During our initial measurement session, I find out that this referral is my good friend's stylist. Imagine my surprise........Divine Intervention had struck again. She needed a fabulous dress......my hair needed some MANAGEMENT help.
For the fabulous dress, we started with a tank-style black cocktail dress w/ruffle detail (she found @Lord & Taylor) and created her notion........a one-shoulder white dress w/similar ruffle detail (with the help of Butterick #4343).
Pattern Rating: Fast & Easy
My Rating: Fast & Easy for the basic pattern. With the modifications, I would still rate this as Easy; but NOT FAST. Modifications included: the bottom portion of the dress to A-line and added the ruffling details. There were about about 70 ruffles around the dress bottom and shoulder in various lengths.
Skills Required: Pattern measurement/sizing, alteration, cut-out, creation (for flounce/ruffle detail). Narrow hemming and top stitching each ruffle
Instructions: Very easy and clear for the fashion fabric (outside layer) & lining (inside layer). I used the 'concept' dress to figure out the flounce/ruffle attachment.
Lining Options: Same as fashion fabric pattern pieces in the bodice only. Caution---We used a light-weight white linen fabric; which can be a sheer. To maintain the Diva's body, we used a cotton lining fabric to keep her cool. ;^).
Oops Moment: With this project, there were 2. First, every white is not the same. The fabric chosen for the bodice was white linen. 2 different fabrics in white were chosen for the ruffle detail---I started with organza and crepe; similar to the concept dress. The coloring of the organza was perfect; but the crepe was off. Thanks to the birthday lady's vision & my sales lady @ Sarah's; we went with satin organza instead of the crepe. The 2 pieces (organza & satin organza) were not only in the same color tone of white; but the sparkle gave the dress a 'princess-like' feel. The second oops moment............Thinking that I could get this done in 2 days. The basic dress was no problem. Finishing and applying each flounce/ruffle detail was time consuming.
Do Again? Absolutely! I loved the way the final product came together; even with the up-front time investment. The attention to detail for each piece paid-off and resulted in a cohesive artistic presentation. I never imagined my work as art, but I must say I was moved!!
Recommend? Yes, especially adding that type of detailing to your garment. I believe this is what fascinates me most about fashion----individual expression.
My Rating: Fast & Easy for the basic pattern. With the modifications, I would still rate this as Easy; but NOT FAST. Modifications included: the bottom portion of the dress to A-line and added the ruffling details. There were about about 70 ruffles around the dress bottom and shoulder in various lengths.
Skills Required: Pattern measurement/sizing, alteration, cut-out, creation (for flounce/ruffle detail). Narrow hemming and top stitching each ruffle
Instructions: Very easy and clear for the fashion fabric (outside layer) & lining (inside layer). I used the 'concept' dress to figure out the flounce/ruffle attachment.
Lining Options: Same as fashion fabric pattern pieces in the bodice only. Caution---We used a light-weight white linen fabric; which can be a sheer. To maintain the Diva's body, we used a cotton lining fabric to keep her cool. ;^).
Oops Moment: With this project, there were 2. First, every white is not the same. The fabric chosen for the bodice was white linen. 2 different fabrics in white were chosen for the ruffle detail---I started with organza and crepe; similar to the concept dress. The coloring of the organza was perfect; but the crepe was off. Thanks to the birthday lady's vision & my sales lady @ Sarah's; we went with satin organza instead of the crepe. The 2 pieces (organza & satin organza) were not only in the same color tone of white; but the sparkle gave the dress a 'princess-like' feel. The second oops moment............Thinking that I could get this done in 2 days. The basic dress was no problem. Finishing and applying each flounce/ruffle detail was time consuming.
Do Again? Absolutely! I loved the way the final product came together; even with the up-front time investment. The attention to detail for each piece paid-off and resulted in a cohesive artistic presentation. I never imagined my work as art, but I must say I was moved!!
Recommend? Yes, especially adding that type of detailing to your garment. I believe this is what fascinates me most about fashion----individual expression.
