The Sewing Place
The Emporia => A bit of a 'do' => Bridal => Topic started by: charlotte on April 05, 2020, 14:39:26 PM
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Exciting news: I am engaged! And in these current challenging times my wedding dress is the one thing I can start planning!
There is no date or anything yet for obvious reasons!!
I’m thinking something similar to this Burda Style pattern, but perhaps with pleats instead of gathers and of lace motifs and tulle over the bodice, extending to an illusion neckline.
(https://i.imgur.com/39Uh35Pl.jpg)
At the moment I think I would like a pale pink or oyster silk taffeta with a dramatic beaded lace for the overlay.
My current plan of action is:
1. Draft a pattern and make a full toile (including corselette)
2. Make a test dress - a knee length version in Liberty lawn with a silk organza yoke (to be worn to my brother’s wedding)
3. Make the dress
Luckily I have the necessary supplies to crack on with step one as soon as I’ve finished off my coat.
Wish me luck! I’ll keep you updated!
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Oooohhhh! Congratulations!! :hug: 0_0 Lovely news to share in. :D
We are going to enjoy following your exploits very much indeed.
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Come on @charlotte we need more than that! When did this happen, and where and how?
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:toast: Congratulations.
I look forward to seeing your dress as it all comes together.
Sandra.
xxx
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Congratulations and all the luck you deserve! The pattern looks lovely and I look forward to seeing the progress.
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Congratulations @charlotte. Looking forward to following the progress of the dress.
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Many congratulations @charlotte, we do love a wedding here :D
At least you can plan your dress now, even if others things are on hold.
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Congratulations :toast: <3 <3 :toast:
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Congratulations! How refreshing to hear some happy news. Looking forward to hearing about your progress with that lovely dress!
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Congratulations, how exciting. Look forward to seeing the progress and thanks for sharing with us! :toast: :toast:
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Congratulations @charlotte on your engagement :toast:
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Love a wedding dress!..look forward to seeing your progress.
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Congratualtions! 0_0
Looking forward to seeing pics 0_0
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Congratulations @charlotte on your engagement and forthcoming marriage.
I am currently hooked on the car crash television that is 'Say yes to the dress' and cannot believe the over-priced vulgarity that some brides choose. Your dress is going to be fresh and lovely.
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Thank you all!
Obviously he was quite limited on what we could actually do, stuck at home but we had a lovely three course dinner and then he got down on one knee, taking me completely by surprise!!
Here is the ring in case anyone is interested:
(https://i.imgur.com/PUjdurol.jpg)
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@charlotte stunning ring. Did he choose it on his own? If he did he`s definitely a keeper
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@charlotte stunning ring. Did he choose it on his own? If he did he`s definitely a keeper
He did! I had dropped some clues about liking Art Deco style jewellery and coloured stones but that was all he had to work with so I think he did very well indeed. :D
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Lovely ring. I think you could hang on to him.
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Oh @charlotte , many congratulations :toast: what lovely news. The dress is going to be so beautiful! Good luck!! xx
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Congratulations @charlotte and that is a beautiful ring. I love art deco rings and that is a beaut. Looking forward to seeing your dress come to fruition.
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Beautiful ring!
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Huge congratulations @charlotte, very much looking forward to your wedding dress making journey
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Congratulations @charlotte :toast:
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Congratulations @charlotte :) Your ring looks sensational :loveit:
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Many congratulations @charlotte , lovely dress and beautiful ring.
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Congratulations @charlotte, what a beautiful ring, your man has great taste.
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Right, I've made a start!
I am beginning from the inside out and have made a corselette toile. Two, actually, because the first one needed so many adjustments.
Features include:
- cut and sew foam cups
- underwires
- spiral steel boning
- offset back hook and eye fastenings
- an elastic combination-bust-and-waist stay (will also be offset on the actual dress)
And most importantly, I wore it all day yesterday whilst going about my day (working at my laptop, catching the mouse the cat brought in, a dance workout, cleaning the kitchen, cooking and eating) and it was surprisingly extremely comfortable!!
(https://i.imgur.com/R7j8ifzl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/F81kHt6l.jpg)
Starting on the bodice toile tonight, so will hopefully have some slightly less architectural pictures to share soon!
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Hi Charlotte, that's a good start you've made there. Just thought I would make some suggestions for you. I don't know if your dummy is made for you or is just a standard (I'm thinking made for you as it is a pretty cover), but please ensure that there is no excess fabric when you have the bodice on. Boned bodices have to be absolutely snug to support the weight of the dress, so ensure that any wrinkles are pinched out and any excess fabric removed.
