Sprucing up my Standard gown - sewing questions!

here are some photos of my first skirt, having bought myself a gather foot. So much fun:) I only pinned the flowers on, and pinned up the front to show the petticoat..... not sure if I will leave it like that or not yet.... what do you think? This is the chiffon petticoat, I am working on an organza one at the moment.
left side black and orange.jpg back black and orange.jpgblack and orange flower.jpg
 
Here is a pic of the organza petticoat. it clearly shows the 4 point skirt, the small godets, and the 2 layers of ruffle. The pink skirt is the same pattern, and sits over the top. Not sure yet if I will sew the 2 together, or just add a waistband to the petticoat. I forgot to "hang" the petticoat to allow the bias to stretch on the godets, so they droop a bit. I WILL NOT forget to do that on the next one!
petticoat.jpg pink skirt front.jpg Since making these, I have ended up making an almost ballroom dress, but in 3 parts! First the petticoat, then the skirt, and had some bits of material left, so I am in the throes of making a top to match. it is also an experiment to see if I can make something that holds the 2 breast protheses in place - I made a top/sleeves in mesh, and layered that under the velvet top and lycra bodysuit. By stitching through the layers of mesh and lycra, I made pockets for the protheses which are not visible from the outside. They could also just be used to hold a bra cup, which would mean the outfit could also be used by a "normal" person (as well as put on a dress form!). It is not quite finished yet - I need to decide if I should add shoulder straps? I guess nude coloured ones under the mesh wouldn't show too much. I am a little worried that the mesh isn't quite as strong as the velvet and lycra, which may mean it will work downwards when I try dancing in it.....
pink dress front.jpg pink dress back.jpg
 
Here are some pics of the next dress so far. I like how it has turned out, esp the flowers:-) they remind me of big fat chrysanthemums!! They can be tipped inside out to make a wrist band. I haven't added the body suit yet as I only had gold colour lycra. Also it looks as if it could suit a junior level dancer I know, and it will be easier to adjust the fit without the bodysuit already attached, and to decide if she wants sleeves or not, as well. It is exciting how differently the same basic pattern can turn out each time!
Blue dress front.jpg blue dress back.jpg blue flower.jpg blue flower as wristband.jpg
 
Ok...borrowing a dress from a friend for upcoming comp with new boy. I test-wore it at the same sex comp recently and I've got a serious case of back fat going on!! I'd really like the focus to be on my dancing rather than the unique ways that my body folds when I shape...can anyone suggest some temporary alterations I could do to this style of dress to either close in the back or to disguise it?

Screen Shot 2016-11-12 at 8.59.05 PM.png 15034062_10209933569189982_1362863182_o.jpg
 
Lioness said:
I'd really like the focus to be on my dancing rather than the unique ways that my body folds when I shape...
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I have no suggestions for you, but it reminds me of when my 30 year old ridiculously fit pro was helping me pick out dresses. He's great at it, but not necessarily aware of all concerns such as this. After I asked several questions about one dress on me, he, getting somewhat perplexed, asked, "what exactly are you concerned about?" Me: "Fat rolls showing on back." Him, after carefully checking it out under several different situations: "It's fine." Gotta love the guy.
 
Lioness said:
Ok...borrowing a dress from a friend for upcoming comp with new boy. I test-wore it at the same sex comp recently and I've got a serious case of back fat going on!! I'd really like the focus to be on my dancing rather than the unique ways that my body folds when I shape...can anyone suggest some temporary alterations I could do to this style of dress to either close in the back or to disguise it?
Click to expand...


Girl, this struggle is REAL for me, too. In this case, can you find a nude leo to wear under this?

http://motionwear.com/boatneck-leotard-2110/

Discount Dance is a good place to search, too.
 
Nude bodysuit underneath may work. I am thinking of the very lightweight ones they sell for ballet undergarments. Then you would not need to do any alterations to the dress.

Otherwise a small float attached near each shoulder and draping down the back could work.
 
If a leotard, I'm wondering about black instead of nude. Either a simple camisole leotard in a fabric similar to the dress that scoops to mid-back (since your upper back looks fine), or a leotard with a mesh or lace back. (I'm not fully confident in this; I'd have to see it.) I could also imagine Joe's criss-cross strap idea across the bottom, either lacing or elastic straps.
 
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bia said:
Or maybe one float-like piece of chiffon, attached to both shoulders and draped like a cowl back?
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Oops, too late to edit -- @raindance, I just re-read yours and realized that this was probably what you meant. When I first read yours, I pictured two small floats, one from each shoulder.
 
I dreamed about this the other night and dream me thought about the leotard too!!

My concern is then that the upper back "keyhole" would look weird and out of place because it's too small.

I like the leotard that comes to a point...that's pretty cool.
 
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