The Daydream Ruffle Dress pattern started out as an entirely different sketch. It did not look ANYTHING like what it turned out to be. I don’t even think it had any ruffles to begin with! Anyways, it’s a total ruffled explosion now, I think I had Ruffle 2013 on the mind. This might be the girliest dress I have ever made. I made one for the baby, too. It’s stil just a tad too big, but it won’t be for long. (Maybe I’ll make that original sketch someday…)
My favorite part of the design is the double ruffle sleeves.
For my cover photos I used a sheet set as fabric. I have been asked a few times where the fabric is from so here’s your answer: TARGET! After a few runs to the fabric store for pattern samples I started getting fed up with how expensive all this fabric was getting to be, for prototypes I would just be throwing away! So I decided to buy some Target sheets. They always have cute sheets and I’m always there anyways. I got a ton of yardage for about $16 so I did a little sheet set yardage conversion. There should be a google calculator for this but I had to do it myself.
One twin sheet yields approximately 6 yards. That is about 2+ in the fitted sheet (52″), 2 3/4+ (66″) in the flat sheet and two fat quarters in the pillow case. Can’t beat that at the fabric store! Plus since the fitted sheets are 52 or 66 inches wide, this is way more yardage than 5 yards of 44″ fabric, it’s probably more than 6 yards! So I’m saying a twin set yields 6 yards! 6 yards for $16 is about $2.60 a yard. Steal!
I bought twin size sheets because honestly, how much cute hexagon fabric does one person need? I was able to complete the rest of my samples and testing without going out for more fabric. Of course, if you are making a lot of the same thing you can size up to queen or king size for even more fabric. 
There are so perks of using sheets as fabric, you can use the preexisiting hem which saves you time and fabric! I’ve been using sheets for fabric for years and I definitely recommend it. Plus, no waiting in fabric lines! Yeah!
So anyways, this is the new Daydream Ruffle Dress available HERE and I approve of using sheets as yardage.
Have you ever sewn with sheets?
Also, there is still time to enter the Girl Charlee giveaway!
This turned out so darling Kate! I love the hexagon sheets you used! So cute!
I once used a vintage Richard Scarry flat sheet for a dress. It was unbelievable.
I love using sheets as fabric! I especially love getting Target’s knit jersey sheets on clearance…great for maxi skirts and projects that need several yards.
What a great idea! Heading to Target today:)
So, so sweet!! Love that print!
So cute! I love the print on the sheet you used! I recently used a flat sheet for a summer maxi dress. There was so much yardage and the sheet was $3, so it was definitely a great deal!
A-DOR-A-BLE!!!!!!! Seriously so cute Kate! Love the big button, and the high/low hemline with the ruffle! Wish Morgan was still a little girl, I would so buy this!
I hadn’t really thought of it but I’m definitely keeping it in mind now!
Yes! I do it all the time. I made a patchwork shower curtain out of thrift store sheets for our guest bath and I love it :) Thrift stores are great places to pick up sheets for cheap–you might not want to use them for your bed, but they’re great for making muslins (practice garments) and white ones are perfect for backing quilts.
Thank you for the conversion! Great to have a ballpark number to file away in my head :)
I don’t know how many times I had to tell my husband “those sheets are not for the bed”. Cute dress
oh what a great idea I have to say I have never thought of using sheets before love it and the dress is great too!
Love the sleeve too! I didn’t think you got that much yardage out- so that had been holding me back. Thanks for doing the math for me :)
I love using sheets for sewing! Using the hem is one of my favorite parts too. Gotta love it when you can skip a step!
I have a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay bigger stash of sheets (generally thrifted) than I do actual fabric store fabric. My husband even knows the Holy Grail of thrifted sheets to look for (Cannon Monticello Blossom Festival from K’Mart in the 1970’s.) Oftentimes thrifted linens have amazing trim details that can be salvaged for other uses. Last summer I bought a dust ruffle at Goodwill for $2.00. The entire bottom edge was trimmed in 6 inch deep battenberg lace. Almost 5 yards of it. I used it to make a trim a Christening gown for a friend. Thanks for sharing the rough yardage. i’ve never bothered to figure it out on my own but I’ll keep it in my brain for future reference.
I love the idea of using sheets. I always think of vintage sheets, but you’re right, a lot of new sheets are super cute too!
I am so obsessed with hexagons right now! Love this idea.
Sheets as fabric is such an excellent idea – I hadn’t even thought of doing that before! I love picking up new tips to make sewing cheaper. The dress is adorable especially the double ruffle sleeve.
I LOVE sewing with sheets – especially vintage! It’s the first section I explore at the thrift shop!
Using sheets as fabric is so fun! I search estate sales for vintage sheets, in good condition, and I love having so much fabric for only a few dollars! I need to search the stores next time and see what they have. I love this dress and the fabric is perfect.