I couldn't sleep tonight and I guess I thought having some new pretty thing to sleep in would help somehow. Also, I had some fabric left over from something that didn't turn out right. So this is what happened.
Silly pose. Maybe I'll add lace to the bottom later, but now I'm going to bed.
A couple of people asked for a tutorial. This is the first one I've done, so let me know if something isn't clear.
Materials:
satin or other non-stretchy material
1/2" wide ribbon
thread
Color Key:
light aqua = outside of dress
dark aqua = inside of dress
light pink = front of ribbon
dark pink = back of ribbon
The Gown1. First, you have to wait until about 2 in the morning some time when you can't sleep.
Then, measure from right above your breasts down to where you want the dress to reach on your legs and add 1". Fold the fabric in half and cut it to this length. Measure around your body where you took the first measurement. Divide this by 4. Add 5/8" for seam allowance. Measure around the largest part of your hips. Take whichever measurement is the largest, either the boobs or the butt, add at least 6", and divide by 4. Either way, if you wear higher than a B cup, add more than 6". I know this because mine feels a tad too tight.
Also add more if you don't want a slit on one side.
2. Measuring from the fold of the fabric outward, make a mark at the top of the fabric using the first measurement.
Make a mark at the bottom of the fabric using the second measurement.
Draw a straight line connecting these two marks.
Cut along this line.
3. Sew along the side edges and press the seams open.
The Straps4. Fold the top down 1/2" all the way around and press. Fold it down 1/2" again and again to enclose the raw edge. Pin all the way around.
5. Turn the gown right side out and try it on with a regular bra. Careful with the pins, of course. Make two marks on the inside front where the bra straps are. Then, measure from front to back along the bra straps. Take the dress off and lay it flat. Make marks on the inside back that are even with the marks in the front.
6. Turn the gown inside out. Cut two pieces of ribbon using the measurement you just made plus 1". Iron down 1/2" of the ribbons on each end.
7. Tuck this 1/2" under the fold on the top of the gown and pin each end at the marks. Try it right side out and try on again to make sure the straps are the right length. Turn it inside out. Sew around the edge about 1/4" from the top.
8. Turn the thing right side out again. Cut another piece of ribbon to fit the top edge plus 1". Iron down 1/2" of the ribbon. Pin it around the top of the dress even with the edge. The folded end should overlap the other end and line up with a side seam. Sew the ribbon along the top and bottom of its width.
The Bow9. This is a little hard to explain. If it doesn’t make sense, let me know. Or you can always just tie a piece of ribbon in a bow and hand sew it on. Cut a piece of ribbon about 9" long and snip the edges at an angle. Cut another piece 1 1/4".
10. Fold the first piece in half. Then hold it halfway down to make a loop.
11. Press the loop flat and pin it to the other side, leaving a length of ribbon sticking out on either side.
12. Look at the back and there should be two loops. Sew them both to the front side as close to the center as possible.
13. Wrap the shorter piece of ribbon around the middle and hand sew it at the back, making sure to sew it to the other ribbon and not just to itself.
14. Line the middle up with one of the straps and hand sew it on. You can put it on either side.
The Slit
15. There might be better ways to do this, but here is one way. Decide how long you want the slit to be, add 1", then cut it where you want it. I zigzag stitched around the edge of the slit to keep it from unraveling, but you don't necessarily have to.
16. Turn it inside out. Fold open the slit slightly. Iron and pin it down on either side. Sew the little flaps down very close to the edge.
17. Fold the bottom of the gown down 1/2" once, then again, like you did for the top. Hem around the bottom, pivoting at the angles of the slit.
18. And there you have it.
19. Now go to sleep. You shouldn't be up so late.
