Though at first I thought it would be easier to re-construct a dress (or rather, re-use the shell of a dress), I now know that it is MUCH easier to sew one from scratch. In fact, I could have probably made 3 complete dresses (crinolines included!) in the time it took me to take this one apart and re-use some key pieces. Turns out that even designer label dresses are not perfect, as I discovered several flaws and/or "cover-ups" in this gown as I deconstructed it.
Here we go....
This left pic is of the almost-complete dress, still needing a hem and bustle. The right one is it in it's completed form.
Here I am getting the bustle ready. Instead of using the traditional hook-and-eye method, I made one up with ribbons. Two ribbons through the bottom of the zipper, and two ribbons where the hooks would go. The ribbons hang both inside and out, so that I can do both an overbustle or an underbustle. Cost: $1.79. Tracy, at ten bucks a bustle, you're being overcharged!
Here are pics of both. I can't decide! The good part is, I don't have to.
Ah, and this final one is for you, Vickie. The serged edge. A lot of scrap fabric died in the making of this dress. But the final hem had no fatalities.
