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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: ssltd
Date: 12-30-2005, 02:49 AM (1 of 7)
Hi:
We're having a wee bit of trouble with dress top strapless princess with inner layer boned corset under satin, We've boned in the middle up to bustline, all princess seams etc. For the most part the dress fits well, but it wants to gape & is slightly loose at the very top line & my daughter keeps pulling it up. Opinion: Better to take in side seams, all seams, perhaps narrow the front princess panel on towards the top, add waist stay, elastic, stay tape the top, or all of the above ? We're stumped.
Thanks!

Sue
~Sue~
User: ssltd
Member since: 12-14-2005
Total posts: 20
From: Magot
Date: 12-30-2005, 03:30 AM (2 of 7)
Sue,
When I had a similar problem on an evening gown I took in all the seams just a shade. Then I put on weight and now it don't fit....
wait for other replies before adjusting - mine might not have been the best way. Does it gape more in the front or the back or under the arms? It may be that there are specific areas where it will work better.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
From: Sewspecial
Date: 12-30-2005, 07:05 AM (3 of 7)
I've been sewing and Altering Bridal for a number of years. It sounds to me that the top does need to come in a bit more, but hard to tell without seeing it. Keep in mind that if it is not fitted at the waist, it will have a tendency to ride up, that would cause it to look as though it needs to be taken in at the top as well.

If the gape is just in the bust area, maybe if the bride is not too busty, you could use cups or push up cups to take up some of the slack.

I hope this helps.

Marie, SewSpecialco
User: Sewspecial
Member since: 09-24-2004
Total posts: 30
From: ssltd
Date: 12-30-2005, 03:13 PM (4 of 7)
Thanks for the suggestions ! The biggest problem seems to be very front on top right between the 2 princess seams themselves. This isn't snug against her chest & gapes open. She is a 34 C. We've seen a great deal of gowns that snug uptop & we aren't there. The waist is firm, but might need to be even tighter to hold the top up ? The idea of taking in all the seams might work to push her upward & hold her in, but the top may still gape....
Would boning further up ontop anywhere help?
~Sue~
User: ssltd
Member since: 12-14-2005
Total posts: 20
From: paroper
Date: 12-30-2005, 04:44 PM (5 of 7)
Depending on how it is made, you may be able to put a little bit of elastic in the lining to help "snug" it to the body. I had to do that on my daughter's prom dress. I had a good fit everywhere but the top around the bust. The elastic helped...a lot!
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: VenusElaine
Date: 12-31-2005, 12:02 AM (6 of 7)
If it is only loose between the princess seams, then you should measure this amount, release the seams, and take this amount from the center front, keeping the seam at the same place from the sides. I hope this makes sense. Sometimes seams must be taken in from one side only, not equally.

VenusElaine
"Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005
Total posts: 126
From: Scratch 'N Sniff
Date: 12-31-2005, 08:50 AM (7 of 7)
i agree that elastic might help. also, check the curvature of the princess seams. for a strapless dress, they should curve back in towards the body above the bust. if you altered the pattern from another dress, there might not be that curve. This should help with the gape. A waist stay should help keep it up, without having to take in the seams. let me know if this is unclear, i'll try to explain better.
~debie
User: Scratch 'N Sniff
Member since: 01-02-2003
Total posts: 46
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