Another thing to consider is to have a laced panel under the zip area. Zips are often not strong enough to take the strain of a boned bodice on their own. I insert a laced panel, attached the side back seams, which when laced up properly has an inch gap between both lacing panels. It is this that takes the strain and the zip therefore merely closes the dress. If, god forbids, the zip does fail, the dress will stay in place!
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Thanks @Missie for the suggestions - I definitely need all the help I can get!
Yes, I think I do need to take out a tiny bit more fabric (my dressform is a bit smaller than me, so not as much as it looks like).
I am aiming for a perfect fit at the top edge (so as to avoid squashy armpit fat) and then a tiny amount of negative ease everywhere else. The actual bodice which goes over it will have minimal positive ease. Does that sound right?
I was going to have the corselette do up with hooks and eyes, slightly offset from the centre back, and then the dress zip up separately over that. Perhaps a laced panel would be better than hooks and eyes though, and it might be easier to achieve the perfect amount of negative ease.
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I've only just seen your ring - I think that is the nicest ring I have ever, ever seen!!!
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I've only just seen your ring - I think that is the nicest ring I have ever, ever seen!!!
I think so too! But I am biased. :D
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Thanks @Missie for the suggestions - I definitely need all the help I can get!
I am aiming for a perfect fit at the top edge (so as to avoid squashy armpit fat) and then a tiny amount of negative ease everywhere else. The actual bodice which goes over it will have minimal positive ease. Does that sound right?
I was going to have the corselette do up with hooks and eyes, slightly offset from the centre back, and then the dress zip up separately over that. Perhaps a laced panel would be better than hooks and eyes though, and it might be easier to achieve the perfect amount of negative ease.
You don't want negative ease, just no ease, unless you do the hook and eye panel on a stretch mesh base (I've forgotten the name of the fabric, but it is used in dancewear and bras). The rest of the boned layer needs to be on a firm fabric (eg fabric) with which you will not get negative ease. And yes a hook and eye panel will work just as well as the laced panel.
To avoid "armpit fat", you need to ensure that the cup area is big enough as this "fat" is usually displaced breast tissue. You just need to pull it (swoop and scoop) it into the cup area.
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Congratulations @charlotte. Lovely news. Very romantic!
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I finished my toile!
(https://i.imgur.com/Aoaw0Aol.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rP8m4Ekl.jpg)
I am very happy with the overall shape. I have a few minor fit adjustments to make to the bodice, but I am pretty happy with it generally. I am redesigning the skirt so it will have five box pleats instead of six. There will be one at the centre front, and the side seams (and pockets, obviously!) can be tucked away under pleats.
I also have a crazy idea that I can cut the skirt from one piece of fabric on the crossgrain, with giant darts instead of side seams. This way there will only be one seam I have to deal with in the lace border, at the centre back.
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Looking good... you’re super speedy!
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That looks lovely. Good call re the box pleats!
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That dress is a lovely shape. Looking forward to hearing about progress!
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Lovely shaped dress. I like the pleats, and pockets are practical. If the lace design allows, cutting the skirt with giant darts instead of side seams will keep the lace motifs intact at the hem & sounds very sensible to me. The seam could then be at one side, hidden in the pleat. Everyone will see the back of the dress!
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Congratulations on your engagement , a beautiful toile , so quickly made and a gorgeous ring ( love emeralds) . My daughter got married last year and we all had such a wonderful time with the preparations. I feel so sorry for all those who’ve had to cancel things this year. You’re very sensible to get on with what you can do and wait until things get better before you make plans for the date and place. You have so much to look forward to and once we are though this, your friends and family will be all the more delighted to help you celebrate on the big day.
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Lovely shaped dress. I like the pleats, and pockets are practical. If the lace design allows, cutting the skirt with giant darts instead of side seams will keep the lace motifs intact at the hem & sounds very sensible to me. The seam could then be at one side, hidden in the pleat. Everyone will see the back of the dress!
Yes, I thought about having the seam at the side, but I do need the zip down the back, so I think I do have to have it there. I am hoping that I will be able to disguise it with a 'couture lace seam'. I have instructions from both Alison Smith and Susan Khalje, where you cut around the motifs and overlap them, which creates an almost invisible join.
I am considering a detachable tulle train so that would cover up the back a bit whilst it is attached as well.
