Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Inside the Prom Dress (Finale)

The dress is done, but you (and I) will have to wait for pictures of her modeling it. The dress is even too small for my adjustable dressform!!!
She's not available to try it on.  There is big drama in PromLand, since her boyfriend (of 3 years) broke up with her last week (while the dress was half done)!  Prom is May 6, next Thursday...
So, her mom picked it up from school at lunch today (since she's too upset to attend school).
See that center back lined up perfectly at the zipper? I'm finally getting good at invisible zippers!
This is the back, with the zipper open.  You can see the hook and eye closures on the corselette, then the zipper closes up over it all.
This is the inside of the corselette. You can see the white grosgrain ribbon I inserted for hanger loops, and my "KB Designs" label.

Here is a close-up of the pleat front and knot.
Here is a close-up of the hem.  I could've done a better job here, I should've used the narrom hemming foot, but I serged the edge, then folded it over as narrowly as I could.  I was afraid satin was too heavy for the 2mm narrow foot, and would make the hem stand out, instead of lay flat.
I love the dress, it is really stunning, and these pictures just don't do it justice!  As soon as I take pics of her in it (I asked her mom to do it for me), I'll share them with you.  The completion of this gown has been a little strange, with the whole break-up issue.  Usually the girls are so excited to get their dress, and I get to see them go ga-ga over it.  I have a terrible feeling that this girl took one look at it, and started crying! 

Overall, it's a wonderful pattern, with great details on making the corselette.  I had never used a "Designer Vogue Pattern" before (Vogue 2847), so I was pleasantly surprised at the attention to detail and the excellent instructions.  I would love to make the shorter version for myself someday.  The fabric (crepe back satin from fabric.com) was nice to work with, but I'd love for a client to be able to afford my time and the good stuff (4-ply silk)!  This post has links to all the previous construction details (look for older links at the end of it).

23 comments:

Nancy K said...

I certainly hope that she gets to wear this gorgeous dress!

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Beautiful dress. The color is yummy!

Beangirl said...

Isn't it pretty?? I hope that she wears it, such a shame to not get a chance (hopefully she has some good friends who will take her out anyway? Do they do that where you are? They don't seem to do that much here, but they did in other places I've lived).

You did a great job and I'd love to see what you cook up with that pattern for yourself.

KID, MD said...

WOW! It looks amazing. I hope she wears it! Oh, the days of High School drama - am I ever glad that they are OVER!

Andrea said...

You did a beautiful job on that gown. I hope she still goes to the prom.

JoanneM said...

Beautiful dress.
What's his address?
I am coming to get him.
Hell hath no fury like the mother of a scorned daughter..................

Michelle said...

Beautiful dress! I love the color, so rich! I hope she still has a chance to go and enjoy her prom.

judy said...

You did a beautiful job! Love the dress!

Summerset said...

Grrrr . . . high school boys!

The dress is gorgeous and beautifully made. I hope she goes with a big group of friends, looks totally hot and has a great time. It's not that easy when you're 16/17/18 years old, but he needs to know what he's going to be missing!

Gail said...

Looks fabulous. At least it is a sturdy fabric at the hemline. My daughter tore the hem of her chiffon gown at her formal.

Bunny said...

What kind of guy dumps what is surely a beautiful young woman during prom season? AKKKK!! Young love is so difficult, blind, and deep. I hope it all works out and she gets to wear her gorgeous dress. You did an awesome job, Kristine. I think those built in corsets are just the coolest thing.

Lisa said...

Beautiful job. I hope that she wears it to the prom and knocks everyone's socks off! I went to my senior prom with my girlfriends and had a blast!

jillnjosh said...

The dress looks beautiful Kristine. Question on the corselette - this is taking the place of a strapless undergarment, right? Is there enough support for a well-endowed girl, or just mild to averagely endowed?

AllisonC said...

It looks gorgeous, I sure hope she gets to wear it and makes that boy sorry!

AuntieAllyn said...

That boyfriend is a stupid RAT for breaking up with her a week before the prom!!! The dress is just gorgeous . . . nicely done!

Unknown said...

JillnJosh: I handstitched bra cups between the layers of the corselette to eliminate the need for a separate bra. As long as the corselette is a close fit and the cup size is right, it should be fine. We also added 1/2" inch to the top for added coverage.

Elaray said...

Beautiful dress. I hope the drama is settled to everyone's satisfaction. I hope the young lady is able to find an escort to the prom.

Meg said...

Oh, that's so horrible about the boyfriend. That little [expletive]! Annie's prom is on 6/24 and everything is good with her boyfriend, but still, a mother worries. Oh well, the dress is spectacular. Well done!

Pam Erny said...

Beautiful dress! So sorry she has a broken heart.

Laura Lee said...

This is AWESOME!!! I love the Khalje corset! She should copyright that name! Let us know how the prom goes for her! My heart goes out to her - we have all had that sort of thing happen - UGH!

amber said...

You did such a beautiful job on this dress!! LOVE IT!! What an ass to break up with your girlfried just weeks before prom. Ugh. :( I really hope she is able to wear the dress and has a great time nonetheless. Either way, you should be thrilled with the completed project.

Removalists Australia said...

You're awesome! You did it again. The dress looks stunning!

Anonymous said...

Haha mrs. b this is lizzy Brykalski
i was totally creepin and came across this!
im glad to know the whole world knows about my mental break down last spring! this made me laugh so hard!! i loved the dress so muchhh!!! Thanks again!