Work in Progress: Hat Dress Part 2

Remember the Hat Dress?  Well it’s coming along quite nicely.  After a few hiccups and break-downs (didn’t fit the form, weird ripples here and there, things collapsing..the usual) I’m at a point where I’m pretty pleased with it.  It’s not quite finished, and it’s definitely not perfect.  But considering the fact that it’s a dress shaped like a hat (and who ever makes those!), I’m giving myself a pat on the back in spite of it’s uneven-ness and subtle ripples.  I have to have it finished by friday and it’s officially due next tuesday.  I’m feeling pretty confident time-wise, although its become quite cumbersome and barely fits through the doorframe of my room!  I’m hoping it can make the last few trips up to school that it needs to in one piece!

For the brim I used a layer of metal screen (like for a window) over a layer of buckram.  The threads you see around the edge are holding in place a strip of millinery wire that I put around the edge to keep it from flopping around.

Brim sewn on and staying up!  I used a strong shirring thread and sewed it on by hand (I’ve given up on maneuvering this thing around a sewing machine!)

Ribbon and bow pinned in place.  I still need to stitch those down.  She looks pretty cute doesn’t she!?

Some hidden adjustments I’ve made since last time:

• Added boning around the top curve, bottom curve and zipper seam to help hold the shape.
• Lessened the depth of the curves in the gores for a smoother look – in my last update the fabric wasn’t laying right.

Now all she needs is a tacked down ribbon and a few thousand rolls of a lint roller.
I’d love to hear your questions/feedback!  Email me or leave them in the comments below!

Hats off!
~Lady M.