Melania Trump RNC Dress Inspiration (V9123)

Overall: It is not important what my political affiliation is, but OMG! when I saw Melania Trump's dress at the Republican National Convention (RNC) I knew I had to at least try to make it--especially being a beginner (I do believe in me and who's in me!). I had to see what I can do to get this dress made. I wanted to make it my own look, but still look HIGHLY similar to hers. I then learned where she purchased this dress and the designer: Roksanda Ilincic. I feel in love even more. Now, her dress was made with silk. I don't have that kind of money, so I used a good, but less expensive product.

Fabric: I used a yellow wool crepe from Elliott Berman Textiles --I love their fabrics as I have said before. I had in mind another dress with this fabric that I hadn't gotten around to, but I thought this would be a great use of this beautiful and extremely lightweight fabric. I do not have a serger, so I had to finish the edges with my machine stitch which was well worth it.

Base Pattern: To make this gorgeous dress--in my mind--I started with Vogue 9123--Very Easy Vogue. It had the basic bodice and skirt patterns with the half length sleeve and a flounce--what more could I asked for. I was going to make a basic sloper and alter it to do the pleats and tucks in the bodice and the skirt, but I remembered--my chest is blessed beyond measure and I hate pleats in my skirts and pants for reasons pertaining to my body figure.

Pattern Alterations, Cutting and Sewing: I'll start with the sleeve. I used the already drafted flounce and extended it all the way around by three or four inches. The flounce is cut on the fold, so this was very helpful. I added quite a bit of pleats and tucks--ununiformed--to get the look that I wanted. I wanted a really full look. I am EXTREMELY happy with how my sleeves turned out.

As it pertains to the pattern in general, it is fully lined which is a huge plus with a wool crepe fabric. I don't know if I made this thing to small or if I gained weight, but this bad boy was quite tight. I had this feeling when I tried on the sleeves that I was going to be a little tight. I should have left more ease than I did. My skirt was on a whole "nother" level! I can only loose weight to wear this puppy properly! Nonetheless, I am not scared of exercise.

For the tie belt, I added some interfacing since the material is so light. I wanted to do some edge stitching on the belt, but I did not have time before needing to leave my house.