Big Impact With Only Three Alterations

This is part two of two in which we transformed a Dancesport ballgown using only three alterations.

If you missed the first video, check out this blog: Three Steps to Change A Dancesport Gown

In 2022, Marlaine officially retired from competitive ballroom dancing.  The ballgown featured in this post is for sale.  If you are interested, please message me at teresa@seamssensational.com

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a#1 ADD SLEEVES

Adding 3/4 length sleeves to Marlaine’s gown dramatically changed the look of this dress!

However, the sleeves had a few special requirements to make them look this great:

• Creating sleeves was the most time-consuming of the three alterations.
• They required the most sewing skills.
• The alteration was also the most costly of all the changes due to the rhinestoning, which had to be done in the same pattern as the rest of the dress.

Since sleeves are also the biggest impact – they are worth the investment for this dress.

Marlaine said these three alterations changed her gown from a “sleek, race horse feel to pure romance.”a

#2 ADD VOLUME TO THE SKIRT

Marlaine’s previous skirt had a straight hem. Meaning the skirt hung stick straight…  Why change the skirt if the look is still trendy?

• Marlaine wanted a fresh look and feel. Creating the illusion of more skirt volume helped achieve that goal.
• A curvy skirt hem helps offset Marlaine’s hips, which are curvier now than when the dress was made for her ten years ago.

I used a narrow crinoline on the top layer of skirt since it is less visible than a wider crinoline would have been.

So the two skirt layers do not “nest together” and hang into the same folds, I used a wider crinoline for the chiffon/georgette underskirt.

#3 ADD DECORATIVE STRAPSa

Decorative straps are possibly the single best usage of scrap lycra EVER.

Marlaine’s body shape changed since I made the dress almost ten years ago.

As a result, her back was more exposed than she wanted. Rather than cover her youthful skin, we distracted the viewer’s gaze with well-placed criss-cross straps.

Watch the video below more for details about the three alterations to Marlaine’s dress.

WATCH NEXT: Watch a "live" client fitting. See the difference adding mesh sleeves makes for this senior competitor.

WATCH NEXT: Check out the first video in this aqua ballgown series. Three Steps to Change A Dancesport Gown

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