How to Add Lace Sleeves and Shoulders to a Strapless Lace and Silk Taffeta Gown

Before

After

When I added my first post regarding adding sleeves to a strapless dress, I had not taken enough pictures to be able to take you on a step-by-step process of adding shoulders and sleeves.  I recently went to Los Angeles and visited FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising), an amazing place, and bought this used silk taffeta and lace dress at their scholarship store.  I bought it so that I could teach my bridal couture students how to make a strapless bridal gown into a modest gown with shoulders and cap sleeves.  I am all about promoting modesty.

How to Add Ruching Straps to Strapless Gown

Before

After

Many of my clients wish to make a strapless dress modest for a prom night or a pageant and will ask me to add straps to the dress.  Usually the client will have something in mind for what they want.  I will usually study the dress and give some suggestions for possible alterations.  Try to keep the design and integrity of the dress.

Making My Daughter's Wedding Dress

Making My Daughter's Wedding Dress

I will add commentary later.

My Daughter's Wedding

Hello again,

My daughter, Amanda, was married on August 3, 2013, to Chase Lewis, in the LDS Rexburg, Idaho, Temple.  The wedding plans pretty much consumed us throughout the summer, in addition to teaching three classes at BYU-I.  I was able to teach the Bridal Couture class, which was great, so that I could make the wedding dress during the semester and take it to class to share the steps with my students.

Amanda found her dream dress at David's Bridal, but it was not modest.  We could have bought the dress and altered it, but we chose to make it.  It was made out of peau de soie satin, tulle, and Alencon lace.  A student and I were able to find a great deal from a shop in LA where we purchased the re-embroidered lace for $25 a yard.  It was beautiful.

I only have some of the pictures so far, but will continue to edit this post as I gather more pictures.

ENJOY!!

Altering a Wedding dress--Adding Shoulders and Sleeves to Strapless Wedding Dress

In my home sewing business, I often alter wedding dresses, sometimes taking a strapless wedding dress and making it modest by adding shoulders and sleeves.  **Please note that I have an updated post that gives much more detail to adding sleeves to a strapless dress.**  Here are some examples: