With a ball to attend I wanted to make a dress to wear. I true Kylie fashion I left it until the 11th hour before actually starting it. From fabric to ball gown in a week.
I started with an idea from a picture. Fabric was purchased and a calico toile was constructed. Having the choice to wear either long or short to this event I was torn as to what I would do and truth be known is why I put this off for so long.
I was going to make a slightly gathered dress but then when to Rathdowne Fabrics and purchased something completely different and opted for a long dress.
The last time I made a long dress it was to attend a ball whilst I was pregnant with B.
Being a little out of my depth and starting to think that I had bitten off more than I could chew I purchased Vogue 8358 to help with the dress section and The Pattern Drafter and my toile top design to get the fit.
Sequins!!! Who's idea was this? The girls at Rathdowne Fabrics were fantastic with their advise. Had I known that the sequins had to unpicked from the darts and seams prior to sewing I probably would have chosen a different fabric before it was cut. Lara suggested I read Poppykettle's sequin dress post and I found it very helpful.
I also used the quilting walking foot. I found that the lining fabric wanted to slip and slide while sewing and using this foot help eliminate that.
Alterations:
Slightly lower back and V-neck at the front
Straight Straps (the pattern had cross over straps)
Altered the underarm and front to account for my small bust size.
Fully lined instead of just a facing
What I would do differently: If I made this again I would add a little extra length. I had to purchase a new pair of shoes (the horror) to accommodate for this. On the upside I managed to dance the night away on the dance floor and didn't have sore feet and have to walk home shoeless.
Would I make this again: Yes, however I am hoping that this dress will be able to be worn again. Black is a classic colour and moving as often as we do I manage to get a few wears out of my gowns.
I also have approx. 1m left of the sequins and I'm thinking a pair of shorts or a jacket, I can't let it go to waste.
Pattern: Vogue V8358 ; The Pattern Drafter
Material : Black Sequin and Stretch Underlay from Rathdowne Fabrics
Cost: $134
