Black Tie DIY: Phase 1

I wanted a more dramatic look for this year's black tie DIY (see last year's dress) and decided I would go with a fuller skirt, a print, and a bodice that would allow me to wear a regular undergarment (I feel like I'm constantly readjusting strapless bras) / feature a necklace of some sort.  After making a couple test bodices, I went with a simple one that seemed to fit my needs.  I was happily finishing up when my husband happened upon me and asked why my dress was skewing so "bridal."  I was about to protest  until I took a long look at my dress and realized he was right.  Epic FAIL.

The (inadvertently bridal) dress DIY

I added a tie at the back to dress up the simple bodice

So what do I do with this dress now?  I contemplated doing some kind of overlay, but ultimately, I think I'm just going to sew a different dress.  The rose dress will probably be a (very elaborate) Halloween dress - maybe the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland?  I seem to remember her having all the roses painted red in the cartoon.  I could then make E an Alice costume, V a Mad Hatter, and some yet to be named male character for my husband.  Ha, now I've roped in the whole family!

Phase 2 will consist of a new dress using this bold black / white paisley found at Fabrics R Us:

I might change the bodice in favor of something less plain.  Wish me luck!

What kinds of bodices / silhouettes are you drawn to for black tie occasions?

Black Tie DIY Part 2

On Sunday, I asked which of the 3 options here would be most appropriate for a black tie event and most were in favor of the plain with gathered shoulder.  I wound up making all 3 (more explanation below), but wore the gathered ruffle to the event.  (Sorry for more iPhone pics, I still can't find that darn camera remote.)

Full-length and up-close (w/ a shot of my attempted updo)

As Jessy correctly surmised, I made the ruffle detachable with options to wear as full length or gathered.  The detachable ruffle transforms to a gathered ruffle with a few well-placed snap buttons.  I always love when I see garments with multiple ways of wearing and I'm trying to adopt that into more of my DIYs.

One dress, 3 options to wear

Want to help plot future transformable garments?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Black Tie DIY Part 1 & New Sewing Room

Weeks ago, my husband told me we'd be going to a black-tie event the first weekend of November in SF.  At the time, I thought, "Eh, I can whip up a dress AND get everything unpacked."  I underestimated how much stuff we have, or more precisely, overestimated my organizational capabilities.  So I put everything on hold and set to work.  I knew I wanted to make a long gown in a fabric that I already had (to speed up the process) with some kind of interesting detail.  I decided on a one-shoulder top and pondered my options:

L to R: Plain w/ Gathered Shoulder, Ruffled, Gathered Ruffle

I did ultimately make a decision (will be posted later this week), but I'm curious on what you think.  Which option (or perhaps none of the above) would you choose for a black tie event?

And a peek into where all the pondering and sewing happens:

I have most of my fabrics folded up neatly and organized - 3 more boxes (eek) to go!

My sewing station: Janome Serger and Singer Heavy Duty 4423

I decided to merge our office and sewing area together.  In Ohio, my sewing area was the dinette in our kitchen which made set-up and take-down a pain in the butt.  I'm much happier with this new arrangement!