DIY Spring Corset Top/Dress & NEW Lush & Wild Fabric

Hello gems! This season has me blooming with stylish modern romantic gestures in fashion. A few of my favorite silhouettes include puff sleeves, cinched bustiers and corsets, full maxi length skirts and tired ruffles. Its almost certain that at least one of these notes will make their way into my garment design at any given time. Just sayin… And although many of these features are not new to my palette, corsets and bustiers are making a comeback this season and I have been all but eager to fill my closet with these flattering waist cinching styles.

My most recent make is made from Katie Kortman’s new Lush and Wild fabric line. If you are familiar with Katie’s prints you would know she hand paints the most gorgeously vibrant pieces. I was so delighted when she asked me to be part of the team to launch her new line in collaboration with fabric.com and amazon home.

I chose one of her gorgeous large scale print sateen fabrics in the pink, green and periwinkle color way. The fabric has a light crisp hand and a medium drape. It is opaque with just a bit of sheen to the fabric! So perfect for dress making fabric!

The piece that I created is actually two pieces. I originally made this a dress but after some contemplation and a very windy first photo shoot, I woke up one morning and decided I had to separate the corset top and the skirt. I hacked the corset top using Butterick pattern B5935. I added two and a quarter inches to the front and back bodice shoulder and added a puffy sleeve. I chose to line the corset instead of using binding around the edges. I felt it gave it a smoother look. I also added an extra column of boning down the center of the front bodice. The corset hem was set a little low for the look I was trying to go for. I wanted to have the side cut-out effect so I cut about three inches off of the hem of the front and back bodice.

Finally I drafted a simple gathered skirt and added pockets. My original piece had an elastic waist, which is not my favorite type of waistband finishing. I attached the front of the corset top to the skirt which didn’t yield the results that I had hoped. I mention this to say, sometimes you just don’t get it on the first try, but don’t be afraid to take it apart and make it work.

So after deciding to separate the pieces, I ditched the elastic waist and added about a one and half inch waist band to the skirt and inserted a back zipper. And YES! I believe this made the dress a little more appealing! And even more, I can’t wait to wear these pieces separately! As you all know, I love the options separate pieces add to my wardrobe!

Until Next Time! Marcia💋