This is an eight grade dance dress for a client who wanted her daughter’s dress to be modern but conservative.
She wanted a short ballerina dress that was a sweetheart bustier but would cover her. I drew it up and here it is. I’m just glad I was able to come up with something to make her happy…and I did.
I must confess I cheated a little I used a simplicity pattern 4070. I say little because when I was putting it together the bustier didn’t match the seams of the top layer and the bustier shape was all wrong. This is why I don’t like using commercial patterns. So I ended up doing my own pattern for the top. Didn’t use the pattern either for the skirt. The top layer it is basically the width of the fabric with two side seams and one back seam. The under skirt is from the simplicity pattern. Skirt seams are done with French seams. The bustier is self lined with boning in all seams.
The trim you see is bias binding made from the fashion fabric under lining. The skirt has a finished binding of 5/8 inch and the neck and armholes are finished at 3/8 inch.
The dress top layer is an organza with sparkles. It was difficult to sew to say the least. The darn sparkles kept getting caught on the machine foot.
The belt is made with the satin, the pattern is mine. It’s snaped on at the back and is held in place by self loops on the sides.
This is darling and so well done! I can see this being adapted to a woman's body, and adding length. It would look like it came right off the spring/summer runway!
I thought that looked a little familiar. I have Simplicity 4070. I bought it based on a Threads review. Were your seam issues because of poor pattern design? I'm concerned because I'm no pro at modifying and fitting patterns. I was hoping to make the same overlay view F.
You did a great job. I hope she had fun.