RUFFLE UP A SUMMER CLASSIC
OR KEEP IT SIMPLE.
This project is like learning to make
a whole closet full of skirts and dresses. » The English word halter comes from the German word for
Follow the steps and you’ll have a simple “holder,” as in Büstenhalter .
dress or skirt that is endlessly alterable.
For the dress, you can make it as a
halter, with shoulder ties, with straps,
or strapless.
The skirt is made with a simple elas-
tic waistband, but is brought up a notch
» In 1955, French fashion
with the addition of circular ruffles, designer Christian Dior coined the term A-line to describe the
which are incredibly easy to make in funnel-like silhouette for his new collection.
the length of your choice. Make them
long for a full flounce, or make them
short and sweet — it’s completely up
Photograph by Jen Siska; illustrations by Tim Lillis
to you. And once you learn how easy
it is to make ruffles, you’ll be putting
them everywhere.
» Spanish flamenco dancers are
famous for wearing long dresses
with layers of ruffles.
Christine Haynes is an independent fashion designer based in Los Angeles. Her first book, Hip to Hem: Simple-to-Sew Clothes for Every Season will be published by Potter Craft in April 2009. To learn more about Christine or her
upcoming book, visit her website at
christinehaynes.com.
