Heirloom Sewing on a Budget – Part Two

Below are two photos of the 4 dresses that I made for my four nieces one year.  I used most of my economy ideas in making them!  They are all four made with Imperial batiste.

The lavender dress has a row of simple machine stitching down a strip of fabric.  Simple lace beading is less costly than lace.  The peach dress has tucks along the fancy band and pintucks and tucks on the bodice. The ruffles weren't very full.

The Neptune dress used a simple lace design to embellish the bodice with beading and ribbon around the waist and the fancy band.  The blue dress had two-piece sleeves, slit down the middle from shoulder seam, to add interest.  The lace edging at the bottom of the fancy band is attached flat to save on lace.

Cathy