Can you help me?

Hi everyone! I’m thinking about making my own prom dress this year and I need some help. I have some questions:

Any kind of sewing machine, as long as it works, of course, will do the job. I’m an excellent seamstress, and sewed exclusively on an old Singer straight stitch for years, making all my clothes and clothes – as presents! – for others. So, if you want to, you can do it.

Craig’s list is a good idea to try and find an inexpensive machine. Also, go the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat’s Restore, & garage sales.

You can find any size/style pattern at any place that sells patterns – from WalMart to fabric stores. Also, look for patterns [just in case] when you’re in the thrift stores.

Start by doing what you’re doing right now: asking questions & investigating. Go look at patterns to get ideas and inspiration to motivate you further. Look at fabric, also, that inspires you to make a fabulous dress. While you’re deciding on style and fabric choice, keep up your search for a machine. And also think about who can help you with “fitting”: someone who will help pin and baste [if necessary] while you have the unfinished dress on.

You can do it. You’ve got to start somewhere ~ what’s wrong with starting now? You’ll have FuN!

P.S. An expert a sewer as I am, I don’t think I’ve ever made anything that I didn’t have to rip out at least one seam and redo it. Don’t get discouraged.

Ever Pretty Women’s Sublime Open Back Full Length Long Dress - A perfect choice for any formal occasion, be it wedding, prom, club or party. Adjustable flounce straps, padded bust, lace Bow between bras plus a dazzling knitted pattern across the front….

Faviana One Shoulder Beaded Plus Size Prom Dress $358 “One-shoulder plus-size prom dress Empire waist One-shoulder Bead embellishments Chiffon”

Atria Plus Size Flattering Plus Size Prom Gowns $349 “Fabulous prom dress for plus size Sweetheart; halter with rhinestone straps Fitted and ruched bodice Flared skirt; dramatic train 100% tricot”

Atria Plus Size Off Shoulder Plus Size Prom Gowns $285 “Glamorous prom dress for plus size Off shoulder; shawl-like shoulder Brooch embellished; pleated bodice Floor length with long train 100% satin”

Faviana One Shoulder Plus Size Prom Dresses $278 “The beaded shoulder strap that goes from the back around to the chest line of this one-shoulder prom dress adds much uniqueness to your look for the special evening. Made of silky chiffon, this Faviana plus-size prom gown is elegant while comfortable to wear. One shoulder plus size prom dress Rhinestone accented strap Sweetheart neckline Chiffon overlay Classic A-line skirt”

AquaSport Crossback Tank Dress $129.95 “Such a secure feeling! A full inner tank suit lines this longer A- line swim dress with cute front slits and figure-flattering princess seams. Inside is an around-the-body powermesh shelf bra with soft under-bust brushed elastic. The front zipper is chafe-free with soft backing, and it allows for easy on and off. Add the special Junonia plus size cross back with keyhole and you have the most flattering swim dress all around! Top layer is carefully stitched to under tank to avoid the dreaded “float-up effect.â€? Armholes and neck are carefully fit and bound for no-chafe coverage and freedom of motion. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection.”

Atria Plus Size Curve Hugging Plus Size Prom Gowns $349 “Stunning prom dress for plus size One shoulder; rhinestone and ruffles embellished Ruched and fitted bodice Flared skirt from mid-thigh down 100% tricot”

Faviana One Shoulder Rosette Plus Size Prom Dresses $278 “This one-shoulder plus-size prom dress elongates your body figure with its rosy shoulder strap, ruched waist area and high slit. One shoulder plus size prom dress Rosette accents Mid-thigh high front slit Ruched bodice; square neckline Flowing A-line skirt”

Seashell Shirred Neckline Mid-thigh Swim Dress $89.96 “You’ve never felt this secure and happy in a swimsuit! This swim dress has everything you’ll love, and the lovely shirred detail neckline is just the start. Princess seams, and slight A-line shape to your curves, with cute front slits for ease of motion. Slightly higher necklines front and back ensure swim ability and maximum flattery. Underneath is a complete plus size inner tank suit for complete comfort. Extra bust support from the around- the-body QuikShape powermesh shelf bra with no-chafe bushed elastic band. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection.”

