This week, we picked up right where we left off with our beautiful, Vivienne Westwood-inspired draped dress.

The goal for today’s session was to move from a conceptual front drape to a complete garment by draping the back pieces and marking everything meticulously so we are ready to create the flat pattern next week.

This is a crucial step where we translate all the soft, three-dimensional shapes into precise lines and notches that will guide us on the cutting table.

Demonstration Steps:

• Started by marking all the key points on the front draped pieces (the top and the skirt). I marked the side seams, underarm points, center front line, and the waistline seam where the top and skirt connect.

• Decided to simplify the complex pleated shoulder detail we had last week, opting instead for a more classic shoulder seam and a dropped armhole to make the garment more wearable and easier to construct.

• Refined the hemline of the skirt, adding a bit of length and a soft, rounded shape to create a more elegant flow and balance the asymmetrical drape.

• Draped the back top piece using a separate piece of fabric (a jersey from our “Pillowcase Challenge”!). I continued the line from the front, creating a simple, relaxed back with a defined shoulder and side seam that connects perfectly to the front.

• Draped the back skirt piece, starting by aligning the center back with the grainline and allowing the fabric to fall naturally to create a subtle flare towards the back, ensuring there’s enough ease and movement around the hip.

• Instead of creating a full, built-in top on the left side, we decided to leave it open, envisioning the dress being styled over a separate piece like a beautiful bralette, a corset, or a simple tank top for a more modern and versatile look.

• Completed the marking process by adding notches and alignment marks to the back pieces, ensuring all seams (side seams, shoulder seams, and waist seam) will match up perfectly when we get to the pattern stage.

We now have a complete, three-dimensional “map” of our dress, with both front and back pieces draped and fully marked.

It was so exciting to see the entire silhouette come together!

Next week is a very important session, as we will take all of these pieces off the form and carefully transfer them to paper, paying close attention to the tricky creative folds so we don’t lose any of that beautiful draped magic.