Proms proms proms

Well hello all...I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!  I've just resurfaced from the Sewing Center.  I've been so busy sewing up a storm for my prom clients!!!!  I finished the last gown on Thursday. 
 
I'll post about two projects!  

My client brought this all animal print blazer in requesting that the color and lapels be changed to black satin. I removed the collar, lapels, and pocket flaps; pressed them out; and used them for my pattern.  I had some black Casa satin from Joanns.  I recut the collar, lapels, and pocket flaps (fused them with fusible interfacing) and replaced them.  I think it turned out great! 

This client found a pic of a bow tie he wanted to finish off his prom look.  Here's the bow tie I made him. 

And here he is on prom night! Dapper Dan if I say so myself!!!!!

This was a last minute request from my great-nephew.  Only great nephews can come the week before prom and get a vest and bow tie!!!!! 

sequin & black satin bow tie

The fabric for the vest is a very opulent stretch sequin from A Fabric Place in Baltimore.  I attached seam binding to all of the seams to help stabilize it.  I used fusible interfacing in the lining.  The sequins had a 4" border fabric, which I used to make covered buttons!  Perfect match!!!!   I used McCalls 4321 view C-D without the lapel.  I didn't add the mock welt pockets...the sequin fabric made them too bulky looking.

   

This so far has been my favorite prom gown this year!  I used two Vogue patterns to create the look.  Here is the pic she showed me.

Vintage Vogue Vera Wang  1534
I used this pattern from my stash for the sheer bodice.  I used a fabric ironically called Vera Mesh.  It is sheer, stretchy and very strong!  I attached a satin binding around the cuffs, neck front and down the v-shaped back.

I modified Vogue 2931 for the body of the gown for the mesh bodice and v-shaped back.  She purchased a black stretch taffeta from A Fabric Place in Baltimore.  I cut the motifs from the black allover lace fabric she also purchased from A Fabric Place.   At first I glued them on to the sleeves, but that didn't work so great.  So I re-cut the bodice which is a one piece cut on the fold (sleeves and bodice all one piece) and sewed them on using a tiny zig zag stich  before I closed up the seam of the sleeve .   The lace motifs were then sewn to the neck binding and also to the front bodice.  You can't see it on the pics, but I attached heat set black crystals to the bodice and some of the motifs on the sleeves.  In person is was very stunning!!!  The lining of the dress has 10 yds of  54" petticoat tulle sewn just below the knee.  I kept it folded and gathered along the  fold with a gathering foot then sewed it to the lining.  It gave the dress that glamorous look and peeked out just enough for the added touch of drama!   It was perfect for the 5" heels she wore!!!!! 

 

I finished prom dress #3 last week. The prom is Thursday, I'll be sure to post pics and tell you the story behind it as well.  Thanks for stopping by...hopefully I'll get a few pieces sewn for myself in the next few weeks!!!