Fabric: Silk Dupioni, Joann ETC

Modifications: Modified pattern to fit waist measurements – perfect! Didn’t fit the bodice and it was way too big. Had to remove approximately 2″ from the shoulder. I’m learning…..

Critique: The pattern construction was a bit fiddly. The front bodice is separate from the back. The bodice extends to the back, where it is closed. Then, the back is zipped up and the ties are criss-crossed in front and tied in back. I think the same fit could’ve been achieved with a single bodice/back construction with ties originating at the side seam. The finished result? I think it was stunning. I love silk dupioni. It is lovely to sew, the sheen on the fabric gives it such a rich and elegant look. On the stage, it looked smashing and dramatic. The pattern is considered a “Retro ’52” style dress. The skirt portion is cut on the bias and the amount of fabric at the hemline is large. My daughter was pleased with the dress. She helped select it, but it was not her choice for a prom dress (although they were the same weekend.) It would have looked wonderful in the floor length, too. But since her prom dress was floor length, I felt the shorter length would enable her to get much more use out of the dress. It could be worn for a winter formal or for other concerts at churches and venues in which a floor length gown would be too formal. (I will post her Christmas gown, floor length, at a later date.)