Design Question

[Dancebug]

Hi,

I am about to make a new Latin dress with a very simple design. Here is something I would like to learn from you, dressmakers.

I have only made panel dresses so far. I wonder if I should try something different this time. I mean, what would the dress be like if I make a bodice (which comes down around the crotch area) and a knee-length skirt (maybe with two circles) separately and then join them? (I think a panel design dress wastes a lot more fabric than a dress with joined bodice and skirt.)

Do you think the design difference will show a lot of differences when it is done? What is good and bad of each design in their looks and function (I mean when I dance)? BTW I am planning to add a bias tape on the skirt. I don't know that changes anything in your advice.

Thank you.

 

[Yliander]

I have only made panel dresses so far. I wonder if I should try something different this time. I mean, what would the dress be like if I make a bodice (which comes down around the crotch area) and a knee-length skirt (maybe with two circles) separately and then join them? (I think a panel design dress wastes a lot more fabric than a dress with joined bodice and skirt.)

my last costume - was this basic concept - and it worked a treat - the skirt was a full circle - so moved beautifully - have posted some pictures http://www.dance-forums.com/album/showphoto.php/photo/930/cat/500/page/1 - although looking at the pictures after the comp - think I could have had it a little shorter

have made one with a square skirt - easier that the circle skirt - don't have any pictures of that dress but do have a pic of the skirt http://www.dance-forums.com/album/showphoto.php/photo/932/cat/500/page/1 - it is straight across the front but drops on the sides - on some skirts I have made I have cut the corners to get a double point on the corners - gives it a bit more a flutter

 

[Joe]

The hard part is getting the hole in the circle skirt the right size to match up with the bottom of the bodice.

 

[Chris Stratton]

One other thing to think about is if you want to make it a simple pullover dress (skirt hanging from an elongated top), or if you want to make it as a bodysuit with a skirt spliced into it low on the hips. Doing the latter holds the top of the skirt in place on the body, so that it's movement has a well defined starting point flattering to short, fast actions. Wheras if it's just hanging from a top that is somewhat loose to move on your body, the response may be slower and blend over several steps.

 

[Yliander]

One other thing to think about is if you want to make it a simple pullover dress (skirt hanging from an elongated top), or if you want to make it as a bodysuit with a skirt spliced into it low on the hips. Doing the latter holds the top of the skirt in place on the body, so that it's movement has a well defined starting point flattering to short, fast actions. Wheras if it's just hanging from a top that is somewhat loose to move on your body, the response may be slower and blend over several steps.

the bodice would have to be pretty loose for there to be much hanging going on.

both dresses I have, have body suits underneath - for modesty and smoother lines - with bodice and skirt over the top - to stop the dress/skirt being able to fall up to high in aerials (I end up upside down a fair bit) there are a few stitches through the seam that joins the skirt to the bodice - through to the bodysuit underneath.


I like this better than attaching skirt directly to the body suit - easier to have it looking like a dress rather than a leotard with a skirt attached