Originally from the Toronto area in Canada, I’ve lived in the SF Bay area for 8 years. I’m a web developer and part time seamstress. I also own a horse named Jasper, a draft cross pmu baby from Canada.
I started sewing when I was around 25 and I was terrible at it. But I stuck with it and with my hand-me-down from my mother 30 pound Kenmore sewing machine, I started my journey. I started making business suits for myself when I was in the corporate world and eventually sewed my own wedding dress (see post)!
In 2003 I tried my hand at making a competition ballroom dress for a friend. It turned out to be quite hideous. Not being one to give up easily, I tried again – and she loved it. I went on to make another dress which eventually sold. I tried to blog as much as I could about the construction. There is not much information out there on making ballroom gowns and it seems a lot of people want to make their own. In future I am planning to make another ballgown with more complete step by step instructions of how I made things.
In the meantime, I post reviews on regular clothes I make for myself.
I am also a fabric whore…..
 McCall's : 5853 Misses Tops |
 Burda WOF:10-2008-135 Pea Jacket |
 Burda WOF: 01-2008-103 |
 Burda WOF: 11-2007-122 Trousers |
 Burda WOF : 11-2007-123 Top |
Erica B Mezzocouture Sewaholic In My Craft Room
We are looking for a copy of Burda World of Fashion 4/2007 for the Western Vest, to make the #116 Waistcoat/Vest in suede. You wouldn’t have an extra copy of be willing to sell your copy?
One of my kids wants to make this for this years 4-H project and has her heart set on that pattern.
Thanks for any help you can give us,
Rosebud
Sorry, I don’t have that issue. Have you tried Suitability patterns? http://www.suitability.com
They have several western vests.
Hi there,
I’m yet another person out there wanting to get started on sewing my own ballroom costumes–although at this point I’m more focused on latin ballroom. While the skirts for these skimpy dresses can be improvised, I’m worried about the construction of the bodice/leotard portion, and how to make the dress over the leotard for a complete costume. Do you have suggestions as to any patterns out there that I could use to get started, and what to know when cutting/adjusting the shape of the bodice? I would particularly like to make something in this shape:
http://www.acapulco-paradiso.com/product_order.php?sid=Vot7QVHyjdduU9l&docid=1740
thanks so much!
Hmm, that looks very ‘do-able’. It appears they have nude colored straps to cleverly hold it in place.
A lot depends on your sewing skills and creativity.
And you would REALLY need a dress form to sculpt the leotard and dress and make sure nothing puckers. My BEST advice is use the same fabric for the leotard as the dress, that way there is no differentiation in stretch. I used a basic Kwik Sew bathing suit pattern for a leotard, then cut away the front and back in the shape of the dress.
I have not actually USED this pattern, but you might start with Simplicity 3912. It comes with instructions for a built-in leotard. Clearly, this would not be at all sexy enough for competition as it is – but you could customize it to look like the paradiso dress. Just lengthen the bodice and cut it at an angle.
Actually, I’m intrigued now, I might try it myself!
Hi there! I only just now got a chance to look at your response–thanks so much for the feedback. I’ve completed my first skirt, for which I made my own pattern, and it came out really well (an asymmetrical tiered skirt for dance practice). I may pick up one of those patterns you mentioned, and and try my hand at a full dress next. I’m thinking it may actually be worth trying to make just a basic dress first, without the leotard–that way, I can experiment with the cut and shape a bit without worrying about matching it to the leotard, and without worrying about the length of the torso.
I’ve also been confused about fabrics. I generally go to Jo Ann’s for sewing needs, but they don’t have the most extensive selection for dance-type knit fabrics. I’ve been looking at http://www.spandexhouse.com and http://www.spandexworld.com, but to be honest I’m not sure which fabric would be best to start with. I ended up ordering some ‘milliskin matte’ in black, but got it in the mail the other day and it seems kind of icky (really clingy and rough-feeling). What version of spandex on these websites would be best for a basic dress, do you think?
Thanks again!!
I used a matte nylon tricot myself. I have never ordered from these people so I don’t know quality etc. Get a sample card if you can.
Did you complete your dress, if so where can I view your detailed instructions. I am trying to make my own ballroom gown, and latin dress for competition, and find that as this is my first time sewing them, I am running into problems with the fit. Would love to read your complete step-step instructions.
Please add me to your news letter Thank you
gmngp@comcast.net
Hi – just stumbled across your blog via Allison C’s Sewing Gallery. I love your fabric stash. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one that suffers from this illness!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading through your blog!
Thanks so much mezzo couture! This reminds me to make some new posts. I’ve been sewing but not posting!
Where do you find the Burda World of Fashion magazines? I’ve looked and looked, and want to subscribe, but even on the Burda Web site, there’s nothing about how to buy/subscribe. Has the magazine stopped printing? Please help!! Thank you.
Hello Pat,
Burda is a german magazine. Their new English site can be very confusing, I know. I order from an American distributor called GLP news http://www.glpnews.com/EN/index.html.
It’s not cheap but for the amount of patterns you get, it’s definitely worth it. Good luck!