* 2 yards of black fabric
* 1 yard of white fabric
* 1/2 yard of red fabric
* 1/4 yard of lace
* 1/2 inch wide black ribbon
* Sewing machine
* Thread
* Scissors
* Pins
* Measuring tape
* Iron
Instructions:
1. Cut out the following pieces from the black fabric:
* 2 rectangles, each measuring 18 inches by 24 inches
* 2 trapezoids, each measuring 18 inches at the top, 24 inches at the bottom, and 12 inches high
2. Cut out the following pieces from the white fabric:
* 2 rectangles, each measuring 18 inches by 12 inches
3. Cut out the following pieces from the red fabric:
* 1 rectangle, measuring 18 inches by 6 inches
4. Cut the lace into two equal pieces, each measuring 18 inches long.
5. Sew the two black rectangles together along one long edge, right sides together. Press the seam open.
6. Sew the two white rectangles together along one long edge, right sides together. Press the seam open.
7. Sew the red rectangle to the center of one of the white rectangles, right sides together. Press the seam open.
8. Sew the two trapezoids to the sides of the white rectangle, right sides together. Press the seams open.
9. Sew the lace pieces to the top and bottom of the black dress, right sides together. Press the seams open.
10. Fold the black dress in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew the side seams together, leaving a 4 inch opening at the bottom for the skirt. Press the seams open.
11. Turn the dress right side out and press.
12. Fold the bottom edge of the skirt up 1 inch and press. Fold it up again 1 inch and press. Stitch in place.
13. Cut the black ribbon into two equal pieces, each measuring 18 inches long.
14. Thread the ribbon through the lace at the top of the dress and tie it into a bow.
15. Your Helena dress is now complete!