alotofstitches writes: To luvat1stsew: I love your name and I agree! Re: the silk skirt--all wedding gowns I've altered have a lining of either poly or acetate, something that is slick and moves easily, that is sew to the hem of the silk and then a 2nd lining hanging freely that is next to the skin. If a crinoline is added for fullness it'd be sewn to the free-hanging lining ending about 2 in. shorter than the skirt for walking ease. I cut a silk skirt, a acetate lining skirt, then a 2nd lining skirt. The silk and lining skirts had all side seams sewn, finished, pressed open, then the bottom edges aligned, right sides together with the lining extending 1/4-1/2 inch past silk. Seam is sewn, press as sewn then skirt turned: the lining turns to inside with the silk showing on the inside of skirt by either the 1/4 or 1/2 inch. Press lightly. I went back inside the skirt and added 2 inch horsehair braid scooted down into the hem fold sew it to the seam only. Sorry I can't explain how here. This is another detail in better bridal gown and it makes the skirt flow as she walks--beautiful! Meet the waistline edges of the skirt, add 2nd lining & band. If you have no band for the wedding gown, leave the back skirt seam open to be able to get inside the skirt--it's closed much like a sleeve lining in a jacket. note: I have seen some A-line w.gowns with a bridal underlining or crinoline used to support the skirt for a smooth A shape. I use acetate lining because it breathes and is more comfortable to wear. Batiste will not allow the fabrics to glide over each other. If I left something off let me know. Posted: 8:41 am on February 20th

Luvat1stsew writes: I can appreciate the time and absolute perfection you put into the dress. I have a question about the way you lined the skirt. I am sewing my daughter's wedding dress and she wants the same look , not as full as yours. I am using dupioni silk, and the inside lining is batiste. I have been considering adding a layer of cotton flannel (light drapery interlining)to the silk, treating the 2 as one fabric. What did you do to get that beautiful silk, if you don't mind sharing? Thanks Posted: 11:49 am on February 19th

sewpower2 writes: WOW! Looks like lots of hours and it is TRULY beautiful! Posted: 1:30 am on February 18th

alotofstitches writes: To catlover-- yes, I have my own business and yes, I do some private lessons. A former beginner sewing student has begun a lined jacket to go with her lined skirt that she made in the Intermediate Sewing class. She has a desire to learn and catches on quickly. After her first class in March '08, she went on to sew quite a bit thru the summer, took the intermediate class in the fall and then wanted to make a jacket to go with her skirt. I'm quite proud of her! Posted: 10:39 am on February 5th

catlover19078 writes: Dear alotofstitches, thank you for answering me so promptly. I think my problem is I get frustrated easily and if I don't get something the first go-round, I become discouraged. I'm going to take your advice and keep practicing techniques.

I assume from your profile you have your own business. Do you also have private students?

Thanks for your response.

catlover in Phila. Posted: 3:02 pm on February 4th

alotofstitches writes: To Catlover: Since I started subscribing to Threads (years and years ago) I've learned a lot! I clip and file all the fitting articles plus many other articles from every issue. They are all filed or put in my "Tips and Techniques" notebook. I refer to these articles often for both ideas and techniques on things that I don't do very often. Just this past week I made a wool suit using an article on bound buttonholes and a back embellishment that I had seen. so my advice to you is read both from Threads and other books on fitting, etc. Practice too--sometimes it takes several tries to perfect a technique. The thing I tell my Beginner Sewing students is to keep sewing anything and everything because practice does make a difference! I absolutely love going to work at my sewing machine every single day! Posted: 5:42 pm on January 28th

catlover19078 writes: Hello, everyone. This is my first posting. I have been sewing for about 30 years. Guess I would categorize myself as intermediate. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to improve being a seamstress - to get to the level of being able to sew an outfit such as this? I see many beautifulcreations both here and in other magazines, but don't want to waste time and money and try a project that is beyond my expertise.

Any suggestions on how to improve one's techniques would be most appreciated!

Catlover in Philadelphia Posted: 2:34 pm on January 28th

MinaC writes: Hi. I just wanted to say it's a beautiful dress
But from looking at it, I knew something was a little off, period wise. I thought perhaps the color choice and the way the skirt hangs.
I ran it by our group at The Sewing Academy, where several of the members both re-enact history, from 1840 and on, some professionally, and they have a combined expertise in this field that is outstanding.
I thought you might be interested in both the group and what they had to say about your dress.
Their comments can be found here:
http://thesewingacademy.org/index.php?topic=4068.0

It really is a lovely dress, and everyone praised how well it was sewn. Posted: 11:29 am on January 4th

rosb writes: wow its fantastic. I have a pattern from a commercial firm & thats my next years challenge at the sewing guild. You are such an amazing seamstresss & such an inspiration that now I will try instaed of putting it off as I have had the material & pattern for many months. Thank you Posted: 6:56 pm on December 15th

cardoon writes: Stunning! I hope you got a good price on all that silk! I sure wish we were dressing like this today but have you ever tried to get into a sub-compact car in a corset!??? It's extremely difficult to say nothing of seat belting, reversing out of the driveway, etc.

You're a credit to seamstresses and I hope your client had a ball in her gown. Posted: 8:40 pm on December 10th

In_Stitches writes: Your dress is absolutely amazing. Applaud - Applaud. Posted: 8:40 pm on December 7th