In this video we are making some additions to our dress. All useful and easy to make as well. Firstly we add pockets to the dress to carry some essentials. Secondly we add bra or petticoat loops hidden in the shoulders of the dress. As this dress skirt is unlined, a petticoat might be pretty much essential depending upon the type of fabric you used to make up the dress. Constantly pulling straps back onto the should that have slipped down is a distraction and an issue to put up with on a busy night. Don't put up with it. This quick fix is easy and fast. Our third modification is the drape which sits across the chest and down the back on each side. Simple pieces and quick to add to the dress. It really makes a big statement in the contrasting colour and brings the cleavage up if you so wish.
These pockets worked out really well due to the design of the original pattern. I didn't have to cut into the fabric - the seams were located in just the right place. This was a great example of taking advantage of an original pattern and taking it a step further. The gathered outline of the skirt efficiently hides a little extra bulk.
I love the idea of spending a night out without having to carry or watch over a purse or clutch. In Prom Dress 4 you will see me make a wrist wallet to carry a bit of cash or plastic credit card.
Here in these pockets, you can carry a tissue, attach your house key on a safety pin or maybe some toiletries. If you want to put a phone in your pocket, I would suggest that you apply interfacing to the pocket fabric to add support. Evening fabrics can be fine and soft and the weight of a phone could stretch the pockets and pull it downwards.
For extra security, sew in press stud fasteners to hold the pockets closed.
These strap loops are quick solution to the problem of bra and petticoat straps falling off the shoulder and down the arm.
It is a very quick solution to a problem that can be irritating and ongoing through the whole night.
I found that the press studs were best managed when sitting on the outside edge of the shoulder. And for even more invisibility, press studs come in black which would blend in with the navy colour here.
The drape to the right, was easy and the champagne colour contrasts wonderfully well against the dark blue. Apart from allowing the back drapes to hang down, consider also that they can be looped together. This might look really nice in the low back version of the dress which has a V shape opening. The drape would then match the outline of the dress at the back.
It's easy to make but here are a couple of suggestions.
1. You can see the epaulette on the shoulder in the image on the right. It is sitting right on the shoulder seam. I think it would look a little better sitting just a little further back. Before stitching the epaulette on, I would position it in place and try on the dress to see if the placement looks right.
2. This type of fabric is quite slippery. Stitching the drape in place under the epaulettes was necessary to keep the drape in place. Different fabrics will hold their positions differently, but this movement should be expected in satin type fabrics.
Watch the Video - Let's Make a Prom Dress 1 - Choosing the Pattern and Fabric - Skye
Watch the Video - Let's Make a Prom Dress 2 - Tips to make your Dress - Skye
Watch the Video - Let's Make a Prom Dress 3 - Adding to the Dress - Skye
Watch the Video - Let's Make a Prom Dress 4 - Accessories for the Dress - Skye