New patterns are always so much fun! But I always enjoy adding a new element to an older pattern that I already own and make it into something completely new, which makes me fall back in love with it. And to make it wearable for a completely different season? Win win! That's what I've done here with the Georgia pattern that was released last fall. It has an adorable ruffle neckline and what is more perfect for summer than adding an adorable ruffle sleeveless version? Not much ;) So I want to show you some steps so you also can create a sweet little summer ready Georgia with some added arm ruffles.
First of all you will need the Georgia Pattern. Which is available as part of our $5 Friday special. So if you didn't grab it last fall, go grab your copy now!
Print all the pattern pieces minus the sleeves. In addition you will want to cut two ruffle strips for your arm holes. Follow this cut chart to know how long to make each piece:
Follow steps 1-4 in the pattern to prep your ruffle strips. They are finished the same way as the neckline ruffle is.
Continue to follow the pattern how it is written until you get to step 10. Once you have sewn down the neckline, you will then lay the bodice wrong side down flip up the bodice lining so that the arm hole is easily accessible.
Grab one of your ruffle pieces, measure 1/2" from the edge and start pinning the ruffle around the curve. Make sure to leave 1/2" on each side of your ruffle for seam allowance.
baste down your ruffles with a 1/4", or even 1/8" seam allowance. Remove your pins and fold over the lining portion of your bodice to enclose the ruffles.
Pin the lining in place directly over the ruffles and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance.
Snip a couple cuts into the curves of your seam allowance so your seams will lay flat. 
Open up the front bodice and grab the arm ruffle and start pulling it towards you until you have pulled the entire back bodice half through and both bodices are right side out. 
Once it's all turned right side out, lay flat and iron.
Next we will sew up the under arm seams. You will separate the front bodice main from the lining. Flip the lining up. You will then place the back bodice main on top of the front bodice main, and the back bodice lining on top of the front bodice lining. Right sides together.
Pin together. 
Giving special attention to where all 4 seams meet up. Make sure both seams are exactly on top of each other.
Sew along the entire pinned seam. When sewing where the ruffle comes down, get as close as you can to it, without catching any of the ruffle in the seam. If you happen to catch some of the ruffle, you will need to pick it out, and resew, ensuring the ruffle is not caught in any seams. It may help to reach inside and push the edges of the ruffles to the left as you sew to keep them away from your needle.
Once sewn, open up and press the seams flat.
Repeat all steps for the other side. Once you're done with both sides, top stitch down the neckline and armholes with a 1/4" seam allowance. You will also include the two straight edges of the back bodice middle with your neckline top stitching.
There will be a split in the ruffle under the arm, but once the garment is on, this won't be noticeable as they kind of fold one on top of each other :) 
The inside of your bodice will be fully enclosed, no seams will be visible. 
Pick back up at Step #23 in the Georgia pattern to finish your dress.
I hope you enjoy the summer twist on this classic pattern! I can't wait to see all your creations!
Happy Sewing! xoxo,
Ashley
