I made this dress to wear to a friend’s spring wedding. It showcases a fun, polka dot border print chiffon. I like to add fancy little touches to make my handmade dresses feel extra special. I made hand-crocheted belt loops, button catch (in back), also swing tacks to keep the skirt layers together. I bound the waistband seam in a gray bias tape using a hong kong finish. I understitched around the neckline and arm holes to keep the bodice lining from peeking out, and used French seams on the skirt… just to be fancy! I used my narrow rolled hem foot (which, fellow sewists, is a miserable skill to learn, but is well worth the effort with PLENTY of practice) to put a pretty, tiny hem on the chiffon layer, and put up the satin layer by hand so the stitches would not show.  I altered the neckline of the pattern (Simplicity 1606) to suit my taste. Additionally, I made a full bust adjustment, as well as dropped the waistline approximately 2 inches in front to accomodate a full bust but short waist. (No more high-riding front waist/zipper pooching out in the back!) I am especially proud of how the back turned out! I altered the pattern by making the back partially sheer and adding a keyhole from neckline to zipper.  The bodice is lined, and I used boning to give it some shape and support. This was my first time using a boder print, and I placed the fabric very carefully so as to highlight the ombre effect in a flattering way. It was fun to make (and wear!), and I’m glad to share it with you! 

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