Now, I would like to tell you a little story. It is about a little dress that was very long in the making. My seamstress Marguerite, made this dress for herself and when I saw it I thought I simply MUST have one! --but, with a few differences of course.
-One being that it is entirely hand sewn.
I know you've already seen bits and pieces of it since I did wear it a couple times before it was quite ready! (shh!) However... Now it is, and has been, complete for some time and I would like to share all the little details with you! Here are our two dresses together. It is made of a light cotton calico and a deep purple fabric that I'm not quite sure what it is. It's almost a canvas but much softer and not quite as thick. There is a deep purple ruffle at the bottom of hers that is hardly visible in the photograph-- please excuse me!
-One being that it is entirely hand sewn.
I know you've already seen bits and pieces of it since I did wear it a couple times before it was quite ready! (shh!) However... Now it is, and has been, complete for some time and I would like to share all the little details with you! Here are our two dresses together. It is made of a light cotton calico and a deep purple fabric that I'm not quite sure what it is. It's almost a canvas but much softer and not quite as thick. There is a deep purple ruffle at the bottom of hers that is hardly visible in the photograph-- please excuse me!
With the same fabric I put a ruffled hint of a bustle on the back of mine. It is still a full skirt that goes over a hoop, but I hear that bustles are coming in!To cover the seams and to add some extra charm, I put this lace on top of the ruffles which are only visible when the wind might flutter through...
The skirt I attached to a waistband and sewed it to the inside of the bodice in case I change my mind and want to make an extra bodice for it. And since I am in a constant state of that, it is the only way to do it!Here is the bodice.
I did a simple fitted bodice with a 'v' waist and boat neckline and trimmed it with contrasting purple piping (shocking I know!), and the same lace that is on the skirt.
The back I tried to gather in. However, it could have used a bit more gathering I think. Then I sewed little eyelets and laced it for a more elegant look.
The sleeves are a double puff--of sorts. =] I was making up the pattern and I didn't make it quite full enough and when I put it around my arm it just went flat. So, To make it more pouffy, I sewed little gathering stitches in vertical lines on different places of the sleeve. It worked quite well, and I was very pleased with how they turned out. Though it is hard to tell they're double puff. I guess it'll be my own little secret. =]
So just remember: When making puffed sleeves, cut out more than you think you need!
These pictures were taken at Fort Stevens which was the first reenactment that I got to wear my finished dress. *smiles blissfully*
3 comments:
Too cute! I'd love to see more pictures of the full size dress too!
Beautiful! I think croquet sounds very nice. Please give my best regards to Miss Marguerite, and I hope that I may be blessed to see your lovely gown in person someday!
~H
Thank you my dears! I had such a lovely time making the dress and posting about it too!
And since you were so kind to mention it.. I've posted about the full size dress too. =] You'll find it here: http://3sistersofgrace.blogspot.com/2010/05/afternoon-dress.html
Yes... the next time you are here Miss H, I shall wear it solely for the purpose of your enjoyment. =]
Have a lovely evening ladies!
Miss Em
Post a Comment