I made this shirt over the weekend as part of my “use up all my fabric” kick. I had this piece of Amy Butler fabric – Wallflower in Cherry – set aside for a tablecloth, but then thought I’d try my hand at a shirt. Actually, that’s a bit of a lie, as this was supposed to be a dress. I cut the front side, then realized that there was definitely not enough fabric for the second side- oops! (So, planning and visualizing – also not my strong suits!)
I’ve seen this type of dress often, sometimes referred to as a pillowcase dress. In most cases, it’s made for a 3 year old. Perhaps there’s reason for that. Does the fact that it’s designed for a child mean that it’s not appropriate for a 30 year old?
My answer.. obviously a resounding no!
I decided to go ahead with it, and luckily was able to eek out enough fabric for the back side of the shirt. Using the remaining scraps, I made a long ribbon which I threaded through the top of the shirt. I have it so it ties on one side, though you could also change it a bit so it would tie on both shoulders.
At the bottom, I used the remaining white rick rack from the green skirt I posted about here.
I think it’s quite cute, and even received a couple (unsolicited) compliments when I wore it over the weekend.
Although I should also tell you that when I wore it and showed it to my sister, her reaction was simply to laugh. She claims she was laughing because it was really cute, but I kept wondering if it really wasn’t because she thought I looked like an adult wearing a shirt made for a child… hmm…




An (over) abundance of handmade skirts
My love-hate (mostly hate) relationship with patterns (or, sometimes things don’t go the way you plan)



























I think your sister must have been jealous
I think it looks great!
Yes its looks great! I own a fabric shop and my girls (staff) were making heaps of these last summer as dresses and wearing them to work, one in her 30′s and 1 in her 40′s so no definitely not just for kids!..lol
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I *love* *love* love* this top. May I ask how you designed the pattern? I have seen the pillowcase dress patterns for young girls, but how did you modify those to create a tank top?
I am super excited about creating a few of these for the summer – any imput you are able to share would be very much appreciated. Thank you!
PS I *love* both of your Heather Ross-inspired tops. The first top, in fact, got me out the the fabric shop to buy that sweet Mendocino print. I can hardly wait until the book is released in Canada.
yes, i love the top too…did you make the pattern yourself?
froglegs and ponytails makes a pattern for an adult top very similar to this…http://www.froglegsandponytails.com/shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=3&category_id=1