Pink and Black Evening gown

I used Vogue 8241 for this and I must say it looked a heck of a lot better on the model in the two-dimensional sketch. It came together beautifully and I absolutely love the top of this dress (I’ll be keeping this in mind for a pretty summer top pattern) but the lower half was really ‘full’ and I felt a bit matronly in it.

The elastic doesn’t pull it in tight enough to cinch the waist in so I ended up unpicking it and taking quite a bit of the bulk out of it – about 8cm on each side at the waist of the skirt. And because I liked the top half so much I decided to make it a skirt and top combo so I can wear the top part separately with a skirt or high waisted pants. I made a 3cm wide waistband for the top and bottom and I put an invisible zip in the skirt. I thought I could put an invisible zip in upside down to close the gap to the waistband but it stuck out in a funny way so I just left it open.

Finished off with a wide black belt and I don’t think you can tell its two-piece. Having the top half on a waistband instead of just tucking it into the skirt means that the gathers stay even and it doesn’t come un-tucked if I lift my arms up. (Essential if you’re busting a move on the dance floor at a wedding)

I made this for my cousins wedding and even though it took longer – as in I felt like it was never going to be finished – than I planned I think the result is pretty good, and versatile too. I have a lovely black skirt I can wear the top with and now I have an excuse to make these babies to go with it too!!

Materials
Silk georgette for the main, with silk habutai for lining.
Invisible zip, cotton and a beautiful swarovski crystal button.