Replies

1. 
   Wendy_Martin | Jun 12, 1999 06:58am | #1

   *
   I need to lengthen the train on a bridal gown by about six feet. The attached train on the pattern is only about 6 inches long.

   The pattern is a gathered skirt with front, sides and back pieces.

   I have tried to lengthen the back by six feet. The train does not lie nicely on the floor. The conversion from the front to the back is uneven. Any suggestions on how I can alter the skirt back, sides or whatever to make this dress look right?

1. 
   sheri_(aka_"the_distresser& | Jul 12, 1999 09:59am | #2

   *Dear WendyI think I saw your request on SW also.I am in the bridal sewing business andI think I could help you.If you would like I could send youvia snail mail a diagram of how toenlarge/lenthen a train.Please tell me which gown pattern youare using or send me a picture of thefront and back of your gown from a pattern or a pix of a similar frombridal mag. I can send you diagrams ifyou want on how to cut and arrange thematerial to make it lay nicely.Regardssheri postBridals by SheriPO Box 2509Battle Creek, MI 49016

1. 
   cathi_chambley-miller | Jul 19, 1999 12:53am | #3

   *14 years ago I made 5 wedding gowns, two from my own designs, so I think out of the box on this. May not be what you want, but I thought you could add the train with godets into the side and back seams, and possible in between. I would attach lace at the juncture between the skirt and the godet, and at the front hem in a continuous line around the entire dress, blending the lace on the hem of the train (godets) into the front at the side seams. You could do this with alterations as well as with a gown you were making. One interesting look might be making a dress with two different fabrics, bodice and train from one, skirt from another, or with same fabric, two slightly different colors (champagne and ivory??)-ccm

1. 
   Susan_Turner | Jul 26, 1999 05:56am | #4

   *To eliminate any problems, buy (or borrow)a pattern that has the train that you are looking for. Lay the side and back pieces on your present pattern and figure out what is wrong. Are the pieces laid on a different grain line? The front of the dress will be to the top of the shoe but the side length tapers very quickly on a long train and drags on the floor on the sides as well as the back. If this change is not adjusted it will look very strange.

1. 
   Deborah_Droog | Aug 06, 1999 08:39pm | #5

   *Try first to drape a train using muslin or other (unexpensive)fabric to fall in similar manner to the trian pattern you are using. You could start out with cutting the drape fabric to the pattern but not cutting the bottom edge. Then you would piece fabric to the bottom aand side edges to fall as you need and continue until you have the ideal look. That mulin will be your new pattern.