Hi:
I have not used the waist stays before, but have done under lining. The waist stay is usually put in a bustier not in a dress. Its there to help prevent the bustier from riding up on the wearer. But you do need the underling. I just made a bustier for a client and used a iron in interfacing on the fashion fabric to stabilize it. Then the underling with the boning sewn in. Make sure you use a good sturdy fabric that will take the stress. I use a good drapery lining. Then the regular lining. The bodice should fit snuggly but comfortably. If fit properly the wearer should not have to wear a bra. But if she is not very busty you can put in cups to enhance the look. For the cups try your local bridal shop, they are usually better quality and look more natural.

Hope this help

Bonnie

Thanks, Bonnie, that does help! The fabric store woman said regular lining for the underlining would be fine, but I thought that's so light, is it even worth the effort? I never thought of drapery lining! I will go back to the store today, because I really need to get this cut out. I was going to sew the boning to the backside of the lining, but with a sturdier underlining, that is a better choice. Unless I hear of a reason why I need to do the stay, I'll skip that, because the pattern never mentioned it either.
I do get to skip the cups. I know so many girls who are far more enhanced than their mothers, mine included. Why is that :-o
Thanks again- wish me luck!!

Hi: Glad I could help and Good Luck. I'm sure the dress will look great and your daughter in it.

Bonnie

I made a prom dress for a friend's daughter about 2 years ago. My best friend was a "duct tape dummy". I found the instructions on the web, but it was awesome.

Since her daughter was still in school, and i was at my home, the duct-tape-dummy was invaluable for pinning and placing when she couldn't be here.

It took 3 rolls of duct tape and about 3 hours, and that was it. The instructions are easily googled on the web.