All of the pleated fabric in the bodice is pleated BEFORE the pattern pieces are cut out. It takes 8 hours to pleat the fabric. Once this is done, the pattern is quite straightforward and goes together very quickly. Looks just like the illustration. It’s very flattering.
Rated 4 out of 5
Laura Jensen –
Do not, repeat NOT, select a fabric with an irregular thread used at the grain if you are planning to make the tucks in the center panels. I used a silk pongee with a slubby weft and used the weft as grain because it was thicker and more conspicuous. This meant that it took me THREE WEEKS of evenings spent cursing the machine, the iron, the fabric, and life in general, to finish the tucked panels. I also extended the circular panels and omitted the ruffle on the bottom. The omission of the ruffle resulted in problems getting an even hem. I also enlarged the sleeve cap slightly and added an organza sleeve head at the sleeve cap.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jill Silbert –
This gown is absolutely stunning!!! There are so many options to doing this. Contrary to popular belief, the tucking before cutting took me about 2 hours!! I did the bridal gown with train, and four bridesmaids dresses, and on each one I cut out the lace inserts on just about every piece! It was absolutely breathtaking!! Okay, so that took me a good while, but it was well worth it! There is A LOT of room in this dress, and the sizes run larger than normal, with a 12 being very generous!!! Cut one size smaller and take 1/4 to 1/2 inch seams as needed!!! If you are skimping on the cost of lace, you will be disappointed in the outcome. You need to spend the $$$$ to get the proper lace!!! I did the bridal gown in white (of course), and each of the bridesmaids in pastel blue, pink, yellow, and mint green! Check length BEFORE cutting the skirt pieces as there is NO ADJUSTMENT after cutting, unless you cut the beautiful ruffle. Also, best way to gather the ruffle is the cord method, not gathering stitches!! Cording works a LOT faster!!!! Make your cuffs with buttons for adjustment and your gal with thank you!!! After making the wedding gowns/bridesmaid dresses, I remade this dress (no train) in ALL BLACK without the lace trimming, added additional panels in the skirt to allow it to fit over a hoop for a civil war mourning dress. The gathering on the front panel was absolutely fantastic, and the gal who wore it was so happy with the outcome.
Sheri Jurnecka –
All of the pleated fabric in the bodice is pleated BEFORE the pattern pieces are cut out. It takes 8 hours to pleat the fabric. Once this is done, the pattern is quite straightforward and goes together very quickly. Looks just like the illustration. It’s very flattering.
Laura Jensen –
Do not, repeat NOT, select a fabric with an irregular thread used at the grain if you are planning to make the tucks in the center panels. I used a silk pongee with a slubby weft and used the weft as grain because it was thicker and more conspicuous. This meant that it took me THREE WEEKS of evenings spent cursing the machine, the iron, the fabric, and life in general, to finish the tucked panels. I also extended the circular panels and omitted the ruffle on the bottom. The omission of the ruffle resulted in problems getting an even hem. I also enlarged the sleeve cap slightly and added an organza sleeve head at the sleeve cap.
Jill Silbert –
This gown is absolutely stunning!!! There are so many options to doing this. Contrary to popular belief, the tucking before cutting took me about 2 hours!! I did the bridal gown with train, and four bridesmaids dresses, and on each one I cut out the lace inserts on just about every piece! It was absolutely breathtaking!! Okay, so that took me a good while, but it was well worth it! There is A LOT of room in this dress, and the sizes run larger than normal, with a 12 being very generous!!! Cut one size smaller and take 1/4 to 1/2 inch seams as needed!!! If you are skimping on the cost of lace, you will be disappointed in the outcome. You need to spend the $$$$ to get the proper lace!!! I did the bridal gown in white (of course), and each of the bridesmaids in pastel blue, pink, yellow, and mint green! Check length BEFORE cutting the skirt pieces as there is NO ADJUSTMENT after cutting, unless you cut the beautiful ruffle. Also, best way to gather the ruffle is the cord method, not gathering stitches!! Cording works a LOT faster!!!! Make your cuffs with buttons for adjustment and your gal with thank you!!! After making the wedding gowns/bridesmaid dresses, I remade this dress (no train) in ALL BLACK without the lace trimming, added additional panels in the skirt to allow it to fit over a hoop for a civil war mourning dress. The gathering on the front panel was absolutely fantastic, and the gal who wore it was so happy with the outcome.