It’s been awhile since I posted, but I wanted to dip in and give you a little update on my latest project.
A couple of months ago, I ran across an adorable clothing website called Shabby Apple. They specialize in ready to wear dresses for ladies of all sizes, shapes, and ages. Being a mom with little girls, I especially appreciate shabby apples design aesthetics. They focus on beautiful designs in comfortable fabrics that are modestly appropriate AND stylish. (An unusual duo – trust me I’ve looked around)
So, here’s the fun part. They’ve invited their readers to design a dress for their Spring line. Of course, I had to enter. The dress has to be at least knee length, with sleeves, and no cleavage allowed (Woo! Hoo! Finally!)
For my design, I looked to the 1920’s and 30’s for inspiration. The flapper dresses were a little too boxy for my taste, but the fitted waists and bell-shaped skirts of the early 30’s gave me a few ideas.
The dress bodice of my design has cap sleeves, and is fitted with a center placket and 6 buttons. The midriff is lined and trimmed with machine stitching. A faux belt in contrasting color cinches the waist. The skirt front has a pleated inset. The back has a center zip closure.
Options: In my design I included a pleated inset to add more coverage to the bustline. For more versatility (I love options!), I’d suggest a detachable inset. The dress would then work in a solid color as a layering piece over blouses, and depending on the fabric, this versatility would make it an excellent transitional piece in the Fall.
Fabric suggestions: Cotton blend, Linen



The pattern instructions were super easy to follow. I adjusted the pattern piece upward by .25 inches which was fairly simple since I only had to adjust 3 pattern pieces.
my mind, and I’m not quite sure where I went wrong, but it was still worth the effort! As far as the godets are concerned, I think they turned out fairly well for a first attempt. I did learn the following that I’ll be carrying with me the next time I set out to design an outfit from scratch:

Used tailor’s chalk to draw the asymmetrical portion of the bodice. It’s not an exact science for me. I just basically eyeball everything and pray for the best! (smile)
It took some time to smooth out the bodice with the darts. I continued to get puckering around the neckline and under the left arm, but I think we’re doing okay now.
After drawing the godets on the fabric, I cut them out and attached just the top portion of the godet to the garment. They will hang there for about 24 hours before attaching them fully.


(Torso Embellishment)


