Evening Dress

I knew about the Air Cadets annual Dining In when I had my ‘fabric day’ back in May. I didn’t find a suitable silk on my travels, which is what I really want. But I found this fabric that I liked the design on that I thought could be suitable. It was only £3.95 a metre, so not expensive if it turned out I didn’t like it!!

I had already found a pattern, and was good and bought necessary notions while shopping!

It has turned out to be quite an easy make. I opted for view A. I marked up the positioning for the ribbon loops on the back and baste those into position. Sew front to back of main fabric and then lining, and then sew the main fabric to the lining, catching in the loops:

Then sew the side seams together.

Next stage is to sew all the skirt seams, leaving space for the zip. I found the fabric was starting to fray quite a lot, so I overlocked all of these. I think it finishes off the garment better when the seams are neatly overlocked.

Next join the top to the skirt. Again, once sewn and checked all neatly aligned correctly at the back, I overlocked this too. Zip was next. Nothing fancy, no hidden zip, just normal! However the pattern had said a 12″ zip… I think 12″ would be right for view D & E, but A, B, C would be fine with 8″. Then put the lacing in the back. I just need to hem it, and put a hook and eye at the top of the zip. I am pleased with this, and am going to make one of the other views for my daughter.