Help piecing this dress together??

[loukr]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could shed any light on how to construct this dress, I really really REALLY want it for the summer, but I don't want to waste time and money by messing up... So I was wondering if you guys could help me piece it together? it looks pretty simple, and has no closures, so it's stretchy, what kind of fabric would you use???




there's so many different versions out there... but I like these ones. It all seems pretty easy, but how's the skirt done?? is it a circle skirt? How would you do it??! hehe sorry about all the questions!

If anyone liked the dress it's american, and is called the 'noelle tube dress' a couple of searches on google will bring it up. It's been worn by all sorts too.

thanks a million to anyone who can help

Lou xx

[Muffins_Goes_RAWR]

A jersey knit or a fabric with some lycra in it would be best.  Although the last pink dress looks like it's a velour. (the stuff used in making those velvet-ish track suits)

The skirt looks like it is a circle skirt.

But one word of caution: If you use a jersey knit (that's what the dresses look like they're made of) be careful when cutting the skirt as they have lots of stretch.

Cirlce skirts are cut mostly on the bias so they will sag and make your skirt look wonky when wearing it even if when you lay it out it looks even.

So before attatching the skirt to the bodice part of the dress, hang it on your closet for a day or two so it can get all the stretching out and that way you know which parts need to be re-cut.

Good luck. They're very nice dresses! ^_^

[Thesingingllamas]

On Paris, it does look like a circle skirt, but elsewhere it looks like it is gathered. Gathered seems easier with this type of fabic.
The measurements really depend on the person.
It seems to have a seam at the bottom of the bust, one at the natural waist, one at where you wear your pants, and one where you want the skirt to start. There is also a band above on the chest. Aswell as the skirt is two pieces.
The best fabric would be a t-shirt knit type fabric with some lycra in it. I've seen it in the Hancock stores, but I can't seem to find it online.

[loukr]

thanks for the quick replies . do you think maybe the skirt would be done easier the same as the top, but just gathered to give it that effect? I've read up that it's 28inches long (ooh-er). I really want to try this, I'm from the UK so fabric stores are always selling rubbish, I usually pick up some decent stuff suitable for these in the remnants, I'll have a go with them.

[stacysews]

It looks like the bottom is gathered.  In Paris' version she's got two different colored tubes that are pretty substantially gathered.  I would take your bottom band measurement and add at least 1/3 more length to it (I hope I put that right).  Then do the same for the next band. 

You can always use some inexpensive or unattractive fabric for your first try just to get the measurements down.  Then once you get it the way you like it, go for the real thing!

[washu]

They all look gathered to me.  Increase the length of each tier by 30 to 45% or so.

[loukr]

okay.. so looking at the bodice part, It's looking pretty simple... but the skirt... I understand that I gather the top, but do I then gather the bottom ofthe first tier, and then the top of the second tier... or stitch them both together, then gather them... somehow?? I'm so confused!! And so.. do you guys reckon it's one big strip of fabric... for the skirt, or two (front and back...) argh...! thanx x

[stacysews]

I would do one big strip of fabric - it's not necessary to piece it otherwise.  You're right on how you would do the skirt, gather the top and leave the bottom edge of the first tier alone, then gather the top edge of the second tier and put in a hem at the bottom of it.

[loukr]

but then how would I attach the second tier to the first? because once it's gathered it'll really small compared to the first tier.. won't it?

Also, if I just used one big strip of fabric for each tier, where would I put the finished seam? at the back, or one side?

Thanx Lou x

[stacysews]

Actually you'll need to take the measurements from the first tier and add around 1/3 (or whatever the measurement you're using) of the length to that tier too (just like you did with the first tier and adding it to the skirt body).  If you have a gathering foot on your machine that will help a lot with this dress, if not make sure you distribute your fullness of the gathers evenly.