I first spied these rows of little stitches here and here, then again here. And I thought they were awfully pretty every time. So I gave it a try:
I used white (perfect for toddler clothing, right?) cotton because it was the only solid fabric I had on hand, but I think linen or voile would have been nice. It’s just ten rows of running stitches, with 1/4 inch between rows. I marked and stitched the rows before assembling the skirt. It’s a pretty mindless and relaxing activity, and a nice change of pace from sitting at the sewing machine.
The plan was to turn it into a Lazy Days skirt or to use the Simple Skirt tutorial from Made, but I’ve sewn up lots of both and I wanted to try something new. I was hoping to find a tutorial for a skirt with a flat front waistband and elastic in the back, but nothing came up in my search. Then about eight hours later, Anna from Noodlehead posted that very tutorial for Skirt Week on Crafterhours. Amazing, I tell you. Thanks, Anna! I had a little trouble figuring out the elastic in the back, but it all turned out fine in the end. Since I was making a toddler-sized skirt, I shortened the height of the waistband pieces one inch from the tutorial measurements, resulting in a 1.5 inch waistband. Here’s the flat waistband, along with some tummy:
Now I’m picturing these rows of running stitches on everything – dish towels, napkins, pillowcases, curtains….
so so cute!!!!
Very cute! Did you use embroidery thread? I love her little tan lines on her feet in that last photo.
thank you! yes, it’s cotton embroidery thread, all six strands.
super cute as usual. it’s not in roy g biv order though:).
love it, so cute! i need to try that noodlehead tutorial, too. flat front/gathered back is the way to go.
Love the result! Those little toes peeking out from under make the outfit 🙂
Beautiful! I love the stitching and the waistband. I also love white for a summer skirt. Too bad it only stays clean for seconds with my daughter!
oh yay! you’re blogging! I always wished that you did whenever I go through your flickr album!
oh gosh gail, I can’t tell you how cute this is. and I’m so glad you used my tutorial and that it worked and that you figured out the elastic. 🙂 truly, this made my day. 🙂
oh, you’re sweet, anna! thank YOU!
Awesome….well done!!
I LOVE the skirt, but I am obsessed with the darling red shoes. What brand are they? Thx.
Oh thanks! Those were my favorites. They’re made by Livie and Luca.
Oh I love this! So dainty and sweet!