Finished: Regina Mills / Once Upon a Time Inspired Dress

My obsession with the wardrobe on Once Upon a Time continues!

And it's even better this time around because I've been taking draping/drafting classes at a local university, so obviously once of the dresses I needed to make immediately was this red dress.

I've been teasing pictures of this dress on instagram for a few months now, mostly because I've been ridiculously busy with work/class/knitting designs, but I'm so happy I found time to make this dress.

When I say I made this dress, here's what I mean:

1. I studied the scenes to make sure I knew exactly how the dress was shaped, cut, and moved. I say this like it was hard work, but it was quite enjoyable research.

2. Once I had a sense of the different elements that went into it, I decided what I liked and didn't like and how I wanted mine to look. I changed out the fabric, as it looks like the skirt is jersey. I have a few ideas about what the top is made of, but either way I figured a woven fabric would be more flattering, at least for me. Then I modified the pleats near the shoulder, changed the sleeves (not that you can tell, as this version is sleeveless), and added a waistband.  Then I sketched all this out.

3. I drafted the pattern, which meant some draping but a lot of math and rulers. I had some help from my amazing teacher (because drafting collars isn't fun), but I did it all proper-like, and I did not wing it like I usually do. Guys, I cannot tell you how simultaneously annoying and rewarding it is to do things by the book. If you're new here, I typically hold something up and decide it looks close enough so to constantly iron and measure and do math is a bit of a challenge for me... but then, of course, it comes out perfectly the first time, so I suppose it's worth it.

Yes, that's right. Everything matched up exactly, and it took only ONE time sewing. No seam ripping. Ever. It's like magic.

4. I cut up my ruffled maxi skirt I made a year or so ago (because I decided I hated it, mostly because it's cut on the grain) and I really had to get creative at times to make this work since I didn't have enough fabric to make it exactly how I wanted - but I think it's perfect for a working muslin / summer dress.

And let's be honest, this dress is pretty amazing, right?

I want to make the next version with sleeves, and perhaps just a touch longer. Any longer than its current length, and it will need a vent in the back - which is cool, as long as I'm not cutting up old skirts and have plenty of fabric on hand.

I'm also considering making the neckline a bit higher... but I feel like it's pretty perfect as is. And I mean, maybe I'll just buy a bra that dips down really low in the center front so it's not an issue like it is now.

Okay, things!

So since I AM designing and drafting patterns, I really want to be able to share them with you guys, but I have no idea how to get them into the computer. Any recommendations or experience with sewing software?

Assuming I get the whole computer part figured out, I'll need testers for the dress. Sign up here to get more information (probably this fall!) if you're willing to test this out for me.

I know I put up a quick tutorial, but you may or may not have noticed that my lazy 30s gown has a few design issues. Luckily, I now know how to get around those problems, but again, I can't put the pattern in the computer just yet. So sign up if you want to pattern test that.