Wild About My Organza Wilder Gown Top

The Wilder Gown is a loose flowy pattern that can be sewn up in so many different ways.

It is an easy sew that is perfect for woven fabrics. The design is fairly straight forward and it is easy to customize. This copper organza with velvet polka dots gives it an elegant, classic look. It was a daring choice and I am so pleased with the final result. I sewed a size large with no alterations to the bodice. This is my third Wilder and it is definitely my favourite

I wanted this Wilder to have some drama so I added an extra high ruffle. This organza is a perfect fabric for this. It has great stand and holds its shape all on its own and the sheerness of it doesn't make such a large collar too overwhelming.

To make the additional ruffle I measured the length of the finished collar of the original pattern and added 1 cm for the end seams. I cut a rectangle based on this length and 6" in height. I folded the strip in half length wise and sewed a 0.5 cm seam along each short end. With wrong sides together I pressed the end seams and pressed along the length of the strip. I serged the ends together to make it easier to maneuver and to prevent slipping or fraying. I laid the second ruffle just below the lower stitch line of the original collar, pinned it in place then stitched it along the same stitch line from the original collar. To finish the collar on the inside so that the serged edge wasn't visible and it was finished nicely, I hand stitched a piece of ribbon that matched my bow over the serged edge. The whole process was very straight forward and very successfully added a 2.5" second ruffle that extends from behind the original pattern collar. I am very excited about this dramatic addition to an already wonderful Wilder Top.

I chose a long sleeve version with an extra long length so that I could create a gathered cuff. I added 3" to the sleeve length and sewed a small rolled hem to match the french seams for a consistent look. After hemming I measured 2" up from the hemline and stitched two rows of shirring, 1/4" apart to gather the cuff. The shirring gives the sleeve a delicate gathered finish.

Due to the sheer nature of the organza and the amount that it can fray I used all French Seams. You can see the seams through the top but they are a simple darker copper that accent the design itself.

I am wild about my organza Wilder Top with an extra high hacked collar and look forward to wearing it all season and for many holiday seasons to come.

Happy Sewing,

Lou Sheffer