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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 04-03-2006, 11:29 AM (1 of 7)
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Hi ladies! I've got another question for you guys. I had pretty much decided on a v-neck style for my wedding dress, similar to this: http://www.rawganique.com/Images/Womens/RG930-051126-349.jpg However, I was recently reminded of how much I liked an off the shoulder style when I first started looking, something like this: http://altura.speedera.net/ccimg.catalogcity.com/210000/214300/214333/Products/8471113.jpg Of course, this dress is on clearance for $100, but I'm really attached to the idea of making my own dress now. I think it will be much more special to me, and a fun project too! I think I like this style better than the v-neck, even though it would probably be a bit more difficult to make since it will require boning and a more precise fit. The problem is, I can't seem to find a pattern for an off-the-shoulder dress that is similar to this style -- they all seem to have poofy sleeves and other sillyness. How reasonable do you think it would be to alter a strapless dress pattern to have little sleeves like this one? I'm thinking it might not be that bad. Also, what do you think of the relative difficulty? I'm definitely still a beginner -- when I first started making my practice dress I had planned on a strapless style but got frustrated on putting in the boning. I think if I gave it another try I might have better luck. Well, I'm open to suggestions! Thanks again for all your time and help! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 04-03-2006, 03:43 PM (2 of 7)
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Seems easier to modify something like this into what you're shooting for. mccalls bridal (http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4775.htm?tab=evening_prom_bridal&page=2) or this (http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4714.htm?tab=evening_prom_bridal&page=2) or even this (http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M3681.htm?tab=evening_prom_bridal&page=4) I have every confidence that you could take on an advanced project such as this, _with_ a little guidance. We're always happy to lend that online, but it also really helps if you have someone that can come do some tweaking for you in person and help you interpret the instructions when they get complex. Do you have a local resource like that? Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 04-04-2006, 02:07 PM (3 of 7)
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Thanks for the vote of confidence! I unfortunately don't really have someone to help me out that much -- my mom and future mother in law both used to sew, so they could help me in a pinch, but they don't really live nearby. With my school schedule it's kind of hard to see them. We'll see, I guess. I have a little bit of time still if I get off track. What I really like about the off the shoulder dress is that it has princess seams, and the neckline is straight across. I'm not really sure exactly how it's constructed though, or how it could be constructed to get a similar look. I guess the patterns you posted might give me an idea of how to construct the sleeves even if I want to do a different style for the rest of the dress? I'm a little confused about the best way to approach this.  Well, thanks for your help!
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 04-04-2006, 07:48 PM (4 of 7)
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I have one more--this burda pattern (http://www.sewingpatterns.com/index-burda.html) has a straight-across neckline. I'm sure you could do this one--I think it's easier to go with a sure thing for the bodice, and then modify the sleeves, especially since you won't have to adjust an armscye and set-in a sleeve in a traditional manner.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 04-04-2006, 08:23 PM (5 of 7)
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Hi Andrea -- that link doesn't seem to go to a pattern in particular; what is the pattern number? Thanks for all your advice!
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 04-06-2006, 10:11 PM (6 of 7)
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bummer... anyway, I saw your post in General Sewing, and I really liked the new Simplicity design that you're looking at! Even better: Those Simplicity patterns often go on sale for super-cheap. Also, the first muslin you did, with the other design--you'll be able to tweak that a tiny bit and then use it to make yourself dresses for all occasions once you finish your wedding gown!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 04-06-2006, 10:24 PM (7 of 7)
Yeah, I think the Simplicity pattern might work, maybe with a few adjustments. Not sure how I feel about the rounded/scalloped part on hem of the top, but I think that would be pretty easy to change. I do hate how Simplicity's website is set up in that you can only see the photo of one of the options in the thumbnails, not the sketches of all the views. I hadn't looked at that one because I didn't like the photo! I think once I figure out how to do a full bust adjustment, I'll pretty much be good to go.  We shall see though. Thanks again for your help! I'm itching to do some sewing now, but unfortunately the neuroscience exam on Monday has to come first!
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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