Fabric is key - find a dress where you love the colour and it's look and feel. Silk often feels nicest but there are some wonderful cottons and man-mades materials. Shape - Look for features you like: shape of bodice, beaded detail, nice neck line (even if its coverd with frills) and the line of skirt or train. Quantity of fabric - a fuller skirt gives you more options, it's easier to make things smaller. Similarly check it long enough first. Size - We can make a dress bigger in many cases: adding a corset back can give you an extra few inches. Two Dresses or more can give you a lot more scope if they have similiar or complementary features.

Another Stitch in Time often has a few old dresses in stock that may be suitable. Great places to get old dresses include Oxfam and other charity shops or ask friends and family. We are also an ebay affiliate so checkout the following