![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RBZwEMleGERY9X7Jz06LTuyPf4nIaK30vZcEdIWnQ-D7e9rpsCPrPso4olrXcd9GG8JLIRMANKhgWoGD28cIZJ1Kfrl3XWLDC7T4E2_jMmc823je6FbUR2GmH-g_c6gAbSv9SK9WqroL/s200/14072011061.jpg)
I stated that I had learnt a lot while doing the project but my first major learning curve was a lack on any pattern that fitted me. I went browsing online and found this wonderful blog post: Step-by-Step Gown Construction Project but you needed a pattern. Never fear, when you can cut until it looks vaguely the same shape :)
I cut the dress out of Bon Bon Spandex, something I hadn't heard about before but has a beautiful 4 way stretch. My fuchsia/purple/pink fabric was attached to the mannequin (roughly my size) and cut to fit according to the step by step process outlined above.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4730vCb-0E3isPRR4JMgTs-nayShu_VexVfM0OArPqJqE6hUvPPOVCSwEXDmWMEoqmXXIor1RQZopPaSkUm6mYePJH-ImAp2teApd7U2dblGIYdG-PB6X5R1brJI83qgvzzFwTL0UCiWv/s320/14072011062.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc_wEgXLNVUg78RIpSR0XSuxUQQx5_j7QhC7J9R7kOetMpMg4CvCSzTcAnwmC32hGrw0YswXHFm2cg4EV273uJ4gvy4TrEZyEG3GzROvngrQN1U44H224LYbQU3oBa9uIxEp-SdaFSY9d/s320/14072011063.jpg)
The basic finished "shell" ended up looking like this. Please Note the black triangles that are added. Each is a quarter circle and makes the dress flare when you turn, looks cool, not so cool to sew.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LkPfWRDEudmKRrihokVfbZpaY4OcT06TXquHfm9VrEeQ3tZoJyy2k3iiwfLUIx6w7sDZ_WDUb08ZhreWpSroo2WVQZr1jFfa7CSdF3Gm1RONB9ViBhNY6g4R-UHhUCyON89x_tq4D2Fx/s320/15072011065.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFlvJ8rlE2_mwdoRwmK7kp5OGlWC6Yv8vJqCTLJlmZ5LAtJDMbcPi-jbV0ClRbEQtMOTJj8is9aJwsLdvIKsa4jTRzQ5fxbvX_2U_0h69hzXgTGr5DwQSdw1Y-12uHPZFcabyxybYwvMB/s320/15072011067.jpg)
At this point you can decorate the dress however you like. I ended up cutting out the back of the dress and adding criss-cross straps for my effect (turns out its pretty cold without material on your back) and adding lots and rhinestones and crystals from Crystal Catalyst (and a few sequinned flowers). The result...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FQ7P3PFTgAJbNVANtyE4EQ7jipxe9HOh2L8fvKIW344KFdQ4JtM0SSRwCNDs3a-IV6TDbBOgmCyjRkuw8lSMhHgu64Rf_iS37POt4NhUYIL52yR4_H7HrD2ObiGejGKLmPIQECGoSDxi/s320/IV_5ccrop.jpg)
A ballgown is not finished without wings (or whatever they are called). There are many different styles, sleeves, bits etc. Given my lack of sleeves I made three bands to slide onto my arms and attached chiffon in purple and black.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82W__oeEmY7He-y8VwPC6O1Yi88qrjIVhQASQpZvgQy0g4ZIm5aJ2hYlJKcQ7i0HmeOPbWsQUUE_4WfVpObpvtJFv2Sw7ml_MDmv8NbVpK_nvk8FVzTSr9tTHM2ldiuMUN9UMjofRrsWF/s320/IV_6.jpg)
2 comments:
Where did you buy your fabric? I have been looking for something similar.
Thanks
I bought the fabric at Hilite in Athlone (Cape Town). Its called Bon Bon Spandex. They also sell it at Fabric City, Sir Lowry Rd, Cape Town.
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