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Hi Charlotte,
I was just having another look at your toile, I can't see the side seams, but my suggestion re the box pleats would be to make them more generous/deeper at the waist. I was just thinking that as the pleats are currently, the pockets might not be so well hidden in the side seams but I also appreciate that changing 6 pleats to 5 may change the look of the pleats anyway.
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Hi Charlotte,
I was just having another look at your toile, I can't see the side seams, but my suggestion re the box pleats would be to make them more generous/deeper at the waist. I was just thinking that as the pleats are currently, the pockets might not be so well hidden in the side seams but I also appreciate that changing 6 pleats to 5 may change the look of the pleats anyway.
I’m on it! By having 5 pleats, the side seams should end up hidden in the folds. Plus I will be able to centre the motifs on the lace down the front pleat.
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My fabric arrived!!
This is the lace:
(https://i.imgur.com/I79OrI9l.jpg)
I also have separate matching motifs and trim to piece for the bodice. It's photographed over some pink cut and sew foam, which is not massively dissimilar from underlay - 'rosewater' silk habotai with a 'cyclamen' deep pink cotton lawn underlining.
(https://i.imgur.com/HzYAxNUl.jpg)
I tried out piecing the motifs on my toile as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/1Il966tl.jpg)
I am almost there with the fit - I just need a tiny bit more ease on the waistband to fix the drag-lines caused by my uneven hips. Looking at the above picture I may need to look at the neckline fit again, but it might just be creases in the fabric!
I'm pausing here for now, and using my pattern to make a knee-length cotton lawn dress with a silk organza yoke as a 'full practice' version, which I may wear to my brother's wedding ceremony in May 2021... If we are allowed out by then...
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:loveit: They are gorgeous!
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That is so pretty! I love the lace against the pale pink silk.
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Ooh pretties! The fabrics look lovely :D
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The lace looks lovely :)
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That's lovely, and against the pink silk will suit you very well.
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The fabrics look lovely, and the fit is good as well. Now just enjoy making all of this up.
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Only just come across so first congrats, secondly what a beautiful ring and thirdly fab dress and so much work in it all ready.
I do love a challenging wedding dress make but can't see any more wedding in the family for a long while, sigh.
@Missie Do you mean power mesh?
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I've only just come across this post too (catching up), so many congratulations @charlotte . :toast: Your ring and your dress are looking lovely.
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member=159]Missie[/member] Do you mean power mesh?
@sewmuchmore Yes! That's the one, thank you!
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How have I missed this???
First of all congratulations and a stunning ring, I love emeralds.
Your dress is going to be fabulous and a 'one off'.
I will watch and read your posts with interest to see your progress and I'm certain your finished dress will be gorgeous.
Im off as I'm begining to sound like a certain judge on Strictly CD.
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We've set a date and I've made a start! (February 2022 which sounds like ages away but is actually only 18 months and I think it will come round rather quickly...)
Corselette is cut out and the back panels are finished.
(https://i.imgur.com/0CwCJ76l.jpg)
The fabric is Liberty Tana Lawn Wild Flowers, which I am using for inside details, and is the same fabric that my bridesmaids' tops will be made from. It's underlined with the cerise cotton lawn that my main fabric will be underlined with, which gives it a pink tone. The top of the panels are edged with bias strips on the 'outside' (i.e. the side you will see when you unzip the dress), to match the main fabric.
I'm going to sew the front panels together, prep the side back panels, cut the boning and then tack everything together for a fitting before sewing it properly. These panels have a giant 1.5" seam allowance, so there is plenty of room for manoeuvre! I won't cut the bodice until I have finished fitting the corselette.
I also drew a picture:
(https://i.imgur.com/sF28EsPl.jpg)
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Once again, lovely work! You choose some beautiful fabrics.
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That is very pretty @charlotte and gorgeous work as usual but you will need it to be made of firmer fabric than lawn. It needs to support the boning and also the weight of the dress which lawn on its own just wont do. Also the lawn will not be stable enough on its own and the seams may well tear under the strain. Whenever I make boned bodices, I use tie canvas and lawn sewn together as one layer and this goes between the fashion fabric and lining (I don't tend to do separate corselette, but that is personal preference).
