Recently, I was asked to make a copy of a dress for someone. It is pictured below. I think it is a cute little dress and the plunged back neckline is lovely. Usually, copying a dress is not something I do but I gladly agreed to make a copy (in different fabric) of this dress because I liked it so much.
These photos are the only images I had for of the dress. It would have been be so much easier to make a copy if I had the dress in hand, but I had to make do with just these photos. Looking at the photos, it seemed like there were darts in the front neckline, had small cap sleeves, mini length square skirts gathered at the waist and it closed with buttons in back. Whenever I make my own patterns, I sketch (terribly, but sketching helps organize my ideas) the garment with some notes and ideas on the side. I did the same in this case, and decided to make a muslin. I hoped to be able to wear the muslin, so I used this cute butterfly satin I recently bought in Nippori.
After making the muslin, it became clear that there were some adjustments needed to be made. For instance, the neckline needed to be lowered to imitate the original dress, shoulder line needed to be narrowed so that the sleeve seam line would fall on the shoulder bones. I thought the darts starting from the neckline to right above the bust line was an interesting feature. I don’t think I’ve used any patterns in the past that have this kind of darting in the bodice. Has anyone? I think it works well for small chested pieces, but I wonder if it works well for busty girls. I don’t know how I would adjust the bodice pattern piece for say, a D-cup.
I went ahead and added the trim all around the neckline. It was not until I connected the two back pieces together that I realized I had made a crucial mistake…look.
I forgot that the trim overlapped in the back. At this point, I didn’t know how to fix this mistake without starting the whole thing over again, I didn’t have enough seam allowances to fix this.
This is why it’s always a good idea to make a muslin before trying out a new pattern, especially if it’s the one drafted on your own! :p
Here is the finished result. It’s fully lined. I love the result. I might use this pattern again to make a dress for my upcoming Guam trip. Andy I are headed to the island for our five year anniversary…I’m trying to make some VV outfits in preparation for the trip.
Pop Up & Fashion Show @redojimbocho
Strawberry Koi Dress!
Inspiration: Rebecca Taylor SS2012
Mommy’s Diary: More Courses to Attend
bunny says
i love those neck darts! i have a large bust and always seem to have problems with the top of a high-necked shirt or dress gaping open because of excess fabric. i think a small dart on either side would take up that extra fabric and give me a much smoother look. nice job!
Paunnet says
It’s a really lovely design!
I think you could adapt it to a larger bust with bigger darts and probably adding them to the side of the bust also. Although I don’t know how this dress would look on a girl with larger chest… I have a C cup and I avoid dresses with which I can’t wear a bra, but maybe I’m just too self conscious.
Amber says
Love the finished dress! This dress probably wouldn’t work very well for a large busted girl just because the neckline is so high that it would make her boobs look bigger & lower! I’m naturally a triple D and being pregnant has only made that worse! But for those girls who have a smaller chest this is gorgeous! I wish I could wear it!