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Sewing/Wedding dress alterations

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Expert: Sharon Vogel - 10/12/2009


Question

Dress length
Hi,
I just bought a second hand wedding dress as attached,
however the dress is a perfect length without heels and as Im planning on wearing heels it would be too short!
Would I be able to lengthen the dress by somehow adding material to it without making it look ridiculos? you can see this from the pictures also
The dress is 100% Silk Organza
Thanks again
Looking forward to your reply


Answer

gown extension
Dear Farrah,
This is a beautiful dress.  Congratulations on a great second hand purchase and on your coming wedding.

First, I would try the dress on with the exact heels you are going to wear so that you know exactly how much extra length you will need. (of course, you probably already knew to do that)  This method of adding length may depend on your ability to find matching organza and or lace.  If I am seeing correctly, there is a lace applique on the front of the dress and the bodice is covered in lace.

Let's say you need to add two inches of length to the dress.  You may need to consider the underskirt length as well as the overskirt length because the ivory organza is very transparent.  If you can find matching organza, you could attach a second underskirt to the existing underskirt that is two inches longer than the existing overskirt.  The attachment would start under the lace applique so that it will not show.  The edge of this underskirt will now end two inches below the existing over skirt giving a tiered effect.  With two layers of organza, the underskirt may not need to have any extra length added.  If you want to add length to the lining underskirt, I would use a flat lace which is similar to the bodice lace.

I have attached a simplified drawing of what I am suggesting.  Please write back if you have more questions.

Good luck with the alteration of this beautiful dress and best wishes!

Sharon

Sharon Vogel

Expertise

I can answer general sewing questions as well as tailoring, heirloom, menswear, children's wear, craft sewing, quilting and just about any fabric or notion. I can also help with some sewing machine repair and maintenance.

Experience

I started sewing at the age of 3...thanks to my mom and grandmother, and I am now in my fifties. Home economics classes in junior high and high school helped me to finesse my skills.

Education/Credentials
Palmer and Plesch tailoring class Basically, self-taught...give me the instructions and I will figure it out and then make it better!

Awards and Honors
A few blue ribbons at fairs along the way

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