April 8, 2010

Wedding Gown Accomplished...

The result of two round trips to Tampa, approximately sixty hours, and endless moments spent thinking about how I wanted this gown to look, and now it's finished. (With the exception of elastic in the sleeves and hemming the gown - both of which occur when the bride tries it on
for her final fitting.)
Thoroughly feminine, a bit ethereal, and completely perfect for this bride.
After discussion with the bride, I'm sewing the train to the gown,
instead of making it detachable. She wants to carry it over her arm
when it's not down and trailing behind her. I think that will be pretty.
I thought of my blog pal, Maggie (whose alter ego is Miss Pearl) the
entire time I sewed all those pearl motifs to the train and to the gown.
Even though it's purchased trim, I felt there were too many opportunities
for pearls to loosen and fall off, so I reinforced all of them on the bodice.
I think having just this motif arrangement on the bodice is really elegant.
And then, in a flash of inspiration, I decided that one motif
at the top of the zipper would hide the pull,
and add another beautiful touch at the same time.
There you have it.
• One finished wedding gown.
• One huge sigh of relief and sense of accomplishment.
• One bride who will wear it in two Saturdays
as she marries her Mr. Dreamboat.
I promise you loads of photographs from the wedding!
JoySignatureAcorn

32 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness!!! Donna, it's exquisite!!! You did SUCH a beautiful job! I love, love, love the bunches of roses you made for the top of the train, and the motif to hide the zipper pull...how perfect! It's so elegant with just the right amount gathering and that gorgeous pearl trim...I can't wait to see the bride in this dress...TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL!!! ;) xoxo Paulette

    ReplyDelete
  2. O M G..that is awesome Donna..Looking forward to pictures of the bride wearing it :)
    I only have 1 Daughter and always thought I would make her wedding dress but she just turned 30 and is in no hurry and now we live 1,000 miles from her so that thought is out of reach. You do beautiful work :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hallo Donny, das ist Dir aber perfekt gelungen, die Braut wird glücklich sein, und der Bräutigam überwältigt sein wenn er die Braut in dem Kleid sieht.

    Liebe Grüße

    Ursula

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is heavenly. I bet she'll be comfortable in it too. It looks like a comfortable wedding gown. The trim is feminine and the train is like a creamy waterfall. What a beautiful gown.

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  5. Donna!!!! You are so amazing!!!!! This dress is just GORGEOUS!!!! My goodness, the pearls, the roses...I know the bride is going to be so thrilled!!!! Such a beautiful job sweet friend, hugs and love, Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  6. Donna, that is gorgeous! You are so talented and she is a lucky girl to have you helping her.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Donna, you have outdone yourself! The gown is beautiful. I can't wait to see photos of the bride!

    xo
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  8. I totally agree with all the above comments.. exquisite..You did an amazing piece and she will look stunning,delicate,and divine.. Will be looking forward to the final pictures with the bride inside/
    Maggey

    ReplyDelete
  9. She'll be a beautiful bride in this dress! Can't wait for more pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, soooo beautiful!!!!! Donna you are a very gifted and talented needle women!!! This is stunning!
    How proud and happy your bride will be!!!
    We will want to see pictures for sure!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's beautiful Donna! I love all the details you put in it like hiding the top of the zipper, etc. I hope you take lots of pictures. She's going to be a stunning bride thanks to you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Donna amor, your gown came out absolutely gorgeous! I love the fact that it has sleeves, all the gorgeous dresses that I had seen always seem to be sleeveless and well I am sleeve kinda girl :) and this....WOW, I can't wait to see pictures of the wedding and the bride wearing your beautiful creation :) Have a beautiful weekend! Besos, Rose

    ReplyDelete
  13. Donna, the dress turned out so lovely. The bride is very lucky to have such a special dress to wear on her special day. The roses are so gorgeous! My admiration for you grows! Have a beautiful weekend! Twyla

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your right Donna...It is gorgeous and what an accomplishment!
    Nice to have it done this far in advance...no pressure now!
    Recieved my little egg timer today!!!!
    I have never used one before...
    now I have no excuse not to have the PERFECT eggs!
    Thank you sweetie!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    I'm off to boil some eggs!
    xoxo~Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Just Lovely. You've done a beautiful job and it looks perfect! She's gonna be so excited!
    So glad it's at this point and you can take a breath and relax! Looking forward to the pics of the wedding!!!
    Doni

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Donna! Thanks for coming over for a visit. This gown you have have created in beautiful and surely the bride will look d=fabulous in it! Go out and celebrate on a job well done!

    Karen
    My Desert Cottage
    Valentine Design

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gorgeous!! What a lucky, and lovely bride she'll be, I'm excited to see your photos of the wedding. You did an amazing job, Donna!

    Standing ovation!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Simply beautiful! Love the dress and the train and trim are perfect! This on the beach? Gorgeous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful dress Donna, I just stopped by to tell you I'm having another drawing for my 60th follower. Next Saturday, check with me.

    Hugs
    cindy@stitches

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautiful of course, as it was always going to be. I'm sure the bride will be thrilled and will look fantastic in it. Well done.

    Minimiss

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Donna, I had to come for a visit before I call it a day. I was so glad to see work come to an end and am looking forward to a beautiful weekend of sunshine. The gown is beautiful and I am like all the rest can't wait to see the bride in her beautiful dress. I imagine she is anxious to try it on. You have a wonderful weekend. Your Missouri Friend.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Donna,

    It looks great and the flowers are so pretty! You are a multi-talented lady...the best kind.♥

    I guess I've been on this particular flower adventure for 7 years. Hand sewing is my favorite of all other than my crochet...I had to laugh when I saw your cowls because I make those too but of course my own look.

    We are hoping to do some of the artisan shows in Gatlinburg. The tourist traffic is always fabulous..they've started flooding in this month. Bad economy or not people are gonna take their trip to the mountains. :0) Thank goodness! I can't believe I've been here in the new house for almost a year....time is flying by too fast.

    Thanks so much for visiting and for your kind words about my flowers. I'm working hard to get my business going but I don't seem to multitask as well as I used too. I think I'm still wore out from this last move.

    You have a wonderful day and I'll be back soon.

    Hugs,
    Stephanie ♥

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gorgeous! All the special little touches make it even more lovely. It will only add to what is already a magical day!
    Thanks for visiting my blog the other day!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a GORGEOUS gown! You've done an exquisite job! I'll bet you're just as excited about her big day as she is!!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Donna, that is just amazing!
    So ethereal and romantic, and it just evokes Jane Austen, which for ME is the highest compliment! :-)

    This seals the deal, you are now OFFICIALLY Wonder Woman!

    XO,
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Donna -- Beautiful gown, What a wonderful keepsake for the bride. I received your Alice needle keeper from your giveaway and I LOVE IT!! Thanks so much!! I wish I could sew like you if I had the patience. Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Found you through Fiona and Twig....how on earth have I not found you before? This dress is to die for! My grandmother, God rest her soul, was a seamstress that made wedding dresses, formals, showgirl costumes, all during the depression era. Seeing this dress brings back fond memories of her for me....thank you for that! ~LA

    ReplyDelete
  28. You totally rock!!!! OMG!!! I know that bride is going to fall out with utter joy! She will be stunning! I can't wait for pictures!!!!!!!!!!!
    hugs,
    shell

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a truly, truly lovely dress. Theresa

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a lucky bride to have a handmade dress by you. It is lovely, and I look forward to the wedding photos.
    Marcie

    ReplyDelete
  31. wow..this is so beautiful Donna...your work is awesome...and the bride will be beautiful for sure..

    ReplyDelete

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