Creative Design: Professional

Size-Adjustable Performance Dress for Middle-School Female Musicians

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Abstract

This problem-based design research aimed to develop and test a method for creating a performance dress that would fit a middle school musician for two years. This required a 2 ½ inch height adjustment (1 ½ inches in the torso and 1 inch in the legs) and a 1 ½ inch circumference adjustment. After reviewing grade rules, additional seam allowances were strategically added to the pattern pieces to optimally distribute the horizontal and vertical garment growth when let out. This strategy was tested and refined during construction (research through practice). The fitted drop-waist dress, featuring an A-line skirt, slightly gathered sleeves, and a sweetheart neckline, was sewn in black peau de soie (matte satin). The symmetrical design created a formal appearance, while the semi-full sleeves balanced the A-line skirt's width. The design met aesthetic expectations for student musicians and allowed the designer to meet the size-adjustability goals.

Keywords: size-adjustable, teen, girls, middle-school, formalwear, music performance

How to Cite:

McKinney, E., (2025) “Size-Adjustable Performance Dress for Middle-School Female Musicians”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21533