Hello wonderful people of the Needlework community, and welcome to yet another episode from my series, The
Recreation, The Inspiration.
Today, I'm particularly excited to share this recreation of a trendy side gathers dress I made with an Ankara print. I think this is one of the dresses I've made entirely on my own, which is to say, no YouTube tutorial or online guide of any sort. I just figured it out, and I can't begin to tell you how fulfilled this dress has made me. The whole purpose of starting this weekly series was to ensure I master the seamstress's art before I can truly become a designer myself.
With that being said, I have bittersweet news. I may be ending this series sooner than you know it. However, I am glad to announce to you all that I will be introducing a new series that would be all about creating my own designs. Nevertheless, we keep improving. Now, straight to how I made this dress.
Materials Used
- Three yards of Ankara print fabric
- A matching lining (same measurement as the fabric)
- Matching thread(s)
- A long zipper
- A yard of hard net
- Bias to turn the bottom part (optional)
Measurements Used
Vertical Measurements
- Length
- Shoulder
- Bust point
- Under bust point
- Waist line
- Nipple to nipple
Horizontal Measurements
- Round bust
- Round under bust
- Waist
- hips
Tips for Achieving This Dress
The first thing you need to understand about this dress is that it’s easier than it looks.
I made mine with a princess dart, but you could choose to make yours with a normal dart.
Do not underplay the role of slash and spread in this dress; that's how you get the gathers. While I slashed mine in five places and gave 5 inches of space in between them, you can choose to slash yours as many or few as you want. Just know the more space you leave, the fuller your gathers.
Although the dress is described as having hip gathers, don't be fooled, the gather actually starts 2inches your waistline. Trust me, I made that mistake.
You don't have to slash and spread your hard net. Just about 3 to 2 inches extra will do, or none at all.
Lastly, make sure to notch your zipper allowance for a proper back fitting.
Thank you so much for your time. Until next week, I still remain your very enthusiastic fashion lover, 