24 Oct I must make an evening gown
I was hoping to tackle the more ambitious projects towards the latter part of the year but here I am in the second month faced with a challenge that has brought my momentum to a standstill…………….. an evening gown…….. for a ball……….. the day after Thanksgiving……… h e l p .
I would have considered an exception to my year of no shopping but both of my daughters are going and you guessed it…………. they need new gowns too. I’ll buy their dresses and make mine – something is wrong with this picture. The last time the entire family went to a ball together was in the spring of 2007 and we all wore new dresses.
Through the years I’ve managed to avoid buying three formal dresses at once and I really don’t know how I’ve ended up in this predicament. What I do know is that I wouldn’t buy three evening gowns again at the same time even if I wasn’t on this year long mission to make my own clothes.
I will be elated if I make a beautiful gown and I’ll be very self conscious if I make a mediocre one.
I’m thinking about this Marfy pattern
But I don’t want to look plain.
H e l p a g a i n . Please let me know if you know an easy and beautiful evening gown pattern. I’m really trying to figure this one out.
adsanabria86
Posted at 00:49h, 25 Octobergood luck on that!! I suck at sewing… but simple is good!! not necesarily plain, try this, pick a nice fabric, if not with texture… printed… then the desing and cut of the dress can be simple and not plain. Or! if the design ends up looking somewhat plain… pick it up with accesories 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:11h, 25 OctoberThe simplicity of the pattern is what I like and that is exactly why I picked it! After reading the next reply I realize I’ve got to do a little more research on the pattern.
Thanks so much for your suggestions!
Lakaribane
Posted at 09:19h, 25 OctoberI agree with the previous poster that simple is good. If you break down the Marfy pattern you chose, it’s basically a Princess seam bodice and a gathered rectangle for the skirt. The mock-sash is an added piece of fabric.
I can’t remember if you’ve made several dresses this year yet but I would not start with a Marfy. You do know that they are not printed nor that they include instructions, right? You just get blank pattern pieces with a few notches. That’s too much to deal with IMO with such a deadline.
What about Vogue 1250 with a floor length skirt? Yes, it’s a knit but if you get something fancy like silk knit? It’s shiny but with the fit-friendly give of knits:
http://www.nyfashioncenterfabrics.com/siknjefa.html
This example I just randomly Googled but you get the idea.
The only other option is to MUSLIN, MUSLIN, MUSLIN. You can knock-off the Marfy pretty easily with a Vogue, McCall’s or Butterick. IIRC there is a summer dress (or two) from one of them with the princess seam bodice. And the Bridal section is sure to have one. There’s a sale online right now, if that helps.
Also, check out Gertie’s Blog For Better Sewing. She had a class to make a Bombshell dress and the corselet technique is what you need. Also a waist stay. The only way for a bodice to hold up without straps is to add boning to the foundation and a ribbon stay to hold it at your body’s waist.
Another ressource is Threads. I’m pretty sure they have an article or two on boning available online.
Obviously, check out the reviews on Pattern Review to make sure your choice is not a dud.
Good luck! Just remember to breath through the nose.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:09h, 25 OctoberGulp!
First of all, thank you for your comment and suggestions. Thank you very, very much for the link! Several years ago I made a top with boning and it did stay up, so I think I can do this, but you’re right about the Marfy pattern. I’m a little nervous. I’m hoping I have enough patterns to get me through the directions should I go this route – and as much as I use Pattern Review I haven’t reviewed the Marfy pattern either so…. I’ve got more work and research to do before my decision.
Many thanks!
Elaine
Posted at 11:36h, 25 OctoberThe November Burda arrived at my house yesterday. There were a couple of pretty formal styles in this issue. If you don’t subscribe, you can see them online I think. I’ve subscribed to Burda for years and although I don’t do all that much sewing, I’ve loved the itemsthat I have made from the patterns included. I noticed that someone mentioned Pattern Review. There have been some really pretty formal styles reviewed in the past couple of years.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:03h, 25 OctoberThanks for the suggestion. For some reason I rarely think of using a Burda pattern – don’t know why. I’ve been to the website and bookmarked three patterns that may work!
prttynpnk
Posted at 14:28h, 25 OctoberYour fabric choices are always so lovely and interesting that any pattern you pick will never be dull. Trust your instincts- I’ve seen your excellent taste !
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:02h, 25 OctoberYou are very kind and thanks for the vote of confidence!
Tracey
Posted at 15:22h, 25 OctoberThe first time I ever went into LaRoque’s, she had a beautiful fuschia silk dupioni wrap dress gown with a ruffle, a lot like this pattern http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1960s-Designer-Fashion-Wrap-Dress-Sewing-Pattern-Simplicity-7715-/270840152900?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0f54c344 . It was so festive and had a timeless look to it. I do love the Marfy pattern that you’ve selected! I’m looking forward to seeing what you make for the event!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:06h, 25 OctoberTracey,
Didn’t know you were a LaRoque shopper! I have seen that same LaRoque dress in gold and it was beautiful. Thanks for the link to e-bay. It’s definitely the dress! I’m trying to buy it but being such an inexperienced e-bay shopper I’m doing nothing but driving up the price………….
Thanks for your help!
Tracey
Posted at 17:30h, 25 OctoberIf Pink Sorbet hasn’t wiped me out, I’ll head to LaRoque! LOL When we moved to Cola 4 years ago, I read an article on her shop and was very intrigued. It was very easy to fall in love with her clothing line.
Have you tried Etsy with the set prices (if it interests you) http://www.etsy.com/listing/75705776/vintage-1970-mccalls-2544-petite-front?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=sewing+pattern+ruffle+wrap&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet= I plugged in ruffle wrap sewing pattern to see what popped up. It’s fun looking at the vintage patterns. I’ve also noticed that simple long black satin skirts are making their way in. Saks had one with a beautiful cashmere sweater set. The sweater was a modified cocoon style.
Anyway, I am sure you will be the belle of the ball!