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Member since 3/6/03
Posts: 1638
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Posted on: 1/2/10 6:53 PM ET
I have a coworker who is getting married. Her mom found a dress at Goodwill that's very pretty; only problem is that she is pregnant and thus it's too tight in that area. We looked at it and decided the best solution would be to remove the zipper closure and replace it with a lace-up back.

So far, I removed the zipper without any problems. It already has some of that bridal loop trim used for buttons (I took off the buttons too), and we thought we'd buy more of that for the lacing. The other thing we need to do is to add a piece of matching fabric to go behind the lacing for modesty's sake.

What is the best way to go about this? Any suggestions for me? Also, how do you do hem poly chiffon? I can't figure that out for the life of me! thanks in advance!
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Member since 8/1/08
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Posted on: 1/2/10 8:23 PM ET
In reply to candyo
I am no expert in this area but I think your idea is great. What about a piece of white lace added to one side in a V shape this woud be light weight and could be secured at the neck w/a hook and eye. The chiffon would probably look nice w/a rolled hem or add lace bias and use un invisible seam foot if enough fabric allowance. Some type of lace up using satin would look good also .
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Member since 7/23/07
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Posted on: 1/2/10 10:26 PM ET
In reply to candyo
candyo - I use the rolled hem foot on my serger for poly chiffon. I have had problems with some fabric on my old serger, but on the new one, it just works the way it is supposed to work.

Your plan for the alterations sound exactly right. You could even just dew the modesty panel in while she is in the gown if you want it to be just useful for the day of the wedding. Otherwise, a hook an eye set-up is probably easiest.
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Member since 3/6/03
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Posted on: 1/3/10 2:20 PM ET
thanks for your help! I found this article: here that points out that the lacing won't hold up the dress by itself. I also fear the loop tape won't hold up to someone pulling the ribbon to lace the dress up. It was suggested to stabilize the back edges as well, and to attach the fabric that goes behind the lacing with hooks and eyes. Looks like this is going to be more complicated than I thought! :)
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Nikki Medved
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Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 1/5/10 8:25 AM ET
In reply to candyo
Candy, I made a quilted bustier that laced up the back. I put in a facing behind the lacing, mostly so it could be laced and that the skin wouldn't show. I stabilized the facing (you could do the same, maybe use a stiff sew-in interfacing), and it was folded in half for more weight. I stitched the facing to one side and let it overlap the other side by about 1/2"-3/4". This allowed for "overage" across the back. The loops were self fabric, and they weren't reinforced; I should have corded them, because they were a little floppy. You could use those little plastic rings that are used for curtains.

The laces can hold up the dress, if the facing is stiff enough and there is enough of a curve in the back to do so. If there are princess seams in the back, you could add some boning to help support the back. If you would like pictures, let me know.
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Member since 12/31/03
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Posted on: 1/5/10 5:55 PM ET
Candyo, I did that exact thing for a friend once, and it turned out really well. If you add the modesty panel- hate the term like the concept, then you can even add a waist stay, but put it at the top of the bodice. To make it easy, use elastic bra back closures - make sure you have the hook and the eye parts, pin to the inside of the dress to fit tightly and sew it on. It will help hold up the dress, especially since it sounds like there is no boning(?). I've done it in a pinch to hold up some strapless dresses. Not couture by any stretch, but avoids embarrasments!
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Posted on: 1/5/10 5:57 PM ET
Oh, and I would use something wider for the lacing. Unless the loops are tiny. Even some 1/4- 3/8 bias tube or ribbon. How about in a coordinating colour if colour match is an issue?
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Connie Bontje
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