All these replys bring back memories.
I graduated four years ahead of next sister.
Her senior year she needed a gown for choral thing
We went to Penneys and bought would you believe,(1964)
blue satin fabric and white dotted swiss(organdy)
Used a pattern that looked like a sundress
Bought narrow piping and used it at waist to set it off.
No money to work with so we didn't buy interfacing or anything that we would not dream of doing without in garments now. Skirt was pleated a little and not real full.
Just a straight stitch sew machine at the time. Nothing much to work with to keep seams from raveling. Think might have made french seams. Sister got more compliments on her gown than a girl whose family could afford brocade which was the thing at the time.
Seems to me we spent a total of seven dollars. Dad was a farmer and money was tight. I didn't work as there were still younguns to take care of. Later we cut the gown off so she could wear it to church. Got our moneys worth out of it. She sure looked pretty for a little country girl.