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From: Pudge99
Date: 07-06-2005, 11:24 PM (1 of 8)
 I am attempting to make Simplicity 4764 View D (http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=search.cfm&numMatch=2&design_id=12059&design=4764&thumbnail_image=4764t.jpg&ldesc=Child%27s%20Special%20Occasion%20Dress&size_range=3%20to%208&CFID=1786167&CFTOKEN=77701407) as a flower girl dress for my daughter. First problem..... I get the whole dress assembled (except the zipper) and come to find out my 38 inch tall daughter is 6 inches shorter than the 38 inch tall child that Simplicity measured for this dress. So I took the 6 inches off the top of the skirt because to take it off the bottom would mean that I would have to take everything apart and start over. Well a wrestled through that chore and now the dress is the right length. Second Problem..... The zipper  I have always been rather proud of my zippers. Seldom do I have to rip out a zipper and do it again. I have riped out this zipper at least 4 times. It is now at the point where I am saying "I guess it is good enough". My biggest problem with this zipper is trying to get it attached to 4 layers of skirt and 1 layer of bodice (while getting a faceful of skirt because this thing has 60 feet of tulle tucked under the skirt). I have some waves where the transition from bodice to skirt is and I think I will just cover it with a big bow.Third Problem and where I need help..... 4 layers of skirt and 60 feet of tulle is pretty heavy. The bodice is actually getting stretched from the weight. Is there something I can do to fix this problem? ie something strong to take some of the weight that can be sewn inside the bodice. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: esrun3
Date: 07-07-2005, 12:08 AM (2 of 8)
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I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you Gina but I did want to let you know I think that is a beautiful dress! Your daughter will be lovely in it! I sympthasize (sp?) with your frustrations-doesn't look like an easy dress to do. I'm sure someone will be along to help answer your question.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-07-2005, 03:37 AM (3 of 8)
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The wedding gowns are reinforced with organza. The old cotton organza is so hard to find anymore that I purchased Twinkle and am using it. You could even use netting as an underlining in the top if you wanted to help reinforce it. I really think that I will like the Twinkle because it resists wrinkles better than the old cotton organza. It sounds like you are connecting the netting to the zipper? When I was a child and netting was a big thing, it wasn't attached to the zipper. The seam allowance was folded back from the zipper and was free hanging from the waist. A few inches below the zipper the netting seam was sewn together to the bottom so that the netting was all free hanging from the waist of the pattern. When I got older and did evening gowns that had netting in them, I'd do the bottom of the zipper with the netting pulled up toward the top of the dress and sew up both sides of the zipper just to the waistline (like I would if I were doing a two color dress). When I had the bottom of the zipper attached, I would break my threads, pull the dress out from under the presser foot, and pull the netting down out of my way before I did the top of the zipper. I'd start just a smidge below the waistline seam so that there was no gap in the zipper. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Susiesew
Date: 07-13-2005, 04:15 PM (4 of 8)
| I can't imagine how many of these dresses I've made, forgotten over the many years. I never put the shear over skirts in the zipper. I always just put it in the underskirt. If you need to you can finish the seams by turning it under where the zipper is. If it's netting there is no need to. High end wedding dresses sew a grossgrain ribbon in the bodic at the waist. You can attach it to the seams by hand and then put a hook or snap at the waiste to support the dress. This allows the dress to be supported by something else then the weight of the dress. Does that make sense?? Hard to describe. Just make it snug enough to support the dress but not too tight to make it uncomfortable for her. Good luck. I'm sure she'll be adorable. |
User: Susiesew
Member since: 06-06-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 07-30-2005, 11:34 PM (5 of 8)
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When I made my daughters wedding dress I had read somewhere about using organza as the interfacing which worked fantastic for the top not stretching at all, but as you are almost done, that's kind of redundant info isn't it. Best of luck with finishing the dress, something like that is major stressful, but it will be beautiful!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: smessier
Date: 07-31-2005, 01:13 PM (6 of 8)
I'm not an expert on formal wear sewing by any means, but I've just been reading the Bridal Couture book by Susan Khalje. She suggests the grosgrain ribbon around the waist for support, just as Pam mentioned. There was also something in the book for keeping sleeves in place by inserting elastic into or underneath the bodice area...just like suspenders. I'm wondering if something like this would work for you in helping the bodice hold up the skirt. I'd sew it into the shoulder seams and waist, I guess. Just a thought.  Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: smessier
Date: 07-31-2005, 01:14 PM (7 of 8)
| Whoops! It was Susiesew who mentioned the grosgrain ribbon. Sorry! |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: blackie
Date: 07-31-2005, 02:01 PM (8 of 8)
A lot of great advice! I am scared at the thought of making something like that!  I just wanted to say - good luck, Pudge99 and please post us a picture of your little girl when you're all done! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
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