After a sneak peek the other day of the fabrics and pattern I used, I'm finally ready to show you all the Moroccan-1960s fusion dress I made for my sister Aria! In case you didn't see the other post, the formal at my sister's university (the occasion for this dress-making venture) was "Night in Morocco," and my sister said that although the theme of the night didn't come across in more than some Middle Eastern-esque lanterns in the center of the tables, she coordinated perfectly!
(If you'd like to read more about the traditional Moroccan garments inspiring this and the designing thought behind it, go to my sneak peek post!)
I ended up using the vintage pattern, 1960s Simplicity 3929, because it looked like it would be more likely to fit my sister's more petite size than the modern re-released 60s pattern. I made a mock up that fit, but when I tried it in the fashion fabric the top was far too tight! Though frustrating, I had enough fabric left to try again, and it worked the second time!
I lined the top in another silky gold fabric I had in my stash and hand-sewed all the trim around the neckline. I added a notch into the neckline to give a faux layered look that is incorporated into traditional Moroccan caftans, then I added fancy embellishment and ribbon. Next, I made self-covered buttons with a layer of the gold fabric and two layers of the navy tulle and centered them down the front. These buttons in combination with the chunky belt seem to be a popular detail on Moroccan garments, too.
For the bottom, I gathered several yards of tulle (folded in half with selvedges at the top) onto the skirt for lots of volume. I think it contrasts nicely with the pencil-shaped skirt below for some extra drama! My sister was afraid it would come off as too poofy, but I assured her that poof only means one's waist looks smaller, and it's never anything to be afraid of! In the end, I think it turned out with enough puffiness to make us both happy. I got my drama and Aria got her easy wearability!
She wore this to her university's spring formal and said she not only got lots of compliments, but she was perfectly comfortable dancing in it, too! Success! This was the first time I have ever made a full garment for someone else from scratch, and I'm very relieved that it turned out and that Aria liked it. (I was nervous about botching it, I won't lie! I'm connected to Aria forever; high stakes!)
Doesn't she look amazing?! Her hair, makeup, dress, everything! She's rocking it!
No comments