In this session, I announced our upcoming first Draping Society DDM Workshop focusing on conceptual draping techniques.

As for demonstration, I focused on the detailed hand-finishing of the Freya Dress bodice construction, particularly the front section.

The main work centered on completing the dart construction with precise hand stitching, followed by securing and cleaning the center front twist detail area.

I demonstrated careful hand-sewing techniques using small 3mm stitches, and prepared the neckline edges for later ribbon trim attachment.

Demonstration steps:

1. Finished dart construction by hand-sewing with small stitches (3mm length), trimming to 1cm seam allowance
2. Aligned and secured front facing with main fabric, hand-basting in place
3. Folded and cleaned raw edges at the center front twist area, securing with hand stitching
4. Cleaned and secured side edges of front twist detail with hand stitching, ensuring no raw edges show
5. Closed bodice dart with hand stitching, locking stitches at intervals
6. Pinned neckline edge approximately one inch from edge, preparing for later ribbon trim attachment
7. Marked and prepared back neckline facing, ensuring clean fold lines for eventual V-shape meeting point at front
8. Prepared bodice for dress form fitting by pressing seams and marking grain belt placement

The demonstration ended with preparations for the next steps of fitting on the dress form and further bodice construction.