April 1, 2010

Almost Like Project Runway...

Making a wedding gown without a proper pattern can be a little daunting. Especially when one is cutting fabric as beautiful and lush as silk charmeuse. But, my friends, that's what I'm doing. I'm making this gown, customized for the bride, without a pattern.
I began by draping and manipulating the fabric. Then, I pinned, cut and began sewing. In the first two photographs, you can see that I'd already completed the shaping and sewing for the bodice, and I'd also completed all the gathering and sewing for the skirt. Then I pinned bodice and skirt pieces together so that I could see how the fabric would drape. (There was some "unsewing" and rework involved, too!)
Yesterday, after all the adjusting, checking and re-checking (and a little lip-chewing), I finally sewed the bodice and skirt together. I haven't done the finish work on the seam for the empire waist yet, but I'll do that today. I'm finishing most of the seams as French seams, which conceal all the raw edges, but the bodice seam will be given a different treatment.

I attached the lining for the bodice so that once the seams are trimmed and the lining is sewn down, the inside of the bodice will look as nice as the outside. Trimming will also help the seams lay nicely for a flattering fit.
The gown will have 3/4 length sleeves, which I'll be cutting, sewing and attaching today. Then, just for fun, I pinned some of the trim to the neckline so I could see what it's going to look like. I've decided to put this trim on the neckline and on the seam for the empire waist. It will all be attached by hand, instead of using my sewing machine, for a finer finish.

What do you think of it so far? I wasn't kidding.
It's almost like Project Runway!
JoySignatureAcorn

14 comments:

  1. Wow, the gown is looking beautiful. Can't wait to see what it's going to fully develop into at your hand... Your special bride is going to be so blessed! :o)
    Thanks for posting my birthday!
    Big hug!!

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  2. It's fascinating to see your work in progress. The dress is looking really gorgeous. I like the detail of the trimming around the neck.

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  3. Donna, you are one gifted lady when it comes to your sewing creations! They are just beautiful. Thank you for stopping by Faded Ladies. I look forward to getting to know you! Have a blessed weekend!

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  4. I think it's beautiful, and that you're way more brave than I would be. I don't think I could take that first daunting cut.
    Brenda

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  5. It is going to be Gorgeous Donna!!!!
    I posted my address on your last post...
    xoxo~Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings...
    THANK YOU!!!!!

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  6. Oh Donna, it's looking gorgeous! Where were you when I was getting married, hmmm? :-)

    Have a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend!
    Anne

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  7. Oh my goodness girl! This is fabulous. I can't wait to see the finished product. I can't believe you can make a dress with no pattern..........curtains, YES.......but a WEDDING dress.......over the top wonderful.

    Warm blessings,
    Spencer

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  8. You're a braver man than me Gungadin making a wedding (or any) gown without a pattern. Love that trim. Very delicate and the perfect finish. Looking forward to further installments.

    Minimiss

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  9. Your wedding dress is going to be beautiful as I knew it would. I can always see the button for your nextpost in the eveing when I am reading because of the time difference. Your bride will look beautiful and I am sure we will see a picture of her. I am running a little behind, but I will catch up. Have a wonderful weekend. Your Missouri Friend

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  10. Very nice, can't wait to see finish..You are a very good visionary..
    Maggey

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  11. Donna this is just gorgeous! Sooooooo much talent to be able to make it without a pattern. Beautiful, just beautiful.
    hugs,shell

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  12. I love Project Runway and can't wait to see your finished piece!

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  13. Wow I am beyond amazed at your taking on this project - so brave! Can't WAIT to see the final product!

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  14. Oh my! No wonder you have no time for embroidery, your hands are FULL! The dress is already sew beautiful! You are one brave woman, I don't think I could cut that fabric! I can't wait to see what the finished design is like, bride and all!

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna