I got my Halloween costume, and I am just beside myself. The girl that did this, did a HORRIBLE job on the skirt. I need some help with how to fix this. I do not have a sewing machine (that works).

First off, the Skirt is hemmed unevenly. It has four panels that are sewn together. Every other panel measures 41" and 39". Then, where the seams are, it goes up in an arch.. I have NO CLUE how to fix this, and she is not answering my email pleas for help.

Here are pics:





Each four seams looks just like this pic above, all the way around.


Then, the next thing is, the waist band of the skirt has this really thick elastic in it, that she left pinned inside the dress and it is all bunched up where the two ends come together with the long elastic. It drives me crazy. What can I do about this?




Okay, then the Bodice, It fit me just fine night before last, and went over my shirt well. Last night, I changed out the ribbon, with my own that I had extra of. I don't know if I tied it up the same or not, because all of a sudden it was TOO SHORT and now my shirt hangs out the bottom!!! Here is a picture with how I tied it, is there another way that will make it longer???


OMG!! Thank you so much in advance for your help. I am just beside myself and very, very sad!

I sew, but without a machine or some knowledge of sewing, I think you're better off to just leave the skirt along. I don't know what's going on with the bodice, I can't tell from the picture what the problem is.

I'm sorry.

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Thanks Truble!

The bodice, I need to figure out how to make it longer, because as it is, it is too short.
It has the four sets of grommets on each shoulder. I tied it like it is now, but it is too short that way and my shirt hangs out the bottom.
Do you have any idea how to tie it differently to get it to be longer (even a half inch will help!)

Thanks so much!!!!

I would leave the skirt alone as well. As far as the bodice and the grommets, I think you need to lay the front and back strap next to each other, so you are looking at the 4 grommet holes side by side, versus one strap on top of the other (with only 2 grommets showing like in your picture). Then you need to tie it like a shoelace. (wish I could draw you a diagram) The ribbon you have to tie the grommets together should make an 'X', like a shoe lace weaves back and forth thru the shoe grommets. That should make the bodice longer for you.

Did I confuse ya??

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Crap might separate them,
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I agree -- so that the straps no longer overlap each other, but lay side by side and you can leave as much space as you want between them.

Great idea, Janenga.

Oh, and on the elastic -- you can overlap it and stitch it by hand and then cut off the excess or just pin it and cut off the elastic, and then you should be able to distribute the elastic more evenly inside the casing.

This might help you with the elastic. Link

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The original picture of the dress that you posted shows the front of the bodice tied exactly as the shoulders should be tied (non-overlapping) and as Janenga is explaining. Are you dressing up for Halloween? What are you wearing?

As for the hem, I think it's a costume and not that big of a deal. I would leave it alone. The elastic was perhaps left that way to allow adjustments....

cj/

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Thanks you guys!!!

That helped a TON. I will tie it the way you said, Janenga

Thanks to everyone for your help.

Yeah, it's a costume, but still.. I paid more than I do on some of my work suits for it, so I would expect it to be at least even.

Either way, I'm gonna have FUN tonight!!!!!!!

Hope all of you do, as well.

((((HUGS)))) thanks again!!!

I'm so sorry this turned out to be a disappointment for you. I wasn't sure what was happening with the skirt, but when I clicked on the link to see what the original picture was, I was really surprised to see it was meant to be a traditional pleated skirt!
Glad the others helped you get the bodice in order-- don't sweat the rest. We've had tears & breaks and all kinds of costume malfunctions!

Hope you can get some of your money back, at least.