I don't remember where I found this piece of floral silk taffeta but I had the perfect dress in mind for it. You can see the inspiration pic at the end of the post. The image was intentionally blurry so this is my interpretation of it. This taffeta is heavier than tissue weight so that necessitated a gathered circle skirt. The skirt and bodice are fully lined in dark pink silk/cotton. The bodice of the dress is fairly straightforward but the silk organza over bodice was another story. I drafted the pattern with more ease in it to fit over the bodice. It worked out perfectly lengthwise but I did have to let it out at the side seams. To avoid too many seams, I sewed the tulle lining to the neck and the back openings first, and did the same with the sleeve hems. Once those were turned, I treated the two layers as one piece when it came to the darts, setting in the sleeves, and the side seams. I also used an 80 weight thread for this so the thread doesn't really show at all. All the seams were then trimmed to 1/8 inch and finished with a zigzag stitch. The dress closes with snaps in the back with a little pearl and thread loop closure at the top of the sheer layer. The back opening is also decorated with black crystal pearls and I used the same pearls as "buttons" on the front. The dress is finished with a black taffeta belt that snaps in the back although I think I'm going to take a look at Joann and see if I can find some black patent faux leather. I think I would like the contrast. I then made a matching necklace and earrings with the same pearls. Dress and jewelry are available for $160 plus $6 boxed shipping in the US. Email me at nwickman@chartermi.net if interested.
Note: I did use the dressing hands that come with Jamieshow dolls, but for regular Gene dolls, I would put a little plastic bag corners over the hands to prevent her thumbs from getting caught in the tulle lining, although it is possible to dress her if you're careful when putting the sleeves on.
