Sewing Tip: The armhole edges of views A and B are on the bias. Staystitch and stabilize them to prevent stretching.
This review was originally featured in Threads #191 (June/July 2017).
Enjoy the versatility of special-occasion separates with this ensemble. It features four tops and three skirt variations to create formal looks. The tops have separating zippers at center back. Tops A and B are sleeveless with a raglan-cut armhole and band collar and the option of a fancy trim neckline or a sheer overlay, respectively. Tops C and D feature lace overlays and are sleeveless or long-sleeved. The three-panel full skirts are lined and finished with center-back invisible zippers. Skirt E is floor length, as is skirt F including an overlay. Skirt G is 18 inches long and suggested as a companion to top A, with optional trim at the waistband. These designs may leave some midriff exposed. Check the pattern measurements, and make a muslin to achieve the look you prefer. Our staff seamstress found the skirts require hanging for 24 to 48 hours before hemming. Look for classic evening textiles: satin, taffeta, brocade, dupioni, shantung, sateen. The lace overlays require scalloped selvage, while other overlay versions may feature tulle, mesh, and novelty sheers or sequined fabrics.
(Sized Misses’ 4–20 for busts 29.5–42 in. and hips 31.5–44 in.)
Sewing Tip: The armhole edges of views A and B are on the bias. Staystitch and stabilize them to prevent stretching.
-Tested by Norma Bucko, Danbury, Connecticut
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fantastic!
Dress is lovely. Hemline is a disgrace.
Please bear in mind that the garments are not fitted to the models. We book the models shortly before each shoot, and therefore don't have the opportunity to do custom fittings. Sometimes the fit--including hem level--is not exactly right. As sewers know, the hemline hangs differently on each person due to figure variations.
We sew the pattern as it is printed, but the models are all individuals. In real life, of course you'd mark the hem and sew it to suit the person the dress is made for.
Carol Fresia
Threads Senior Technical Editor
I wish they would've extended the sizes on this dress to the typical 22-26. Just because it is a "prom style" doesn't mean it only has to fit "misses" sizes because "misses" come in all sizes and it is often those "bigger" or more unusual sizes that have a harder time finding something that they like that is flattering. It's not so much that it's hard to figure out how to make pattern adjustments, it's more that the skirt panel needs the full width of the fabric so just making an extension isn't so simple.