At a Glance
15 HD Video Lessons
Reviews
Instructor
Gretchen Hirsch
Gretchen is an expert in vintage style and fine sewing techniques. She is also the author of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing. View profile »
Student-Led Discussions
Closed Captioning Available
Sew Retro Perfect Bombshell Dress
with Gretchen Hirsch
Customize the included vintage-style pattern and create an amazing strapless dress that will fit like a dream and knock their socks off!
*NOTE: This course now features student-led (rather than instructor-led) discussion only. If you have questions about the dress, at least one of the many experienced garment sewists in Sew Retro will surely have the answer!
Sometimes a girl needs a wee bit of va-va-voom. Gretchen Hirsch - creator of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing - gives you the skills you need to create gorgeous dresses that fit like they're painted on, yet let you dance all night. You'll learn how to assemble and customize the included BurdaStyle dress pattern, create a muslin to check fit, and construct a highly tailored garment using some very cool techniques. In 15 high-definition video lessons, you'll learn how to make a molded bodice with underlining, boning, bust padding, a waist stay and convertible straps. The draped sarong skirt makes a beautiful contrast.
In luxurious shantung, this bustier dress exudes midcentury sophistication. Gertie says, "Think Alfred Shaheen. Think Dorothy Lamour." Make it in a tribal print for a sexy tiki vibe, butter-yellow eyelet for that Audrey Hepburn ingénue-at-a-picnic look, or ivory silk (with a fetching hat) for your wedding day. Come join the fashion fun and sign up for Sew Retro: Perfect Bombshell Dresses today!
What You'll Need:
- 1 yard grosgrain ribbon or Petersham ribbon
- Dress zipper (regular, not invisible)
- 3 yards of Shantung or other dress fabrics
- Boning - spiral steel (Rigilene boning can also be used)
- Metal tips for boning
- Casing for boning
Lesson Plan
| 1 | Course Introduction | 16:21 |
| 2 | Using the Downloadable Pattern | 10:33 |
| 3 | Cutting Out the Muslin | 13:32 |
| 4 | Fitting the Muslin Bodice | 26:20 |
| 5 | Modifications For Larger Busts | 11:14 |
| 6 | Making Pattern Adjustments | 16:34 |
| 7 | Underlining: What, Why & How | 10:07 |
| 8 | Starting the Outer Bodice | 36:36 |
| 9 | Finishing the Outer Bodice | 41:06 |
| 10 | Cutting the Sarong Skirt | 16:53 |
| 11 | Making the Skirt | 33:57 |
| 12 | Adding the Zipper | 15:38 |
| 13 | Adding Boning | 24:30 |
| 14 | Finishing Details | 31:45 |
| 15 | Finishing with Hem & Vent | 33:03 |
Skills you should have:
- Sew simple garments
- Basic machine sewing skills
- Sew a straight stitch
Recent 5 star reviews of this class
Average Review:
Great Teacher, Great Class
I really enjoyed this class. I had taken a previous class but it wasn't what I expected. This was a great course with great teacher. Thanks Gertie
Lovely, fun and inspiering teacher
This was the first class I entered at the Cratsy platform (august 2011 I think) and I belive this class is one of the best craftsy classes. It is the personality of Gertie that make this class. She is fun, warm and enthusiastic. Its like having a new friend who is giving her spare time teaching you everything about what is going on in sewing. Thank you Gertie! You introduced me to Craftsy and your class is still the most enjoyable of all sewing courses I joined (10 or more...)
Love the class.....
I am new to the sewing community ...and like Gretchen I love the retro look in clothing . Ok the class may be a bit above my sewing skills ....right now , but I have learned a lot ! I don't plan on being a "newbie " for long ...and I look forward to making the dress!
This class really helped my grow
I am self taught and have been sewing for 10+ years with my main focus being on dresses. Since this class my dresses have all bargain to show a much higher level of profetioalism. It introduced a tone of new techniques with clear demonstrations.
Warning! This is not a class for beginners or someone wanting to just do a quick simple project. There is a good amount of hand stitching in this course and some time consuming steps that I sure not all people wanna deal with.
I think the ...
Very helpful- Learned a lot
After reading some of the negative reviews and complaints about the class, I felt I needed to jump in and offer my thoughts. I watched the entire class before starting on my dress, and this really helped get a good idea of what was going to be happening as far as constructing the garment. Also, you need to have a good handle on basic skills before you get going. Practice your hand stitching and check over all your materials before you start...all good practices in general. As she says in ...
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