https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/1920-s-inspired-dress • Posted by Pramodini Arela
My friend was having a 1920's themed birthday party and I didn't have anything to wear! I began looking for a quick DIY to do, but didn't find much. Then I came across http://www.trashtocouture.com/2011/08/curtains-to-flapper-dress.html?q=flapper and thought it would be perfect not only for the party, but also if I wanted to wear it in a more modern way. So here is how I did it!
My friend was having a 1920's themed birthday party and I didn't have anything to wear! I began looking for a quick DIY to do, but didn't find much. Then I came across http://www.trashtocouture.com/2011/08/curtains-to-flapper-dress.html?q=flapper and thought it would be perfect not only for the party, but also if I wanted to wear it in a more modern way. So here is how I did it!
CREATE THE BASE. The blog said to use an old slip, which is fine, but I didn't have one, so I had to make one from scratch. I used this free pattern http://m-sewing.com/patterns-catalog/women/underwear/red-slip.html to create mine.
NOTES ABOUT THE PATTERN. Because I was using thin cotton, I doubled the pattern apart from the binding part, to make a lining. And if I were to do this again, I would add a 1/2 inch to an inch to the binding/strap part because it was really difficult. I also added 2 inches to the bottom because I felt it was too short.
CUT STRIPS OF CHIFFON FOR THE TIERS. I wanted three tiers so I cut three strips into 12 inches by the length of the original bolt. The dimensions depend on how many tiers you want and how gathered you want it to be
GATHERS STRIPS TO DESIRED WIDTH. I wanted all my tiers to have the same gatheredness so I did the bottom one first, which was the widest point of the dress. Then used that as a guide for the other two. Just keep measuring and gathering to make sure it fits with a little extra for seam allowance in the back.
FIND POSITION OF TIERS. This is where a dress form or friend comes in handy. Starting with the bottom and using the hem as a guideline, position the tier where you want it to go and pin, making sure to leave about 1/4 inch for the back seam allowance. It is really important that the tiers are not too tight or it won't go over your head. Then continue with the other two. making sure they are evenly overlapped.
SEW OR REPIN THEN SEW. Once you are satisfied with the positioning, you can sew it directly to the dress OR if you are a professionalist like me, you can carefully flip the tiers up and repin with the right side facing the dress. so that once your done sewing, the seam will be hidden.
ADD THE TRIM. I did this by hand, with whip stitch just along the bottom of the first two tiers. But you can do it by hand if you want it to be more permanent.
AND IT IS TIME TO PARTY! For a more modern look, just remove the trim and belt at the waist