My couture dress

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Instructions

I used the tools I learned in the Couture Dressmaking course I took on Craftsy to create this beautiful dress. It fit me perfectly and it was fun to create - although a challenge due to the corset I added inside the dress. There were a few fitting challenges since I'm only 5'2" and I have a larger than average bust.

I didn't want to have to fidget with the dress to keep it on and in place at the wedding I wore it to, so I created a corset type bodice that I placed between the fashion fabric (which was interlined with the silk organza) and the lining. I used duck canvas for the bodice, boning and grosgrain ribbon to reinforce the waist of the corset. I used a zipper that could separate at the bottom to get into the corset easier and hand stitched the lining to the inside of the corset.

The seams are catch-stitched to the interlining to hold them in place, the dress lining is hand-sewn in with a jump pleat all around, the hem of the dress I did without pressing it, so it has a softer look - almost like a bubble hem but without the bulk. I created the blue piping and put it in on some of the seams, I made pockets on the sides, which I enlarged from the original pattern so that my phone would comfortably fit in and stay in place.

This is the first couture dress I've ever made and I received numerous compliments on it at the wedding. I used the tools I learned in the Couture Dressmaking course I took on Craftsy to create this beautiful dress. It fit me perfectly and it was fun to create - although a challenge due to the corset I added inside the dress. There were a few fitting challenges since I'm only 5'2" and I have a larger than average bust.

I didn't want to have to fidget with the dress to keep it on and ...
Read full instructions »

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Difficulty:

Category: Sewing

Type of item: Clothing

For: Women

Style: Romantic, Formal / Bridal

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Materials

Blue/green iridescent taffeta, blue satin, polyester lining, silk organza, duck canvas, boning, zipper, hooks and eyes, and grosgrain ribbon.

What was your inspiration?

I wanted something perfectly fitted and different to wear to my husband's brother's wedding. I wasn't in the wedding party, but my husband was the best man, so I wanted to look great standing next to him (he is a Marine and was in his dress blues). Plus, I found the taffeta in the LA fashion district for only $1 a yard, so I really wanted to make something beautiful with it, since the fabric was so gorgeous and such a steal!

What are you most proud of?

The fact that I did it! I worked through the difficult fit issues and even created the corset inside the dress (not part of the pattern - I made that pattern and created the corset all by myself). The dress fit wonderfully, the corset kept it in place and I didn't need to worry about a strapless bra because of it. I didn't have to fidget with the dress once the whole night and I was the envy of all the other strapless dress wearers who were annoyed with their dresses all night. :)

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Take your time! If the dress is for you, then beg steal or borrow a dress form to make your life easier. Don't be afraid to alter the pattern before you even think about cutting material. And don't be afraid to add elements to the dress to make it perfect for you. :)