Seashell Shirred Neckline Longer Swim Dress $89.96 “You’ve never felt this secure and happy in a swimsuit! This swim dress has everything you’ll love, including a longer length. Start with the lovely shirred detail neckline, and add princess seams, and slight A-line shape to your curves, with cute front slits for ease of motion. Slightly higher necklines front and back ensure swim ability and maximum flattery. Underneath is a full inner tank suit for complete comfort. Extra plus size bust support from the around- the-body QuikShape powermesh shelf bra with no-chafe bushed elastic band. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection. (Also available in a 33.5â€? shorter length, see style Style #537319.)”

Atria Plus Size Off Shoulder Plus Size Prom Gowns FINAL-SALE $285 “Glamorous prom dress for plus size Off shoulder; shawl-like shoulder Brooch embellished; pleated bodice Floor length with long train 100% satin”

Faviana Plus Size Prom Dresses $398 “Plus Size Prom Dress Strapless, sweetheart neckline Beaded bodice Artisitic prints Charmeuse”

Atria Plus Size Alluring Plus Size Prom Gowns $319 “Glamorous evening dress for plus size Boat neckline; covered shoulder Draping and pleating detail with brooch Fitted bodice; flared skirt with train 100% tricot”

Atria Plus Size Alluring Plus Size Prom Gowns FINAL-SALE $319 “Glamorous evening dress for plus size Boat neckline; covered shoulder Draping and pleating detail with brooch Fitted bodice; flared skirt with train 100% tricot”

Artisan Batik Lapped Top $29.99 “Beautifully constructed of soft cotton in colors hand-picked by our designer to mix and match with everything. The unique hand-crafted patterns are truly special. Enjoy the longer, shirttail-style back hem and versatile ¾-sleeves. ”

Stretch Capri $19.95 “Stretch poplin fabric is easy-moving, comfy and cool in breathable cotton. Perfect for day wear or to dress up at night. 3/4 elastic waist. ”

Faviana Strapless Taffeta Pluse Size Prom Dresses $258 “The ruched bodice and flowy skirt of this strapless taffeta plus size prom dress create an interesting contrast to your look, which is accentuated by the bow decorated with beaded ring. Strapless sweetheart neckline Bow with rhinestone accents bodice Ruched texture Fitted through hip Flared skirt”

Faviana Strapless Embellished Plus Size Prom Dresses $298 “Embellished strapless plus size prom dress Embellished strap Intertwined bodice Comes with scarf Chiffon”

Faviana Intertwined Plus Size Prom Dresses $338 “Embellished strapless plus size prom dress Embellished strap Intertwined bodice Comes with scarf Chiffon”

Faviana Plus Size Halter Prom Dresses $338 “Halter plus size prom dress Empire waist Embellished halter strap Ruching detail Chiffon”

Faviana Ruched Chiffon Plus Size Prom Dresses $338 “The technique of ruching chiffon fabrics adopted in this dress accentuates your body figure and creates a unique texture to your look. Classic mermaid silhouette Ruched texture; sheer from knees down Rhinestone embellishments Sweetheart neckline; cinched waist Figure flattering”

Faviana Embellished Print Plus Size Prom Dresses $338 “Embellished print plus size prom dress Bead embellishments Deep-V bodice and empire waist Water color prints Chiffon”

Faviana Size 16W Plus Size Halter Prom Dresses $338 “Halter plus size prom dress Empire waist Embellished halter strap Ruching detail Chiffon”

Atria Plus Size Embellished Plus Size Prom Gowns $325 “Gorgeous prom gown for plus size Sweetheart neckline Rhinestone and ruffle detail; one shoulder Ruched and fitted bodice; small train 100% tricot”

Faviana Size 20W Ruffle Deep-V Plus Size Prom Dresses $338 “Deep-V ruffle plus size prom dress Open back Asymmetric, ruffle front Beaded, deep-V neckline Chiffon”

Blush Strapless Plus Size Prom Gowns with Floral Prints $358 “Plus size prom dresses Rhinestone embellishments on bust Sweetheart neckline Floor length Printed Chiffon”