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@Missie Hmmm... These back panels are double layers of underlined Tana Lawn. The underlining is also a cotton lawn, but a generic one and a lot heavier weight than the Liberty. The seams and boning channels are sewn through all four layers, with the separate boning channels sandwiched between the layers, so I think they are sturdy enough. The rest of the panels are currently just two layers rather than four (but still with separate boning channels), so in light of your advice I think I will mount them onto an additional canvas layer, or a second layer of the heavier weight cotton - the canvas might be too much with the two layers of lawn, but I will do some experimenting.
The corselette in my practice dress is just a double layer of Tana Lawn, but the skirt is a lot lighter than the skirt will be on the actual dress.
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Progress update:
I finished the corselette:
(https://i.imgur.com/4Rd7G5vl.jpg)
I added an extra layer of firm cotton to the two layers of lawn. I experimented with a petersham waist stay but I could not get it so that it was both tight enough to feel like it was holding everything up and loose enough that I could sit down and eat! Instead I sewed the petersham ribbon around the waist of the corselette and added an elastic stay for extra security. A bias strip around the top matches the fabric of the underbodice. You can see the hanging loops too, which are secured within the seam allowance at the waist. Once the dress in finished I will add some crocheted thread loops to hold them in place at the top edge.
I then had a complete disaster with my bodice
(https://i.imgur.com/3i3K6O0l.jpg)
In spite of what it looks like in the picture, this actually fits. The main problem, I think, was the way I applied the fabric and underlining together (i.e. really badly!), causing the horrendous wrinkly mess you can see above.
So I started again. I recovered the back panels but had to recut the front panels. Luckily they don't use much fabric.
I added an extra layer (calico at the front, and lawn at the back) with a few more strips of boning (originally I planned to only have boning in the corselette, but it was definitely needed in the underbodice too). It's only tacked together so far (hence the weird looking extra visible unpressed seams) but I am much much happier. Some of the boning is visible from the outside, so I plan to slip in some strips of cotton flannel between the layers where needed.
(https://i.imgur.com/cqsPTwil.jpg)
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@charlotte I have no idea what most of this means but I'm having a lovely time. Keep going. It's absolutely fascinating!
Piece of advice. Lots of people will stand on your dress (yes really...it's all the hugging) so make sure the bottom is well secured to the top!!!!
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@charlotte I have no idea what most of this means but I'm having a lovely time. Keep going. It's absolutely fascinating!
Piece of advice. Lots of people will stand on your dress (yes really...it's all the hugging) so make sure the bottom is well secured to the top!!!!
Yep!! My photographer stood on mine before we even left for the church. The first I knew about it was when there was a rip sound and the whole room went silent... I could have cried and hit him in equal measure! Luckily it was the lace over the top and only a couple of inches in a place that wasn’t hugely visible. Mum safety-pinned it from the inside and you couldn’t tell.
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At OH's godson's wedding reception, a sitdown meal was being served when a waiter spilt a jugful of gravy into the bride's lap.
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Our soup went down the best man's back! 0_0
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Assuming I get the length right, the hem will be a couple of cm off the floor, so hopefully less risk of being stood on! I am still undecided about a train, but if I do have it, it will be removable and only worn for the ceremony. I am also very clumsy and likely to spill things down myself without anyone's help. All I can hope is that I get some good pictures before that happens! :D
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In case you're still having corselette problems, I'd recommend Sew Curvy - she's amazingly helpful with fabric and boning suggestions for all sorts. Was very happy to chat with me for a while about a dress that is now to be postponed for next year sadly (1940s pattern) as there are so many boning options depending on what you require. Also tape is amazing for boning channels, especially when testing fit. I do agree that lawn alone won't be strong enough and will be liable to warp and tear.
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Like wrenkins, I'm not entirely sure what's going on either, but find it fascinating!
Is the corselette a separate item, or is going to be sewn into the dress? I have no idea how these things work :S
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@Bodgeitandscarper, the corselette will be sewn to the bodice along the top edge at the front, but they will remain separate at the back, as the corselette is a lot tighter than the bodice, and (along with the waist stay) essentially holds the whole dress up. This is a method often seen is vintage Dior dresses, like the one below.
(https://ninaleeloves.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/43bac09275e31aeaeae90e6cda37e454.jpg)
I'm not having the net attached to the corselette though, I'm keeping that separate.
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Thank you for the explanation, I like knowing how things are constructed - I'd never have the patience to make anything like that.
Look forward to seeing more 0_0
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@Bodgeitandscarper, the corselette will be sewn to the bodice along the top edge at the front, but they will remain separate at the back, as the corselette is a lot tighter than the bodice, and (along with the waist stay) essentially holds the whole dress up. This is a method often seen is vintage Dior dresses, like the one below.
