September 2, 2013

For the happy few who are actually able to view this blog, I present—for your interest and edification—how to construct a Greek, or let us say Greek inspired, dress. It is very simple. Choose a fabric in an optimistic pattern, at least a meter and a half, if not more, and gather your other necessary sewing supplies.

First of all, cut a long strip off the bottom or top of your material roughly three inches wide. You will determine the length of the strip later.

Fold your fabric in half longways, right side in, and cut it into two rectangles. To make this dress fit me, I needed a meter and a half of fabric, so it was approximately fifty inches long and twenty five wide.

 From the top of the rectangles, measure roughly four inches down...

 And cut out a quarter oval scoop shape thus:

 Fold over and repeat on the other side. Sew down both sides from the bottom of the scoops to the end of the material.

Turn in and sew the scoops.

Turn the top edge under and sew it down, making a pocket approximately an inch wide.

Using yourself or an article of clothing (like a tee shirt) that fits well, determine how low you want the neckline of the dress to be. Drape the long extra scrap around and cut it to size.

 To make a rounded rather than a flat strap, double and sew it twice. I sewed a ribbon inside mine, because the fabric was quite stretchy. With another kind of fabric this is not necessary.

 Thread the strap through the pockets, sew the ends together, and work it around so the sewed bit is not visible. Now you have a wide, shapeless drawstring bag with no bottom. 

 Pull the fabric until it lies how you like it, front and back, and than tack it to the drawstring from the inside.

Next, wearing the dress, measure from the neckline approximately five to six inches down to create a high Empire waist. At this measurement, sew another pocket on the inside of the dress just wide enough to run your elastic through. 

Measure out a piece of elastic that fits snugly, but not too tightly, around your ribcage and thread it through this second pocket, sewing the ends together. Work it around so it lies flat. Except for hemming up the bottom, the dress is finished.