Hey gang! I know so many of you have commented and shared heart eyes over the Ellie and Mac South Shore Romper and Be Breezy mash up I recently did. I loved it too, but every time I sat down the cross front style of the top exposed a bit more than I preferred to the world, if you know what I mean. I loved the style so much, I planned to make it a little more modest AKA work place appropriate. If you are worried about the same thing just follow along with my directions below to create a more modest look.
First, Print your pattern pieces according to your size. You will need the front and back bodice pieces, sleeves, and neckband of the South Shore Romper and the Be Breezy skirt cut at the length of your preference.
Next, we need to adjust your bodice at the front diagonal slope. I added 1.5 inches to my bodice about midway through the pattern slope all the way to the side seam. I was careful not to change the width of the shoulder as that would create some issues with the front and back bodice shoulders matching up and sleeve fitting. Just redraw a line allowing for more coverage. Blend to give it a nice slope. The next modification I made to the bodice was the band. I cut the band at 6 inches wide instead of the narrow width in the pattern. I didn’t change the length at all. I used my 24 inch quilting ruler to make this easier.
I made no other adjustments to the bodice top, so cut your remaining pieces. You need 1 back, 2 newly adjusted mirrored fronts, 2 sleeves and the newly widened band. You will also need a skirt of your choosing.
Attach the shoulder seams per the original directions. I did NOT gather the side seams between the circles on the pattern. I left them straight on my dress. I think it would have been fine to gather them to create more interesting detail at the sides. Next, I attached the neckband. It should be folded in half, wrong sides together and just under 3 inches wide. I clipped at the middle, and both ends. I then added several clips between the ends and middle. This will help things line up neatly and prevent any slipping from happening while sewing down. Sew the band on. I didn’t top stitch because it fits snug enough to the body to not require it and I knew as the fabric stretched across by bust, the top stitching would likely pop. Next, I sewed in my sleeves. I like to sew sleeves in flat. I find it so much easier. Now it is time to sew your bodice. I clipped everything together. I began with the side seams and was careful to line up all three layers of fabric neatly. I sewed along the sleeve and down the side seam to the bottom of the bodice. Do this for both sides. You will assemble you skirt as directed in the pattern and attach it to the bodice. If you are using a longer length or heavier fabric, consider using clear elastic for additional support. Now you can do your hemming and you are ready to wear your pretty new dress!
I love the new neckline of my dress. I can wear it without revealing too much and still feel pretty nice. If you decide to make a dress following my hack, I would love to see it. You can always find me on Facebook or tag me on Instagram!
This fabric is called Paradise and I picked it up from Amelia Lane Designs.
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