Help with my dress please

[FireflyStar]

I'm going to try to sew something similar to this http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/202/dressxu6.png for my grad banquet but I'm not really sure how to do the top part. At first, I though it was just really.. gathered (Sorry, I don't really know the term) but then when I looked at the picture closer up the lines look all random. Sorry, I'm not very good at explaining. Got any ideas how to make the top part?

[stacysews]

Sometimes you can find fabric that looks just like that - you might try looking online.  Your other option is to make your own.  You'll have to use a fabric that is pretty soft and drapey - stay away from stiff fabrics like taffeta, etc.  Before cutting out the pattern for the bodice start making a series of tight folds in your fabric (you can make them random sizes if you'd like).  Iron and baste before cutting the bodice pieces.  If your bodice pieces are large and the folds don't stay in place, you'll need to randomly (hand) stitch them in place.

[FireflyStar]

Okay, thanks a lot! I think I know what to do now. I hope this material I have is soft enough. 

[stacysews]

What type of material are you planning on using? 

[FireflyStar]

I think it's satin. I found it in a box and wanted to use it. I'm pretty sure it'll work...

[black and white photo]

whatever happens, id love to see a pic of the result!

[stacysews]

satin should work.  You might find that it gets bulky when you're sewing the seams if you do tight rouching, you may have to lengthen your stitch length to keep it from snagging, etc.