I wanted to share a really fun and easy hack for the Shelby dress and Romper. The lace up trend is back in a big way and the Shelby seemed like the perfect pattern to use to try it out.
I am going to be sewing up the dress version but shortening it a bit for more of a middi length. If you decide to go for a middi length in this pattern I do recommend shortening the long views instead of lengthening the short views since the longer views have a bit less width to keep normal fabric widths into account. If you simply lengthen the shorter views the circumference of your pattern pieces will get quite large at the bottom and make them hard to cut out.
For fabric I am using some beautiful rayon challis gifted to me from the online Fabric Store. As of when I am writing this it is still in stock and you can find it here. I love rayon challis for the Shelby because of it's great drape and this fun print is large scale which is hard to find.
The first thing to take into account when cutting out your Shelby is that your ties will be one long tie instead of two. You simply place the pattern piece on a fold at the short end and cut out one long tie. Sew it up according to the normal instructions.
Next, you need to cut out two strips of fabric which will become your loops. Cut two 1.25" x 18" strips of fabric.
With right sides touching, sew them up with a 3/8" seam allowance.
Trim the seam allowance to about 1/8" and turn right side out using a loop turner or small safety pin.
Press your tubes flat.
Get your center back piece. I am sewing up a dress view so it's on the fold but if you are sewing up a romper view, make sure it is already sewn up along the center back.
You should already have one set of markings for the original tie placement. We are going to use those markings and add two more sets above the original. You could add more if you wanted.
I decided to place my markings for loop placement 2 1/2" apart. You can have them closer or further according to your preference.
These markings are for the center points of your loops. Make another set of markings 1 inch out from the cut edge, at each loop marking. This second marking is for the turn of each loop should hit.
Pin generously so that the tube is centered over the markings with about 1/4" on each side and turning at the second 1" marking.
Once you feel confident that they all evenly looped, baste in place at 1/2" seam allowance.
If all still looks good, sew the side back to the center back, sandwiching the loops inbetween.
Trim loop seam allowance.
Finish seam allowance in your desired manner and press seam allowances towards side back.
Repeat for other side until you have matching loops on both sides.
To lace up the loops, pull the long tie through the loops so that it is centered along the top two loops.
Continue to lace it up just like a sneaker and tie in a bow at the bottom.
Sew the rest of the garment up according to your instructions.
I love how mine turned out! You can find the Shelby pattern here.
