The Other Easter Dress - Part 1

Introduction

Thank you all for the nice comments on my daughter's Easter dress! I really enjoy putting all the details into her clothes to make them high quality. Besides, it also teaches her what real quality clothing is like and what to look for when she's older. Vicki asked yesterday if I was going to get a new Easter dress, too. Here's the answer:

This is model #36, from the current Patrones. The dress is very simple, as you can see from the line drawing. The front bodice has a midriff section and gathered section on the upper bodice while the back bodice is all in one piece. There is a side zipper and a separate sash. The pattern shows an additional band at the bottom, which I have decided not to add. The instructions in Patrones indicate that the bottom band should be cut of a smaller coordinating print. I don't have a smaller coordinating print, nor do I want a solid band of color at that place in the dress due to my height.

The fabric I'm using is one that I picked up from Martin's designer remnant table and that I showed you a while back. It is a silk or silk-like printed black and white paisley chiffon. I have layered it over a white silky polyester that has a lot of drape, I'm not actually sure of the fiber content as it was not marked. You can see the print below on the midriff section that has been underlined, basted and interfaced for support. I bought two pieces of fabric for the sash, a black taffeta and a red taffeta. I didn't want satin as satin sashes never seem to stay tied.

The front bodice is made in two layers. The top layer is gathered and is stitched to the second layer. The gathers shape the top layer, while darts shape the second layer. You can see both pieces in the photo below and how the top layer is larger to allow for the gathers:

The dress does not include a lining, but I am going to line the bodice. Since I took a chance and did not make a muslin, I stitched the lining together first and did a quick fitting. Based on Patrones' size charts, the size I traced and drafted down to is perfect (at least for a sleeveless garment)! Whew!

With any luck, I should be able to get both dresses done by the end of the week!

Parting Shot: New Piano Bag. My daughter's old piano bag is too small for all the books she now has. Since she is a 4th year piano student, it is now time for a new large bag. I had all the fabrics (denim and a Kaffe Fassett cotton) in my collection. The lining is the same as the handles and trim.