This dress was made in the fall/ winter of 2016. I made it for a holiday party. It was made from an altered commercial pattern. The bodice has boning for support, and the whole dress is lined with a layer of muslin for sturdiness, and a free hanging polyester lining, for comfort. the skirt has 9 (? not sure) layers of tulle, to give it volume. and the hem is finished with a trim of lace. The sweetheart neckline and shoulders have a strong elastic band sewn in, for snugness. This dress was a learning process from start to finish. I learned about flat-lining a fabric to give it the properties of another (stretch velvet and muslin), adding boning, and sewing tulle. I also learned about the difficulties associated with a strapless design, and how difficult it was to add the sleeves correctly. I loved this dress and the flattering style of it.