From Simple to Sassy- A Great New Dress!

Usually I write about my own work, but not today!  Bernina USA is holding a competition called the We All Sew Challenge. The idea is to turn a wedding or bridesmaid's dress into something new and fresh. My friend Katie entered, and I think she did a great job turning a very plain bridesmaid's dress into a fantastic little dress that she can wear for a wide variety of occasions. She is in, and now needs votes. Here is the before picture.

and the first of several after pictures- here is the new the bodice. she recut the shape, then added embroidery.

here is the back. the neck closes with a vintage shoe button & loop.

and finally, the full view.

It turned out great, didn't it?
If you are willing, and I hope you are, you can vote for her here:
Simple to Sassy- Vote here!

The 1912 Evening Gown- Putting it All Together

When I cut out the pattern pieces, I eliminated the back overlap as I intended to install a zipper. I rolled the edges of the georgette before installing the zipper, the entredeux lace, and assembling the garment. The pattern pieces went together easily. 

Once the body of the lining was done, I made the pleated flounce. Using a gridded ruler and rotary cutter, I cut a piece twice as wide as the directions instructed, then folded and pressed it in half before pleating to give the bottom of the dress some weight.  

I do not own a pleater, so gave it a try with my ruffler foot, as it actually makes small pleats, which I then pressed in place. This method worked reasonably well, but it was tedious.

Once the lining and outer dress were assembled, I pinned them together as you would a lined vest, leaving the shoulder seams open for turning. I clipped and trimmed the seams, then turned and pressed the dress. 

Another change I made from the pattern is the armhole seam allowance. Sewing a fat 5/8” seam widened the formerly tight arm openings enough to make them comfortable for the modern wearer. 

next time- the finished dress.