need HELP with a DIY project for my dress!

[evaleen]

Hi everyone!

 

Last week I bought my dress!!! You won't believe it, but I actually found it in Macy's!!! I was just browsing (for vacation clothes) when I came across a beautiful white, one shoulder, mermaid style dress. I made a joke to my FI's mother that I should try this on and use it as my wedding dress! Well sure enough, it fit me like a glove! It was also super cheap ($75 marked down from $250) and they have a 6 month return policy...so with nothing to lose, I bought it! It is a beautiful dress...but the only thing I would like to change about it is the bottom. Like I said, it is mermaid style...so really fitted in the bodice and starts to flare out right under my knees. But I don't find the flare big enough because there is nothing underneath to puff it out more. I was thinking of buying some crinoline and attaching it underneath to give it some more umph! Has anyone ever done this that can help me out? And does anyone know where to purchase crinoline?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Miss Lighting Bug]

Does the dress have a layer of lining? What is the top fabric made of? The top layer material is very important because that will decide how you will sew the crinoline. If thin and silky you will want to sew the crinoline on the INSIDE of the lining against your legs (it will be scratchy but if you sew it on the outside it will show bumps) If the top layer is more satin then you can get away with sewing on top of the crinoline. You can purchase the crinoline at a fabrics store like JoAnns. Once you purchase the fabric measure from the knee down and cut a little longer just for some play at first. Turn the dress inside out for easy sewing. Sew directly to the lining right where you want to start the flare (I would put the dress on and place pins where you want it to flare then measure the same distance all the way around the gown). When sewing keep the crinoline gathered-think of a fan and only have roughly a 1/4-1/8 inch of crinoline at the top of the seam. You can leave a larger amount and trim down when finished. Once finished sewing trim the bottom so it is shorter then the hem on the outer layer. (IF you are feeling very adventurous you can sew a new liner in where the crinoline starts so that you don't get scratched- if you have a silky dress)

 

***Before you start check the bottom of your dress to make sure there is some play/give to allow for a fuller cronoline skirt, if not then it will look awkward***

 

Whatever you do do not steam the crinoline- if it is steamed it won't hold the form. If it is too stiff place your dress in the shower. Let me know if you have any questions. It sounds complicated without me seeing the dress itself and fit but it shouldn't be once you examine it.

[*Linds*]

pictures please!

[mochamakes3]

I'm going to bump this in hope of more comments. I want to add more oomph to my dress too but I can't add the netting to the dress so I think I need to make a separate crinoline. Any hints?

[autjo]

It might help if we had a picture of your dress. But based on your description, what about finding something like this? They sell on ebay for about $40 if you don't want to DIY it.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Fit-and-Flare-Slip-550_Accessories-Lingerie-Slips

 

[hamme]

I was also thinking that the budget conscious bride could go to the thrift stores and try to find a slip with the poof you need. I would suggest calling a local tailor and ask them to do it- Don't tell them it is for a wedding or they might jack the price up.

[Saranver2011]

I was at a bridal shop in Edmonton Alberta about a month ago and they had me put on a "hoop" under the gowns I was trying on. I had never heard of or seen one before but I will most definitely be wearing one! It is essentially a slip made of nice, lightweight material  with a hoola hoop stitched into the bottom. It gives you the poof you want for your dress without the extra material (and subsequent heat). It actually keeps the dress away from your skin and acts a personal A/C. I recently moved to Halifax but will be ordering a "hoop" from Edmonton. They run about $40. I've added a link to their site below.

 

http://www.bridaldebut.com/

[amandasalways]

Thanks for the tip about the hoop. I was looking at getting something like this but was having a hard time finding one

[mochamakes3]

So now that I was able to find a crinoline for $30, I tried it on with my dress and I think it still needs more pouf. Any suggestions on how to make it puffier? Or should I just attempt to add a layer? I also plan on dying it, will that make it puffier or flatter?