I "Haltered" It

Vogue 8448 was featured on the front of Vogue Patterns Magazine this past Spring, and I knew it was for me.

I also knew, from looking at the design, that it would be a droopy, stretchy mess, especially in the heavy rayon knit I was planning to use, unless I gave it some undergirding.

This is a simple design, and it is elegant, but, again, elegance is not achieved or experienced when worried that one has to continually hoist one's clothing up all evening.

So I made a few minor, but significant additions to the support structure.

First, I incorporated 1/4 inch clear elastic into the edge bordering the neckline. Inserted on a 1:1.2 ratio or thereabouts. (Not shown.)

Second, I incorporated 1 inch waistband quality elastic into the edge bordering the 'backline'. Inserted on a 1:1.3 ratio, as the rayon knit fabric is very heavy, and I needed that elastic grip against my body to hold the dress up. Backline is not a word, but you know what I mean, right?

Third, I incorporated a 'stay' at the center back, to wrap around my bra strap. Below, you'll see my bra strap inserted into the center back stay. You can also see how I incorporated the 1 inch elastic around the entire edge of the backline. I used my coverstitch machine to secure the elastic down, but you could just as easily do this with a zigzag or a twin needle on a regular machine. Et Voila. I have a dress that is comfortable to wear, easy to make, and suitable for many summer occasions.