Galentine’s Silk Taffeta Dress

I bought this silk taffeta fabric as soon as I heard about the New Craft House Galentine’s Party, with a vague idea that I wanted to make something with puffed sleeves. There was some great high street inspiration on the big sleeve front, if anything a little too much, because I ended up getting a bit confused, putting it off and only starting it 3 days before.

I ended up cutting out a regular darted bodice with high neck so I could adjust it later if I wanted, and a gathered skirt. I left enough fabric in case I wanted to add a tier to the skirt. I also ended up drafting this mega sleeve starting by tracing the By Hand London Holly sleeve which is a fairly regular fitted sleeve, and cutting it straight down from the front and back notches. I then added 3cm every 3cm and ended up with a wider and taller sleeve with lots (arguably too much!) puff. I added elastic to the sleeve edge.

In the end I didn’t add the tier to the skirt, I left it shorter to balance the sleeves. Yes it’s a bit 80s prom dress, yes my Mum hates it because it reminds her of her past outfit choices, but it certainly felt like a party dress. And after a few Proseccos and karaoke, I wasn’t thinking about what decade it is.