Making the (Leaf Evening Gown) Loop

First of all, when it comes to marking I am a BIG believer in marking via Tailor's Tacks...



The original instructions advise closing the Loop seam and then narrow hemming both Loop edges by hand. However, I narrowed hemmed these edges (by machine, but one could narrow hem at this point by hand as well) and then stitched the Loop closed:











The completed loop (this instruction is also applied to the loop for pattern E30-6719):


If one wishes for more structure to make the top part of the loop more stable, I recommend inserting 1/8" dowels cut to length into the fabric (at the back of the loop) between the top-most pleats.

1930 Leaf Evening Gown Progress

A little peek into what I am doing with this pattern:


I managed creating 9 boat leaves within 18 minutes:





Here, you see the complete bodice with complete lining underneath:


This view demonstrates the two sizes of boat leaves I am using between the straps and the back panel. You can see the verigated nature of the scarlet/emerald ribbon I am using here as well:

2011 Gatsby Photos

A few photos from the Art Deco Society of California's 27th Annual Gatsby Summer Afternoon.

Having just rolled up after hitching a ride with this fellow in fur:


A couple of ladies with their well behaved pet:


Miss Art Deco about to be crowned:


My dance partner 'Crazy Ed':


Aundrea in her smashing blue! The hat is from one of her mother's stash of fifty!


With my customer Debi Fry:


A little entertainment on the side:


Back view of my ribbon frock (click for larger image):

Ribbon Leaves

Here are the beginnings of my ribbon leaves for the 1930 Leaf Evening Gown. I am creating the leaves from two different widths of ribbon. That of a 2" width for the shoulder strap leaves and 3" width for the back train.

I followed instructions for vintage boat leaves provided by Carole Sidlow at RibbonStore.com (which are also included with the pattern):

Link to ribbon leaf instruction

Step 1:


Step 2:


Larger leaf (for the train):


Smaller leaf (for the shoulder straps):


A pair of leaves for the shoulder strap: