I'm in yr 12 this year and I've decided to make my own formal dress. I'm just sick of all the plain old ones that everyone wears.
Does anyone think I'm mad like some of my friends do? Is anyone else doing this? and has anyone done this and how successful was it?
No, I don't think you're mad at all. I know lots of girls that make their own dresses or get theirs made by tailors.
How do I know all this? The aforementioned females (and their boyfriends) are my customers.
The disasters are when the girls have no idea of sewing,
pattern making and the female form. Fabric selection and how certain fabrics work (ie stretch, movement, weight) are usually the causes of their downfall. Also, girls that can't measure/do basic maths are screwed. Picking the appropriate thread, lining and learning to cut straight (work with the thread of the fabric) are important.
Generally, a formal dress should be made using (stretch is usually better, or the ones that cost at least $10/m, the ones that retail for $2-5/m are cheap, China made ones, and don't look good for evening wear at all) satins, silk charmeuse, organza and chiffons. Don't touch silk.
If you want some "netting/mesh" like fabrics, ask for soft tulle (rhymes with bull). It should feel like a very delicate netting with very small holes, pin-like, its texture is very smooth - like what you would use for those bed curtain things. Should cost at least $5/m - any Asians asking for more, or something heaps harder (resistant to bending) are ripping you off.
