I made a few changes because the pattern is so simple and allows you to do so much of the poufing at each wearing; you can keep your options open. I had very little fabric to work with but, I managed it.
First, I have to be able to dress myself unaided so I switched the closure to the front and used a skirt hook and a large snap. To make it more adjustable in size, I made the waistband really long and left the back partially detached so I can tie it in back like a sash. The hanging tails as a result of the sash are a pretty bonus.
I flat-lined the cotton with nylon net on the advice of the Truly Victorian staff. It does five an extra lift. Ther is also a strip of twill tape that goes down inside the back so you can pin it up to ge the poofiness you desire. I added a couple of little loops to the lower back seam so I not only know exactly where I want to pin it, it is reinforced. I also tacked the safety pins to the twill tape so they are always ‘there’. I can still pin it in different locations but, when I am dressing in a hurry, I can always use these loops.
I played with the side pleating until I got the drape I wanted. I then hard-wired it to a piece of the dress fabric and sewed it to the waistband. This saves a lot of time when dressing. I made up contrast bows and then safety pinned them to the top of the draping. Then I added the ruffled and trimmed to my hearts content.
Dianne –
I made a few changes because the pattern is so simple and allows you to do so much of the poufing at each wearing; you can keep your options open. I had very little fabric to work with but, I managed it.
First, I have to be able to dress myself unaided so I switched the closure to the front and used a skirt hook and a large snap. To make it more adjustable in size, I made the waistband really long and left the back partially detached so I can tie it in back like a sash. The hanging tails as a result of the sash are a pretty bonus.
I flat-lined the cotton with nylon net on the advice of the Truly Victorian staff. It does five an extra lift. Ther is also a strip of twill tape that goes down inside the back so you can pin it up to ge the poofiness you desire. I added a couple of little loops to the lower back seam so I not only know exactly where I want to pin it, it is reinforced. I also tacked the safety pins to the twill tape so they are always ‘there’. I can still pin it in different locations but, when I am dressing in a hurry, I can always use these loops.
I played with the side pleating until I got the drape I wanted. I then hard-wired it to a piece of the dress fabric and sewed it to the waistband. This saves a lot of time when dressing. I made up contrast bows and then safety pinned them to the top of the draping. Then I added the ruffled and trimmed to my hearts content.