Miss. Archanette, Prom May 15, 2009
Happy lady
Joseph and Archanette
At the Car
Pretty Hair
Daughter, Mother, and SonB5182
Finally, I am able to post the final review on the making of my niece's prom dress. It's been a journey, but a pleasant one. There is a lot to cover in this review and my sister in law provided lots of photos.
This was the second choice. The first was V2891, which turned out to be a little too much exposure. This pattern was the perfect selection for her frame, her style, and the occasion. I must admit, when I arrived at her home I was delighted to see a young lady who looked like she was going to a "princess ball".
Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: Lined dresses A, B, C have close-fitting bodice, semi-fitted bias skirt, train and back zipper. A: contrast drape and trim. C: bow. I made view A.
Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20. I started with between size 16 to 18. Then reduced the bodice between 14 and 16.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I made a few changes. But for the most part my version of view A looked like the dress on the envelope.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the parts of it that I followed. There were a few that I opt to use a different method.
Step 9 - I made french seam to join the front and back of the drape instead of double-stitching the seam. The french seam look much better than the double stitching. Pattern companies tend to suggest this method over the french seam method for handling sheet fabric.
Before Step 18 - I used the organza as an overlay on the collar instead of adding trim (Step 88).
Step 89 - I made loops for the button on the collar instead of sewing thread eyes.
Step 85 & 86 - For the lining and the skirt hems I did a rolled hem instead of following the instructions given.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My sister in law picked this as the second choice; my niece agreed. I thought it was a much better choice than the V2891. I was happy to make it for her.
Fabric Used: Crepe Satin - Back from JoAnn Fabrics and a organza with peppered with glitter. Ambiance lining.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: There were quite a few.
Notions: My sister in law couldn't find a good thread match for the fabric. So she bought Sulky embroidery thread. I tried it; it sewed beautifully.
Alterations are recorded here.
Design and Construction Changes: See notes above in the instructions section.
I also made a stole, garter (a Chicago thing), and purse for the occasion.
My nephew (Archanette's brother) also went to a prom.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Probably not. But I think its a great choice for a special occasion.
Conclusion: This was a great choice for my niece's prom dress. She looked absolutely beautiful and enjoyed her special day. I would recommend this dress to others.
Here is my flickr set which documents the project and the event.
