Angel Wings - The Lena Horne Dress

Jun 14

Jun 14 Angel Wings - The Lena Horne Dress

I had the chance to make Tabitha Sewer’s first pattern release - the Lena Horne dress! It is a vintage inspired dress with ruffled shoulder straps which cross at the back.

Fabric Choice

For this version, I used 2.5 yards of a pale pink windowpane viscose polyester fabric from JoAnn Fabrics. It had the drape I needed to make the ruffles look soft and dreamy. The pattern recommends using light to medium-weight woven fabrics such as chambray, linen, and chalis.

Measurements

My Bust - 39”

My Waist - 34”

I made a size 12

Pattern modifications & Sewing Tips

I made very slight changes to the pattern for it to work better for me. Hopefully, these tips may help you too.

Seam allowance - Because the size 12 finished garment measurements was exactly my body measurements, I chose to make this dress using 3/8” instead of 5/8” as instructed. That way, it fit nicely but not extremely tight.

Ruffle width - I chose to reduce the width of the ruffle by 2 inches as they are pretty wide ruffles and like the way it turned out.

Strap attachment - When attaching the main strap to the lining strap, it is easier to sew the side with the open ruffle first. This way it is less likely to get the ruffle caught in the seam.

Under-stitching - Once you have sewed the bodice to the lining, I will recommend that understitch as far as you can along the top edge to keep the lining in place.

Press! Press! Press! - This will make you project look much cleaner and professional.

Pockets - I attached my pockets 3 inches below the top edge of the skirt. There was no notch on the skirt pattern piece so that is where I decided to place mine.