That fateful day in September 2018 the flounce sleeve was trending, I was still an amateur then but I wanted to have an outfit with such a sleeve.
I headed to the market to get my fabrics, Lace fabrics to be precise.
The materials needed for this outfit were; Lace fabrics (3yards), Dull face satin fabrics (2yards), interfacing (Gum stay), Tafetta(3 yards used as lining and layer for sleeve), Bust warden, zipper, thread, and measurement.
When I got back to my workshop, I headed to the cutting table and then I did what I know how to do best.
Firstly, it was an off-shoulder princess dart and the lower bodice was a pencil dress.
I deducted about 4 inches away from my shoulder because that was how I wanted it.
I folded the upper bodice and marked out my bust point (apex) which was about 10inches, but since I deducted about 4 inches away, I was left with 6inches then I marked out 4inches in width which was my bust span so I connected it, using my half-length as the upper bodice length and added 2inches allowance to the width for sewing.
I cut the back too as a princess dart, I added my sewing allowance and zipper allowance too.
I cut the taffeta exactly as I have cut the lace and then I folded the taffeta in form of a. zero flares to my desired width and circumference and then I cut it out.
This was where the struggle started, however, I was determined to come out with a great result.
After cutting the circle, I used hard interfacing to turn it for it to be firm to work on.
That circle you see there was tough work for me then, I started from the mid-point to Mark one inch round to the end, and I did the same on the second circle.
Then I cut a very long strap of about 2 yards in length and 6 inches in width, then I turned it, I started to pleat right on the circle I had made earlier on with my chalk and I pleated to the end.
To be honest, I got frustrated at a point, because I was not getting it right, I make a stitch and then loosen up severally๐ช.
I left it for a while and went ahead to eat๐, then I danced a little to some good music and then I came back, this time even more determined.
I tried again, you know what they say about falling seven times and getting back eight, stronger, and better, that was exactly what I did.
After a few attempts, I got it, you need to see the excitement all over me.
To attach the flounce to the upper bodice
Then I went ahead to sew the upper bodice and the lower bodice which wasn't a big deal for me then.
I cut a strap of about 6inches and made an off-shoulder strap and then I attached my flounce to it
I made a belt too to give it a beautiful look.
This picture was taken in 2018, but because I love to document the process I found it in my flash drive and thought of sharing my experience as an amateur.
How you do feel when you try out a new style that you're not getting right, do you abandon it and move on to the next, or do you strive to get it right no matter how many times you fail?
I'll be in the comment section if you care to share.
Thanks for reading.
All images used are mine.