8 Inch Heels?

If there was ever a dress to match a sweet teen's personality, this was it. Everything about this dress was perfect for her  - the color, the style, the detail. The only obstacle was the train. Could she wear 8 inch heels? Maybe,but for now, that was Plan B.  I needed Plan A.

When she showed up with her mom and grandma, I wasn't sure how to go about it at first.  I thought of removing layers but prom was quickly approaching and there were a lot of layers. I didn't think I'd have the time to remove layers so I started rethinking that idea. Looking at the way the skirt fanned out behind her, it looked a lot like a wedding gown to me (ignoring the color and the many many ruffles.) That's when it hit me, why not a bustle? Of course, a bustle.  But how?

Starting in the front with a layer that was even with the floor, I picked up pieces, pulled them up and under the ruffles until it was even with the floor and hand tacked it to the body of the dress. It was a lot easier than I imagined it was going to be. Remember, my initial thoughts are always way more complicated than they need to be. Happy to say, we did not have to resort to Plan B - 8 inch heels.

The end result was just as I hoped it would be. I will never forget this dress, it was so fun to alter because all I used was a needle and thread, hand tacking my way from one side to the other. Don't get me wrong, I value what I can do with my sewing machine but there's just something about hand sewing whether it's adding beading to a bodice or hand tacking a ruffled train. Maybe it's the simple fact I sewed it with my very own hands using just a needle and thread.

Whatever the reason, this girl was ready for prom.