I don’t have ties to borrow/steal but I love the thrift shop. 🙂
Erin Shakespear says
So clever! And I love this post. You’re hilarious. Great job! 🙂
The Nelson Family says
How fun! I know it’s kind of high-jacking your idea, but I’d love to put a peter-pan collar on one too! 😀
Suzanne Winter says
this is awesome – My husband Hates ties, so he has a collection I’ve been eye balling for some fun projects!
CicelyIngleside says
Her hair ornament (hat?) is a fabulous addition. I love it.
Kristin says
How cute! I love this idea (and her hair feathers!)
Emily says
What a great idea! Love the patterns together and the picture. 🙂 Is the dress lined or does it just have a facing?
dieuwke en sietse says
What a great idea!
Stephanie says
Love it!
liza jane says
Great idea. The dress is super cute!
Scary @ Shaffer Sisters says
Fun makes me want to go thrift store shopping for cute ties. Or just go looking a little closer to home.
Mary Jo says
So clever! Definitely want to try this.
Shara says
Love it! Is it jersey stripes? If so, where did you get it. My local JoAnn’s selection is pitiful.
Beverly {Flamingo Toes} says
ok that is just the cutest. I think I need a top like this. I need to check out hubby’s ties. He never wears them anyway. LOVE!!
feelincrafty says
This is, again, adorable! I’m so curious about how you got the stripes in the sleeves to line up with the dress! Very impressed!
Amy says
What a neat idea!! Love it! Would you consider sharing it here? http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/02/shine-on-fridays-67-and-giveaway.html
Mamabella325 says
I love this!! My hubby and dad have so many ties!! My dad has a lot of whimsical ones too. Where can I find the pattern for the dress. It’s so cute. Plz let me know I would love to make this since I’m new at sewing this looks pretty easy
boatbaby says
I would love to know how you get to that basic dress template… can you link me? I am new to your blog (via Pinterest) so I am not sure where to begin. Love this idea, thanks!
Lia Z says
what a cute idea! love it!
Kelley Dibble says
a.DORE.able x 18
I think the “loopy thing” would make a cute embellishment on the dress elsewhere.
Kelley~
Kelley Dibble says
The last link you share takes us right back to this post.
Q: Is that what it’s supposed to do?
Just wondering. Thanks!
Simple Simon & Co says
Ack!!! No! I put in the wrong link! But it’s fixed now!
Thanks for letting me know!
-liZ
Simple Simon & Co says
Ack!!! No! I put in the wrong link! But it’s fixed now!
Thanks for letting me know!
-liZ
binelectric says
It’s too bad that this doesn’t work out for grown-ups…..great idea!
CBear says
What dress pattern are you using? I want to try this!