The Last Prom Dress

I wish I could show the faces of DD and her prom date. They made a really good looking couple. But, I made her remove her picture from Facebook and it would just be wrong if I did what I wouldn't let her do. Besides, this is sewing blog, so I'll talk mainly about her dress.

The dress was very easy (McCall 4450). The fabric is a crepe backed satin from JoAnn and is a little drapier than their Casa Collection for Special Occasions. I underlined with organza and lined the standard Casa Collection lining. DD doesn't like a lot of fullness in her dresses -- she doesn't want to look fat. The hardest part was sewing the beaded trim on top of the bodice. The trim was just two or three hairs too wide to fit under the foot (#12 - bulky overlock foot) and it rolled up on itself when I used the zipper foot. I had to hold the trim flat with my finger or an awl while I sewed. I made a matching shawl (with more of the pesky trim), which DD has balled up in her fist in the photo.

Now, back to the prom. A group of 24 prom attendees boarded a "Party Bus" to prom. The after prom party/sleepover will be held at the point of departure. I think the host family deserves a special place in heaven. They are entertaining a group of high school seniors near the end of their high school careers. There were only three house rules. (1) Males and females must remain separated after "lights out" - 4 am (2) Anyone who has a car at the house must surrender the keys until departure (to stop anyone from sneaking out) and (3) NO ALCOHOL. I'm a little wary about the sleepover part of the festivities, but it's really the safest way. The hosts are no-nonsense people and I'm certain they will enforce the house rules. (Please, God!) They've done this before with their other children. Regardless, I'll be a little apprehensive until DD is safely home and I can debrief her about the prom and the after-party.