Beach Towel Dress

School's out and summer vacation is here!
Have you taken a dip in the pool? Or hit the beach running?
As a mom, water activities with kids is a juggling act. And if you're like me, your post-swimming towel is always falling off as you try to manage 10 other things.

There's a better way!
and it's SO easy.
I've seen beach cover-ups in stores for years. I've always thought to buy one but never have because I figured I could make one (of course it took me two years to get around to it)
But with a simple beach towel, elastic thread, and your summer vacation dress pattern, you can easily make your own!

Still on the fence about sewing with Elastic Thread? It truly is easy. You can find it at normal sewing shops and you wind it in your bobbin by hand (more detailed info about it and a Preview in our SHOP pattern):
Time to sew something for YOU. Okay, here's what I did....

• I bought a beach towel at Target ($5.99, appx 56 x 29 inches). The gathering ratio was smaller here than the pattern info, but it works fine because a towel will gather up slightly less for you, due to it's bulk.
• Thinner towels are best because they are less bulky.
• Just use the edge of the towel as your top and bottom (no hemming needed)
• Wind Elastic Thread in your bobbin, shir as many rows as you like (I did about 32), sew down the side seam, add shoulder straps, and you're done! I used less than one spool of Elastic Thread for the entire dress. Of course I had to wind it onto my bobbin about 5 times.
• (NOTE: if you have a Brother sewing machine and have had problems sewing with Elastic Thread, THIS info will help you.)
• DON'T forget to spray and iron over the top of your shirring when finished. This will cause your elastic thread to really gather up.

Then, you're ready for the water!

Wear your beach towel dress over your swimsuit,
go for a dip,
then throw it back on after you've been wet.
It stays on well, keeps you dry, and allows you the freedom to accomplish 9 other things while your towel stays put.
....like squishing your toes in all that sand.
Three cheers for Summer!