I started off by getting white knit fabric, specifically the White Jet Set knit from Joann Fabrics. The knit gives the dress a nice drape and breathability while also being easy to care for (no ironing, yay!) I was worried the knit fabric alone might be see-through so I used a white bedsheet for lining fabric. One big bedsheet was more than enough for the lining, and I believed I used 4 yards for the outer fabric.  

I based my pattern off of the one on P&S's tutorial. Since the dress is basically one huge piece of fabric, it took up most of the space in my living room. I folded the fabric hamburger wise and then again hot dog wise (I really don't know how else to describe it lol). I did this twice, once for the outer fabric and once for the lining. I then pinned, sewed, and hemmed the two parts together to make the body of the dress.

The dress sewn and hung inside out on my dress form.

The collar was the most daunting part of the dress, as I've never made one before. I made a mock up with a scrap piece of blue fabric and then pinned it to the dress. Once I made some alterations, I cut out pieces from the lining and outer fabric.

Adding the hood was fairly simple, as I just stuck to the tutorial. I added hooks and eyelets to the back and then pinned and sewed the hood to the dress.




And here's the final result!



Since the lining is two parts, you can see the seam slightly through the outer knit fabric. Luckily, the belt covers it when it's on so you don't see a thing!

This is just a quick compilation of all the progress shots I took from my time making Leia's Senatorial gown. Next time - her metal belt!