(tutorial) three-part harmony

When I saw

Source: Spool72.com

and again

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/29977334/

I just knew I needed to make a little girls version. So I got to work.

For starters, I am a knit/jersey hater.  At least to sew on. 

Until I conquered the fear with this project.  

Why the fear? Because almost every knit project I have ever attempted has resulted in failure.  

But with a little determination and renewed hope, I got started and made a tank top. Then a skirt. 

Then attached the two, a beautiful three-part harmony. 

(I know, cheesy, huh!)

A {3 in 1} tutorial for you! 

in a minute.... first I have a confession to make.  

When I made the tank top, it was intended for Emily, who is 5. Due to limited stretch in the fabric, it turned out too small. So Ivy got a dress.  But Emily was sad. The striped fabric was actually a woman's shirt, and there wasn't enough left for another tank.  Thank goodness Autie had some turquoise and white striped jersey, and so dress #2 was born for Emily!

 We left the sash off of this one, Emily liked it better this way!

Faux-Smocked Waistband

Materials Needed:

An existing tank OR knit fabric (less than 1/2 yard)

decorative elastic trim (see photo below)  

ballpoint sewing machine needle

2" wide elastic

Contrasting color cotton for skirt (3/4 yard for small child)

coordinating thread

 So there you have it, there might be a better way for attaching the skirt to the top, but this way was super easy and worked great for me!