28 Oct 17:56
Hi everyone, this is my first ever post thingy on these boards requesting something, so here goes...
I know it's absolutely ages away, but I'm already starting to wonder about prom dresses. I've browsed the internet and found that dresses are almost always hideously expensive, so I wondered "how hard can it be to make one?" I've sewed before, but nothing like this, however my mum is quite good and would probably be willing to help me (we have a sewing machine). I'd like a short, knee-length-ish one, possibly strapless, a simple design which I can embellish (beading is more my thing!). Any ideas, anyone? Or should I just go for a shop-bought one and customise that, if making from scratch is too much of a hassle? Let me know please!?!?! would be very glad to hear your ideas :D

28 Oct 17:57
well on second thoughts I wouldn't mind another style- longer or whatever, as long as its easy-ish to make!

29 Oct 12:41
Just one quick question. When is your prom?

I would say that altering a bought dress would probably be easier than making one from scratch, because you know the bought dress would already fit you, so all you would have to worry about is lengthening it with some netting, or trimming the hem to a length you're satisfied with, and then maybe adding beading or other accessories. If you've got plenty of time, I would keep browsing the shops, you never know when the ideal dress will pop out at you.

Although I could say the same about some inspiring fabric you might find at you local craft shop. If you are determined to make your dress from scratch then you will probably need your mum's help as I'd imagine it would be quite difficult. However there are sewing patterns out there that you can purchase from craft shops.

Me personally, I bought a red dress for my cousins wedding... it was nice & kinda 50's style, red & knee length but not wedding-y enough - so all I did was add a small layer of black netting underneath with an inch or so longer than the dress, it turned out really nice.

29 Oct 17:45
my prom is in early july next year i think!! i know this is way too early really but i like to be organised so thats why i posted :) thanks for replying!! i think, thanks to your advice, i'll probably go for a simple bought one probably and then customise it. thanks for all the extra ideas on that- i'd never even thought about trimming or netting!! so something simple with trim and possibly more net underneath to make it twirly, then lots of beads/sequins etc in a subtle pattern maybe. unfortunately, we dont have many craft shops where i live, and choice is quite limited and i reckon patterns are confusing so i doubt i will end up making one myself- even with my mum's help!! i like 50's style too so hopefully i'll be inspired by something like that :)

thanks for all your help!! :) xx

30 Oct 01:54
My grandma made my sister's prom dress for her....it costed almost as much as it would have if my sister had bought a cheap dress...$100....it was only $20 less. So, really, you buy all the stuff you need to make one, you're spending about the same amount. Try going to thrift stores, second hand stores, looking on craigslist(my old ones are on there ;-)), check out ebay or other online sites, if you have a DEB around there....go there, they have huge sales on stuff...usually a little closer to prom....maybe....mmmm...march or so...I got my senior one from DEB...and you aren't going to believe how much I got it for...$15...but...our DEB was in a college town...meaning sorority girls would buy dresses and return them...quite often. So...just...research the area...find places that will have stuff.

30 Oct 17:49
heya thanks for giving me some more ideas of places to go for dresses- i'd love to find one like your bargain!! i'm gonna have a look at ebay, 2ndhand shops etc hopefully will find something special.

thanks for all your help!! :) xx

30 Oct 20:40
What about a duct tape prom dress. If I had ever attended a school dance, I think I would worn a duct tape dress.

31 Oct 00:54
It really doesn't cost a lot to make one. My daugter's dress that I posted here earlier this year only costed me about $20 or so. I used satin and simple lining material with a zipper. I used a pattern that I had forever, modified the measurements and made new one. The only tedious part about was sewing on the sequins one by one .
She loved it. It's the one you favored.