Lace-trimmed Denim Baby Jumper

Several weeks ago I saw a picture of a darling baby jumper that someone had "gussied up" by sewing rows and rows of gathered lace on the skirt. I thought, "This is adorable. I need to remember it."

SO CUTE!

(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/168673948519697027/):

I probably would have promptly forgotten about it except that the very next day I found this denim baby jumper in a resale shop. I snatched it up to see what I could do:

The picture I saw used different colors and styles of lace, but  because I didn't want to spend a lot of money to buy new lace for a 25 cent jumper--especially when I didn't know how it would turn out--I just used some white lace that I already had:

Using a ruler, I measured up from the bottom of the hem and marked a sewing line all the way around the skirt making sure that the ruffled bottom of the lace would hang below the bottom of the skirt:

Starting at one of the side seams, I tucked under the raw edge of the lace and, using a zigzag stitch, sewed it along the line I had marked:

When I got close to the side seam where I had started, I cut the lace, leaving enough extra to tuck under the raw edge as I finished sewing that row. I repeated the process for the next layer, making sure that I measured so that the bottom of the second row of lace covered the top of first row:

I continued up the skirt, adjusting the distance between the rows as I got closer to the top to make sure that there wasn't a strange gap at the end.

If I make another one, I will sew the the rows of lace closer together because I like the fuller look of the darling one I saw originally. I was cautious because I didn't want to run out of lace. I wish I could tell you how much lace you will need, but that will depend on the size of the jumper, the fullness of the skirt, the width of the lace you use, and how close together you choose to sew your rows. You can use less lace and create a different look by alternating your lace with rows of gathered fabric like this one I found on Etsy:

(https://www.etsy.com/listing/231736369/10-off-use-code-summer-ruffled-baby)

I sewed the last row of lace just under the bib portion of the jumper:

I can't wait to see it on my newest little model!