I tried it.
I liked it.
I asked Ashlee to share.
Her blog is fabulous.  
Her ideas are helpful, practical, beautiful and really easy.
I am so excited to have her as my guest blogger today.





This is my new favorite thing to do: embellish a little toddler Target tank top with a neck ruffle.



1. Get a strip of fabric about two inches wide, give or take, and twice the length from shoulder to shoulder of the tank top. It doesn't even have to be cut on the bias. Just a strip cut straight across the fabric works. (This looks just fine not going all the way around the back, I promise. I didn't continue the ruffle around because I knew my daughter's hair would probably hit right at the top of the ruffle).



2. Anyway, sew a basting stitch from one end of the fabric strip to the other, then pull your thread to gather the strip (or use your preferred method of gathering).



3. Pin one end of your gathered strip to one shoulder, and continue pinning along the neckline until you reach the other shoulder, adjusting the gathers as you go.



4. Then sew along the ribbed neckline. Et, voila! Seriously, this took 15 minutes only because I was watching the Tori & Dean marathon in the background. Let me know if you have any questions.









Remember this stack of tanks?
They are headed to the ruffle factory.

Not just because I am into shameless self promotion, but because a few of you have asked, I would love to make you a matching headband too.  Just hop over to my shop.

Thanks for the fun idea Ashlee!!!


17 Comments

  1. What a great idea for dressing up plain tops! They remind me of a hawaian lei. Very summery!

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  2. Okay, now we know how to make those ruffle tops; now I really want to know how to make that cute matching flowered headband!!

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  3. Very cute. Must try.
    Have been wanting to do the "wing" thing but haven't yet. I think I like this idea even better!

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  4. SWEET!!!!! I love it with the messy flower headband as well!!! I might even make one for myself!!

    Thanks Ash & Julie!!!

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  5. Too cute!! I love both the top and the headband!

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  6. I am so going to make this on my tank top right now!!!! This is so cool!!!! Have great day!!!
    ~Molly P

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  7. Great idea!!! I will be making one tonight for a 3 year olds b-day tomorrow!!!

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  8. You watch too much Yo Gabba Gabba. :)

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  9. First of all the tank is so cute and second I am glad you like Tori and Dean too, I just think she is a cute fun girl, I feel like in the new season she is a bit too thin but thats nothing some toffee crack couldnt cure right?

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  10. So stinkin' cute!

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  11. I love this and made one last week. You can see it here:
    http://embellishedbayou.blogspot.com/2009/06/two-too-cute-sewing-creations.html

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  12. Love it with the matching headband - too cute!

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  13. Hi!! I just found your blog thru "whatever". I will be making this tank for my 3 year old ASAP...one question...how do you get it to "fray"....do you pick it with your fingers or does it naturally do that due to no hem? LOVE your blog thus far!!

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