7 May 2010

The "Better Late Than Never" Dress

I actually attended two Senior Proms when I was in high school.  My boyfriend at the time was a year older than me, so we attended his Prom and a year later, we attended mine.  I've shown both of the dresses I made here and here.  Even back then I was channeling the full skirted 50s vibe.  Thank goodness I went with this classic style because the late 1980s were responsible for a lot of Prom fashion victims. 

Fast forward twenty years and I am again attending Prom (I estimate I've attended ten Proms over the years - you'd think I'd get to be Prom Queen just once, simply for sheer tenacity!) on May 14th.  I've already introduced you all to my inspiration for this year's dress, as well as the fabrics that will be used.  So, let's talk pattern.


I have made this vintage McCall's 9690 before (for Timmel's SWAP 2007) and I was really pleased with the resulting dress.  I will revisit this pattern for my "Better Late Than Never" dress.  It has the same full skirt, shirred midriff and gathered surplice bodice as the inspiration dress.  

Obviously the lime silk chiffon will be used for the bodice and the darker avocado silk chiffon will be employed for the midriff and the skirt.  If I had more time, I would tweak the pattern to look exactly like the inspiration dress.  However, time is short*, so the only changes I will make will be a small bust adjustment and a slight enlargement of the midriff band.


*This past week has been hectic, so I have yet to actually start this dress.  I hope to have it cut out and mostly sewn up by the end of the weekend.  Fingers crossed.

11 comments:

Faye Lewis said...

You will be so stunning at the prom!

connie B said...

I own this pattern!!! We could have a sewalong, except I'll be in Philly with PatternReview friends next week! It will look gorgeous on you. The inspiration dress looks dreamy!

angie.a said...

oohh pretty. I had forgotten about your swap dress until you mentioned it! You always did the best swaps!!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I believe that you can knock this out this weekend and make a wonderful dress for prom!

I had forgotten how gorgeous your SWAP pieces were in 2007...it was awesome to look at them again!

Jean said...

Your dress will look amazing at the prom --- the colors are cool. I saw your prior post --- happy birthday! I'm turning 40 this year as well, and didn't realize it marked the official entrance into middle age. Ugh!

Rose said...

This dress was fantastic the first time that you made it. I'm looking forward to your newest version!

Eugenia said...

Love that pattern - it says "glamour and style". Your dress is going to be gorgeous.

lorenakitty said...

Perfect pattern! Can you get the Charger delivered in time - great color combo.

Carolyn said...

This is one stunning pattern! Can't wait to see your dress when it's finished...

amber said...

That is a great pattern!

denise@thebluegardenia.com said...

This pattern is stunning. So is your inspiration dress. You are gonna show up those little teen missies at the prom. All eyes will be on you!