I recently had a client come to my studio who wanted to make some adjustments to a dress she'd bought from a boutique. She wanted her dress with a V-shaped neckline converted into a strapless dress. She'd been around to all of the the local alteration shops and everyone had turned her down for one excuse or another. They said they couldn't do it, it wasn't possible, too difficult--you name it. Well as a tailor I like to take on unusual requests. I studied it for a few minutes and then I came up with a solution. You'll see the before and after pics below. I simply removed the straps and add a panel that joined the front bodice pieces together. I did the same for the back but instead used a bow. The alteration turned out great and my client LOVED the dress! She couldn't stop raving about it! Don't be intimated when you run up against a sewing challenge. You'd be surprised what you can pull off with a little thought and ingenuity:)
BEFORE---this is the dress featured on a model on the Allure Bridal website
here. I forgot to take before pics of my client in the dress.
After: Front and Back photos. This is my client wearing her altered gown. The strapless conversion was just what she wanted!!!!
Very nice solution! Thanks for sharing it. ~Mary Beth
ReplyDeleteAwesome solution! And you're right, a sewing challenge doesn't have to be intimidating. Did you need to add any boning for support or did the bow help secure the dress?
ReplyDeleteGreat solution and a Very Happy costumer! I imagine the dress had a corset type bodice to start with?
ReplyDeleteGentleman Jim, I give the same advice...."welcome the challenge"! I've had similar experiences where other local alteration shops did not want to bother with something...I took on the challenge( I foolishly believe I can do anything if it's already been done, lol). I love it because it pushes me to increase my skill level and do things I would not ordinarily do on my own. The end of it all the customers and I are all happy and ecstatic for our own reasons of achievement and satisfaction!
ReplyDeleteI must say, I DO NOT consider myself a tailor. I am mostly self-taught. I specialize in bridal and formal wear, but alterations has been my greatest teacher.
Thanks for sharing your wealth of wisdom! I am EVER learning.
Very beautiful alteration - no wonder the client was so happy!
ReplyDeletedress is amazing!!! I get asked just the opposite... could you just put a sleeve in this strapless dress? Sometimes I so want to say.." why didn't you buy a dress with sleeves if that is what you wanted"... but I don't ..I just smile and say .. yes no problem.
ReplyDeleteWow, didn't think there was hope for that dress. What creativity, see what happens when you push the button of possibilities. Awesome, Mr. Jim. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow, that turned out gorgeous! Excellent work!
ReplyDeleteWedding is such a very special moments in everyone life. Thanks for shearing information about Wedding Dress Alterations
ReplyDeleteThanks for Posting ! first time I have found a genuine post related to Gown Alterations
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