I'm making a "To the Ball" gown, by Renee Adams, from Dollhouse Designs. I'm having trouble with the instructions. Two parts seem to be in conflict with each other. If anyone has made this gown, I would really appreciate your input. I'll post the parts that I'm having trouble with. Please tell me if this sounds correct to you or if someone messed up.
This is a strapless gown (with invisible elastic straps) that the bodice consists of 5 sections with a corset-type construction. Up to this point, the sections are assembled along their sides, and the outer fabric and lining have been sewn together along the top edge, turned, pressed, and understitched. Top edge is totally done. The next step is this:
Turn lining inside out again, and stitch entire bottom edge, RST. Trim seam and turn right side out through one end. Use turning tool to get into curves and points. Press from lining side.
The picture that accompanies this step only shows the top edge of the bodice.
Sounds simple enough. I was surprised by this step as I expected to attach the skirt before stitching down the lining, but there is so much bulk in the very full skirt that I assumed the bodice would be attached over the top of the skirt to give it a neater look. I did exactly as these instructions above said. Then I got curious about how they would attach the skirt and read ahead. Reading down through it all, there are several places where bodice detailing is attached that say "keeping lining fabric free" while doing that step. Not possible if sewn as above said. Further down is this:
"Press under bottom edge of Bodice lining 1/4 inch to inside. Fold Center Front point as shown, folding the point inside, then each side. Use a lot of pins to hold lining in place. Begin to slipstitch lining over waist seam, catching only threads in the seam allowance. The stitches should not poke through skirt fabric, nor be visible from the front of garment. Knot securely."
The pictures here show exactly what I would expect to see- attaching a skirt with the lining open.
Did I misinterpret the first part? If it doesn't mean to sew down the bottom of the lining, what DOES it mean? Picking this out and doing it over will be a real mess. I can't make a new bodice because I used a small scrap of sequined fabric and don't have any more. I think I'm going to have to figure out some way to attach the skirt behind the bodice instead of between the bodice and lining. If anyone has ideas to make that work I'd love to hear them.
3 Replies
3846 Views