Dress Project: Amanda

5 hrs 13 mins

Welcome to the Amanda Dress Project!

Designed with a flattering draped skirt and a well fitted, open V-neckline bodice with straps.
For any occasion, this sexy celebration gown will steal the show.

Amanda Dress Description:

Draped envelope skirt,
Princess bodice, well fitted, open v neckline
Fully lined
Supportive shoulder straps
Back zip closure
Waist seam
Fully lined envelope draped skirt

Project Steps:

Draping with muslin over dress form, unique size 14 (not Standard US Sizing)
Turning into sewing pattern
Fabric properties discussed and shown
Cutting fabric
Sewing on the machine
Fitting and tailoring instructions on dress form
Hand stitching and finishing details

Fabric amount:

Approximately you need 2 to 2 ½” yards of fabric for top fabric, depending on the length of your choosing and the width of your fabric.
It is the same amount for the lining fabric. If you wish, you can only line the bodice.
2 and 2 ½” of muslin for draping
Invisible zipper, approx. 15” to 18”
Knit fusible interfacing for the bodice (do not use stiffening interfacing )
Lightweight Rayon seam tape, or any seam tape proper for your fabric.

My fabric: Medium-weight Silk + viscose blend crepe back satin

Fabrics that can be used:

Any fabric that has a good drape, meaning it is flowy, hangs and moves in a fluid, body-skimming manner.

Lightweight wool Crepe, lightweight woven Interlock, mid-weight crepe, mid-weight or heavyweight rayon, viscose satin, Silk/ Cashmere or soft wool Gabardine (check for the drape) lightweight Velvet, lightweight/ mid-weight fluid draped polyester fabrics.

LESSONS

Reference Documents to Review

Lesson 1

PDF: Reference Documents

Print these PDFs for future reference!

Lesson 2

PDF: Amanda (Red) Dress Preparation & Info (Must Read!)

Print this PDF for future reference!

Introduction

Lesson 3

Introduction & Taping Style Lines

We prepare our dress form for draping by taping style lines according to our design. I demonstrated how to use graphic tape to create the neckline, princess lines, and other key elements of the dress on the form. This process helps visualize the design and allows for adjustments before starting the actual draping process.

8 mins

Draping

Lesson 4

Draping the Bodice

How to drape the bodice for the Amanda Dress Project. I demonstrated preparing and pinning muslin pieces to the dress form, shaping the fabric around the curves, and creating the princess seams for a close-fitting bodice. I also showed how to mark style lines, add ease, and prepare the pieces for pattern making.

51 mins

Lesson 5

Draping the Skirt

In this lesson, we drape an envelope-style skirt with pleats for the Amanda Dress. I demonstrated draping from the back to front, creating the pleated and draped effect in the front, and fitting the skirt to flatter a curvier figure. I also showed how to mark pattern pieces and prepare them for the next stage.

44 mins

Patternmaking

Lesson 6

Transferring the Bodice to Pattern

How to transfer the draped bodice pieces to paper patterns. I demonstrated the process of truing pattern pieces, adjusting fit, smoothing lines, and adding seam allowances. I also covered how to mark notches, grainlines, and other key pattern information.

45 mins

Lesson 7

Transferring the Skirt to Pattern - Part 1

In this session, I demonstrate how to transfer the draped skirt pattern onto paper and make necessary adjustments. I trace the skirt top piece, close the pleats, and match the darts to the bodice pattern.

31 mins

Lesson 8

Transferring the Skirt to Pattern - Part 2

In this lesson, I completed the pattern for the skirt portion of the dress. I transferred the draped muslin pattern onto paper, ensuring symmetry and adding appropriate seam allowances. This prepared the skirt pattern for cutting the fashion fabric.

13 mins

Sewing

Lesson 9

Cutting the Fabric and Lining

I demonstrated how to cut the fabric and lining for the Amanda dress project. I explained the different fabrics I would be using for the bodice, skirt, and lining, and showed the process of cutting out all the necessary pattern pieces.

11 mins

Lesson 10

Sewing the Bodice

In this session, I taught how to sew the bodice of the dress, including attaching the lining to the outer fabric and adding straps. I added thin stay tapes to stabilize the neckline edges before sewing the lining and outer fabric together. Finally, I made and attached the straps.

21 mins

Lesson 11

Sewing the Skirt

In this lesson, I teach how to sew the skirt portion of the dress, which involves several intricate steps as it's an envelope skirt with pleats and a fully lined design. I explain the process of closing darts, attaching the back from the zipper down, and clean finishing the hem before pleating the front.

26 mins

Lesson 12

Finishing the Dress

How to attach the skirt to the bodice, insert the zipper, and finish the lining of the dress. I demonstrate how to do each step meticulously, ensuring a clean and professional finish.

20 mins