@charlotte the only thing I would say/ask you to consider is that the dress you have shown has straps, which which will take some of the weight of the dress whilst yours is strapless, which will require more engineering to hold it up.
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Thanks @Missie - yes you are right I will need more structure - I have already added an extra layer with additional boning to the bodice. The bodice overlay will be attached at the waistband and that will come over the shoulders but I do not want it to hold any weight whatsoever, as it will be made from a very delicate silk tulle. (I once made a dress with a silk organza yoke and no foundation support whatsoever. Guess how that ended!)
I am pretty confident my foundations will be structured enough to hold everything up, but as a worst case scenario I could always add straps to be camouflaged by lace appliques.
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What are you using as boning?
I'd always suggest a pretty corsetry coutil but then I'm a sucker for some of those fabrics. I have a ridiculously gorgeous riding corset - far too pretty a coutil but I adore it :loveit:
There are ways ou can use a more structured fabric and then sandwich it with a fashion fabric over the top so it still has the pretty look you like - all the strain taken by the structural fabric and the fashion fabric is all safe
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The boning is spiral steel, held in calico channels.
The corselette is two layers of cotton lawn and a layer of firmer cotton (not quite canvas but not too lightweight). It also has foam cups and underwires, and the waist is reinforced with petersham ribbon.
The bodice is one layer of silk habotai, one layer of cotton lawn and then an additional foundation layer (with boning) of calico at the front and more lawn at the back.
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Gosh... the whole thing is a feat of engineering!
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Ah OK, you'll want some flat steel boning in there too, spiral has a way of bending sideways if there isn't any flat steels at crucial points.
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I'm losing track here, how many layers of fabric are there going to be in all? :S :o
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The bodice overlay will be attached at the waistband and that will come over the shoulders
Apologies, I thought is was going to be strapless.
Re the boning, just make sure that the end caps are on securely for the spiral boning and I would even consider covering them in tape (plumbers tape) so they don't rip through the fabrics. I would also use flat steels where there is no need for any movement in the steel.
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Here is my finished underbodice with my latest skirt toile.
(https://i.imgur.com/ir5htmXl.jpg)
And the back:
(https://i.imgur.com/CbvoOuPl.jpg)
You can see I've tacked a zip in for general fitting but it is now on hold until I have a fitting partner.
Bunting and bridesmaids' outfits now.
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Looking good! I love the shape of the skirt.
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Oh, that is going to be so pretty.
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Right I'm really fed up now!
My friend was supposed to be coming to stay next weekend and she was going to help me fit my dress. Then Leeds went into Tier 2 and she can't anymore.
Then my mum was supposed to be coming from France at some point, so she would have been able to help but now (for various) reasons, she can't.
Now London is in Tier 2 so even if I could find someone else or settle for a non-sewing person's point of view it's not allowed.
I know there are much bigger problems in the world right now, but I would just love to get on with my dress and forget about everything else for a bit, but I can't because it's just silly to cut out the overlay and the skirt when I am not confident with the fit at the bust and waist.
:angry:
Moan over.
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Bummer!....
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What a pain. :( And what a shame we can't do it virtually - we have all the expert assistance you could need here.
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It’s a shame. But even people visiting are supposed to keep their distance!
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What a pain. :( And what a shame we can't do it virtually - we have all the expert assistance you could need here.
Actually, we could. I've done a fitting with a member of the previous forum/site.
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I got quite far with my mum on a video chat, but I really wanted to have someone helping in real life before I went any further.
Still 15 month until the wedding, so plenty of time but I’m just a bit fed up! Plus we haven’t sent invites yet and I’m already planning how to uninvite people if government restrictions make that necessary!!
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So I've given up on a real life fitting... :(
I've done two more video chat fittings, with my mum and my sewing friend, so I'm going to go for it. Just two alterations:
1. it was a tiny bit snug, so I've added a tiny bit at the centre back seam (less than 1cm); and
2. the overlay waist (toile) wasn't matching up with the (finished) underbodice, so I've redrawn the lower edge there.
I've adjusted the pattern pieces for the overlay and the waistband and traced the overlay pieces onto Swedish tracing paper. I'm going to use this as a stabiliser (to be torn away) in sewing the (frankly terrifying) silk tulle for the overlay. Next step is to tack the tracing paper to the tulle and sew it together! Then I can attach it to the underbodice and get to the exciting part of piecing the lace motifs and stitching them in place.
