Having A Ball

This post is going to cover the simplest way to create a full ball gown. This basic dress can easily be turned into a wedding dress, prom dress, historic costume, or princess gown worthy of Roger's and Hammerstein.

The construction is very basic and simple.

First choose your fabric. As usual, a simple cotton is the easiest to cut and sew. You can choose one fabric for a unified look, or mix n' match to create a two piece look. Solids and prints are both lovely.

Begin by creating a very simple top. A basic fitted top can be made following a basic bodice pattern. You can purchase a pattern for this, or cut a strip of fabric to loosely fit the doll's torso and sew darts into the front to make it fitted.

Cut a full circle skirt for the bottom of the gown.

*Tip: I buy lace with a double ruffle and then take my stitch ripper to the back of it. Remove the thread. Now you've got double the lace for half the price.

Trim the top of the body with lace and add lace to the bottom of the skirt. Lace can be fixed with a snap to use a shawl as well, as in the photos below.

The skirt can be attached to the top if you choose, or left separate to make it easier for small hands to dress the doll. As always, feel free to add all the embellishments you desire!