Puff dress, attempt #1

Pieces cut out for Puff Dress

Attaching the shoulders

Sleeve machined on, due to the size there was a little manipulation needed in the arm hole.

Side seams and CF seams closed, I like the shaping on the hips.

I am going to alter the patterns as I don't like the shaping on the CF and CB seams.

Attached the cuff, I need to add a slit onto my pattern as I forgot (silly me)

I plan to redo this toile after amending the shaping on the CF & B seams so they lie flat and all the shaping is accenting the hips.

Bra top to go over body shaper

Draping the bra top on the mannequin, the pleats were very difficult to manipulate but the finish is well worth it.

The top image is straight off the mannequin, I created a pattern from this and recut the shape to make the pieces below, which is a lot neater and should mean the bra top is balanced and symmetrical.

All pinned back on the mannequin to manipulate the pleats, now all I need to do is press and manufacture!

Central pleats pressed and stitched in place

Manipulating further on the mannequin and pinning the back strap in place.

Finished piece, I am pleased with this, this has been my first attempt at draping a garment and I am glad I chose to use it.

The garment gapes a little bit but seeing as its going over a body suit its not much of a problem, also I believe it better for it to be a little too big when it comes to fittings week!

Body shaper, success!

Sleeves for body shaper in stretch fabric

Back pieces for body shaper

Front of body shaper

Sleeve attached using flat method.  I think this is well manufactured and I am pleased with the outcome.

Shoulder seam, I will obviously use black thread on my final garment.

Pinned to the mannequin, I am pleased with the progress so far and my patterns have worked and matched up well.

Side view on the mannequin

Fits really well!

All finished, I quite like the zip being more of a feature.

Side view of finished toile. 

Body shaper, first attempt

Sleeve pieces in Calico for body shaper

Back of body shaper

Front of body shaper

Shoulders sewn together

Sleeve added using the flat technique, I think this is the most effective method

I notched into the seam on the shoulder to allow a smoother curve

The sleeve was far too tight to allow a hand to pass through so I planned to add a slit

The entire sleeve was too tight, I think this is due to the calico not having any stretch so I will make this toile again in a stretch fabric.

Zip added to the back and toile is completed in Calico

As you can see the bottom of the zip is a little messy, I will have to take more care on the actual production of my collection.