Rachel’s dress for the wedding

Rachel came to me about 6 weeks before the wedding in a panic.   The so-called ‘bespoke’ dress she had ordered from China had arrived and did not begin to fit.  It was about 8 inches too short and would not fasten around her body.  They refused to take it back as it was ‘bespoke’.  Rachel is tall (about 6’2”) and was very keen to have a dress which fitted properly.  She chose the fabric and colour required, and we set about making a toile to demonstrate what the final dress would be like.  A toile is a copy of the final garment but in a cheap fabric, which is used to make the necessary adjustments.  As time was short, we used a standard commercial pattern.  The bodice is boned and lined (no straps).  There is an empire line which is enhanced with a simple self fabric tie.  The skirt is A line and lined.  The hem is lined with horsehair braid to give it some stiffness so it holds it’s shape and does not collapse.  The overall effect is one of simple elegance, and this is probably the first time that Rachel has had a dress which is the right length!