It’s so difficult when you’re put in the unenviable position of having to make a garment that’s out of your “skill set” zone. My sister-in-law asked me to make her niece’s prom dress and I readily agreed when she showed me a picture of the type of dress Abby wanted. The dress was a simple panel style with a high slit in stretch fabric—the very thing that I can make in my sleep; easy. Haha.
I made a sample of the panel style and Abby and everyone else in the family loved the dress. My sister-in-law asked me to go to the fabric store to buy suitable “bling” fabric for the style. I agreed.
When Abby met my mother and I at the store to buy the fabric, she began charging around picking totally inappropriate fabric for the style. Then…to my horror, she selected an impossible to work with piece of material in a non-stretch variety that shed sequins as you touched it. Next, she asked me if I could change the style and make a style featuring a waist line, a built in bra and a train. OMG, I didn’t know what to say; this type of garment is considered to be “corsetry” —the most difficult thing to fit, make a pattern for and sew! Her mother used to be a very good friend of mine (she died of cancer a few years ago. see the post here ), so I had to agree.
I’ve never, ever been so nervous in my life!
The fabric Abby bought cost over $200; I’ve never been charged with making a garment in such expensive fabric. I basically had a heart attack every time I so much as touched it. To ease my mind I made a sample out of fabric that I had on hand. It was hard to make. Hehe!
See below :
She loved the new sample, so I had to start work using the fabric she bought.
I constructed the bra section with inset cups first.
Then I attached the bra to the fitted bodice.
Next I made the skirt with the train.
I inserted a zip in the back of the garment.
After which I had to make the lining.
Finally, the dress was done. Whewwwwwww…
I’d love to know your thoughts. Does it look okay?
All images are my own, shot using my ipad
The pattern for the dress is my own
