PROJECT #14: THE LACE DRESS

© 2012 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

This dress is flattering to any figure and it is a "ONE SIZE" fits all! Well, it will fit you if you are a size small, medium or large. Basically the waist circumference is 38", so if you can pull it over you head, it will fit! ;)

In this picture the the dress is layered over a nude color slip. This dress will need a belt to cinch in the waist and to also cover the waist seam. You can add any belt you have or make one as I did in this picture. The belt was made out of velvet ribbon. You can see the instructions in "the valentines top" post.

Valentino Spring 2012 runway show inspired me to make this dress!

Material:

1.) 3 1/2 yards of lace fabric (preferably with scalloped edge)

2.) Velvet ribbon for belt (optional)

Duration: Approximately 4+ hours 

Sewing Level: Beginner to Intermediate

CUTTING THE FABRIC! This particular lace I used measured 42" in width (scallop to scallop). If the lace you get measures longer or shorter than 42" it is ok. Your dress will just be shorter or longer in the sleeve length and body length than pictured in this photo!

#1 Lay the fabric out flat and cut into 2 pc's as shown in the diagram below. Note TOP and Skirt sections. 

Then cut in half as shown in the red doted line.

#2 Layout the cut fabric on top of each other (double layer) as shown in picture below.

A&B. Sew the side seams together with the 1/4" seam allowance. 

C. Baste stitch the top 1/2" away from raw edge all around the circumference of the skirt. DO NOT STITCH THE TOP LAYERS TOGETHER. Once the baste stitch is done, shirr the waist so the circumference measures 38". The hem circumference will measure 92".

#3 Follow the silhouette spec as drawn below. You can either wing it and just pin the points where the seams needs to be cut or make a paper pattern. It is up to your skill level. Don't forget about the 1/2" seam allowance wherever you see the red seam lines.

**ALL MEASURED FROM IMAGINARY (HPS) LINE.

A. BODY LENGTH: 36 1/2"

B. BODY WIDTH EDGE TO EDGE: 42"

C. TOP LENGTH TO WAIST: 16"

D. SHOULDER SLOPE: 1"

E. NECK WIDTH: 7 1/2"

F. FRONT NECK DROP: 2 1/2"

   BACK NECK DROP: 1/2"

G. SLEEVE OPENING: 14"

H. WAIST WIDTH (AFTER SKIRT HAS BEEN SHIRRED): 19"

I. HEM CIRCUMFERENCE: 92"

J. UNDERARM CURVE : ABOUT 1/2" FROM WAIST LINE

Pin and sew the red seams together. Make sure to keep ALL of the seam allowance on the inside of the garment! You can do it! Gook Luck!!