Burda Style For people who sew
Description
This gown was a last-minute project… I almost decided to just wear vintage to this year’s annual US Navy ball! But 10 days from the event, I decided that I really did want to make a dress, and I wasn’t going to let my previous set-backs (designs that just weren’t gelling) keep me back.
I was inspired by designs of the late 1930s/early 1940s with the flowing, full skirt and classic halter and midriff detail. Fabric wise, I have to admit that this cranberry red crepe-satin was a good choice, even though it wasn’t my first. Although it’s a polyester (I’ll try not to hold that against it), it’s a good quality one, and the drape and weight are amazing–and I adore the color. The bodice is from this pattern, and originally looked like the halter on the pattern envelope. However, after a late-night fitting session and playing around with the neckline a bit, I added the long ties to the back of the neckline. The resulting bow softened the look a bit and draped down the back for some interest.
The skirt is a quarter-circle (and then some for extra fullness!) pattern I drafted myself. I added the shirring detail at the center front, which is evocative of a lot of detailing from the late 1930s/early 40s on both day and evening dresses. There are 11 rows of shirring, which yes, took a bit to do since the fabric is a bit of a pain to work with! But it was totally worth it; the way the front drapes is amazing. Because I’m a stickler for balance in design, I echoed the shirring at the bust at the gathered portions, adding 3 rows there. I toyed with adding something sparkly (rhinestones, sequins, beads), but felt that the fabric was shiny enough on it’s own and I was planning on wearing some sparkly accessories.
The final touches were inserting the zipper using my favorite method , and making a self-fabric belt. I didn’t have a buckle for because this was such a last-minute thing. So I pulled out the handy-dandy button tutorial I posted last week and just made a larger version with a sparkly vintage button in the center. Instant “buckle”! (The belt itself is just closed with a hook and eye and then a snap.)
Be sure to read more on my blog
Material Notes
crepe back satin, georgette
Difficulty
Advanced
Categories
22 Comments
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Jul 10, 2011, 10.57 AMby Fletcher & Fenn
wow. what a dress and a half!!!!. great job!!!!. u look really great!!!!
Mar 14, 2011, 05.20 AMby hobbes5
Oh my, your dress is gorgeous! love the sheer colour and how it’s draped, very elegant.
Oct 28, 2010, 11.43 AMby mlssfshn
You did a tremendous super job! Congratulations, on your piece of art!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.38 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you! :)
Oct 28, 2010, 08.32 AMby magdamagda
an intricate lovely design!:) perfect for stealing the spotlight!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.38 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you so much! ;)
Oct 28, 2010, 12.34 AMby nicaban
jaw-dropping gobsmackingly beautiful! u r a star!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.38 AMby elegantmusings
Thanks! :)
Oct 28, 2010, 12.21 AMby smeeta
Wow… stunning! This is such a gorgeous dress and you look smashing in it! :)
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.38 AMby elegantmusings
Aw, thank you! :)
Oct 27, 2010, 05.52 PMby violetta089
I’m speechless! The dress is so beautiful!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.39 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you so much! :)
Oct 27, 2010, 02.32 PMby be-bops1
Love love love this!!! You were most likely the belle of the ball… My son is in the Navy and I am so glad the guys have gorgeous, creative dates like yourself!!! WTG
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.39 AMby elegantmusings
Aw, thank you ever so much!!! :D
Oct 27, 2010, 01.34 PMby kelepso
I love the gathering detail on the gown. Is that elastic? How’d you achieve it. The dress looks very vintage. Gorgeous!
2 Replies
Nov 3, 2010, 10.41 AMby elegantmusings
The gathers are just shirred using gathering threads. I posted a little description of how I did it on my blog:
I added an extra 3″ to the center front (it was cut on the fold, so it was 6″ extra in total) and referred to a couple of my sewing manuals for pointers on large amount of shirring. Basically it’s just a series of evenly spaced running stitches, which I did over the center 10″ portion of the skirt. I then pulled the threads up so the skirt matched the original pattern (sans the extra I added), and tied them off at the back. I did this before I underlined the skirt, which helped act as a “stay” to prevent the shirring threads from snapping or distorting. If I hadn’t done this, I would have stitched a small rectangle of fabric to the backside of the shirring. It’s pretty easy–just time consuming! Most good sewing reference books should have more detailed instructions on it.
Nov 3, 2010, 01.43 PMby kelepso
Thanks for sharing
Oct 27, 2010, 09.33 AMby manuela
Gorgeous!!!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.41 AMby elegantmusings
Thanks!
Oct 27, 2010, 07.40 AMby ajtak7171
Oooooooooooooooooh, this is absolutely stunning!!! Congratulations and thanks again for being such a great inspiration!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.41 AMby elegantmusings
Aw, thank you ever so much!!! :)
Oct 27, 2010, 07.08 AMby carolinesj
Absolutely stunning! Love the colour and belt – it looks very luxurious. Love the hair too!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.41 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you bunches! :)
Oct 27, 2010, 02.40 AMby cantare
I’m sure all of those military men were mesmorized! It’s a beautiful outcome, I see those 30s in it!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.41 AMby elegantmusings
hehe… Thank you! ;)
Oct 27, 2010, 12.13 AMby sophie11
Absolutely beautiful! What a pity there aren’t more occasions to get such a fabulous dress out! I wore the same colour (in 100% polyester as well) to my year 12 formal, which is the equivalent of your prom.
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.41 AMby elegantmusings
I know—life would be so much more fun with more formal events! lol. Thanks so much for your lovely comment!
Oct 26, 2010, 11.12 PMby citycat
wwow, this dress is just ideal!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you! :)
Oct 26, 2010, 09.47 PMby beckydance
Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Thanks! :D
Oct 26, 2010, 05.10 PMby groovymama
Stunning!!!!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you! :)
Oct 26, 2010, 05.05 PMby tamezdc
Beautiful gown!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you so much! :)
Oct 26, 2010, 04.46 PMby apfelbluete
Oh my God! I have no words! It is breathtaking to the smallest detail. I hope you will feel like Queen Ball! It is pure elegance. Homage to the femininity of a woman. Casey, you amaze me again…
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Aw, thank you ever so much for your lovely words!!!
Oct 26, 2010, 04.41 PMby elleynamarie
What a beautiful dress! You look gorgeous…like Greta Garbo! :)
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you!!! :D
Oct 26, 2010, 04.39 PMby thefabledneedle
gorgeous, casey!
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Thank you! ;)
Oct 26, 2010, 04.20 PMby janene
Soooooo beautiful ;-)
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2010, 10.42 AMby elegantmusings
Thanks!!! :)