Dress design ideas.

I'm making a strapless dress, out of 1m of fabric that I got at Spotties, not so much because I needed it as because there was a massive queue and I was bored and picked it up and I love it. It's grey satin with massive orange tulips printed on it. The fabric is gorgeous, and I've started making it into a simple little strapless.
When I bought it, I had thought it would be finished a bit earlier than now (story of my life!) but as we embark upon the TTC journey, it seems that in its current state I probably wouldn't get to wear it, because by the time I finish it, I'll (hopefully) be massive. Since the fabric is already cut, I'm after ideas on how I could make it into a looser fit. I have some extra fabric, but not heaps, and I don't trust Spotlight to have any more the same, so that's not an issue. Lime green, orange and grey all feature in the print and might look good. Ruffles, pleats, extra panels? Ideas? Even good websites for design inspiration?

If all else fails, I'll give it to my tiny sister.

Did you have a pattern to begin with? Is it stretchy? You could make a dress with a separate top and bottom, and make a waistband out of a different fabric. Or, you could make a top instead?

Nope, no pattern. That's not the snuggly way! It's only slightly stretchy. I'm thinking about putting a very gathered panel in between the top and bottom in a similar silvery colour. We'll see how that goes.

I'd like to see it when it's done if you can post a pic!

I'm thinking if you could add some slender triangular panels in another colour - maybe if you could find an orange to match? I Did loads of gathering in the maternity stuff I sewed (mind you, no patterns either, I was just making it up as I went along), but I think this time around I would simply add panels - much less bulky, you know?

Yeah, good thinking, Helly. I actually did some digging in my fabric cupboard and found some lime green satin, and thought about doing handkerchief panels, each one roughly in line with my nipples (lol) so I can expand out as necessary.

And then I thought the dress would look awesome on my little sister, who's going to a wedding in July, so I am doing something nice for her.

BUT I have a whole other design in mind for the wedding I'm going to in September. It might even get made if I can stop vomiting. Stay tuned....