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Charlotte, it's lovely to follow your journey with your wedding dress project.
There's something very cheering and full of hope about looking forward to the day in 15 months time.
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Good overlay progress this weekend.
I mounted the silk tulle onto Swedish tracing paper to function as a stabiliser. I'll do most of the applique once it's attached to the underbodice, but I decided to do the necklines first to stabilise them. There is stay-stitching under the lace as well. I'm also finishing the centre back, so I've got the edging stitched on, and I've made nearly 2m of corded rouleau loops for the button loops. I've also sent my fabric off to have my buttons professionally covered.
(https://i.imgur.com/BXIKr8al.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/spMeLVHl.jpg)
I think I might need to do a tack-fitting before I finish the left back with the loops, as I will have to tack a zip in for self-dressing, but I still need to stitch the lace at the back neck, and stitch down the right back edging, so I'll do that first before worrying about fitting and loops.
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That’s going to be fabulous...
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It's looking great!
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Looking good! I just wouldn't have the patience to do all that!
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Fabulous work @charlotte.
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That looks lovely @charlotte!
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My buttons arrived! 0_0
(https://i.imgur.com/CBASnTBl.jpg)
I sent my fabric off and had them covered so they will match exactly.
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They look great! What a brilliant idea to get someone else to deal with the fiddly job of covering buttons.
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Those look very nice @charlotte! That color is quite pretty.
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I fitted my over-bodice! Self fitting a button back bodice is generally not recommended, but the main challenge was due to my scoliosis (twisted spine). The calico toile was fine, but the softer tulle needed a lot of encouragement not to follow my backbone!
The alterations were actually fairly minimal - a slight adjustment to the shoulder slope (different on each side!) and cutting the back armholes a little bigger to give a bit more ease.
Before and after pictures:
(https://i.imgur.com/YnTvMBYl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/D0mI8qil.jpg)
The 'before' shot is exaggerated by the fact that the stabiliser is still in place, and I used a back zip for my first fitting, but it is still a dramatic difference for such minimal changes.
Once I have the lace motifs in place I'm hoping my deformed back won't be quite as obvious! First I need to stitch the (currently hand-tacked) seams, remove the last of the stabiliser, and sew the buttons in place.
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It's looking beautiful @charlotte !
Well done for fitting it yourself! :thumbsup:
Jessie
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Your are a brave and clever lass Charlotte, it is looking good - now continue to enjoy the making of this beautiful dress.
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Fabulous! Not easy to fit yourself normally but scoliosis makes it a bit awkward.
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You are doing a tremendous job Charlotte, you will be a beautiful bride.
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What a difference ... you are so clever!!!
I used to send buttons off to be covered when I made bridal waistcoats too ... Still have an off couple ... in a lovely Grey Silk Paisley <3
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Looking good, you're very skilled and the back looks perfect. My daughter had her dress made (in Shanghai, as they were living there at the time) and the dressmaker made a big fuss over fitting it to her twisted back. Which no one had noticed before her very thorough Chinese medical which included multiple X rays & precise measurement of the degree of scoliosis. DD was most indignant that I'd not taken her to the doc with it but I'd no idea there was anything wrong.
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Looking good, you're very skilled and the back looks perfect. My daughter had her dress made (in Shanghai, as they were living there at the time) and the dressmaker made a big fuss over fitting it to her twisted back. Which no one had noticed before her very thorough Chinese medical which included multiple X rays & precise measurement of the degree of scoliosis. DD was most indignant that I'd not taken her to the doc with it but I'd no idea there was anything wrong.
My curvature was huge - 58o in the lower back - and it was my PE teacher who noticed it, rather than me or my mum! It was partially corrected by surgery to 24o to match the curve in the upper portion. They used one of my ribs to fuse three vertebrae together, so I can have fit issues at the front too where they took that out!
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Fabulous...
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You've been very successful there, it can't have been easy, yet the alterations have given a great result.
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Ouch @charlotte, that must have been difficult for you. I'm glad I'm not the only one to not spot their child's curvature! My daughter's was, I think, 13°, but I suppose it depends which way it's curving as to whether it's easily noticeable. The Chinese hospital also found scoliosis in her fiancé. Their medicals for their health insurance were incredibly detailed and took a whole day with probably a lifetime's worth of x-ray dosage. I suspect a lot of us sail through life blissfully unaware of several medical 'problems'.
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That's looking good, you are so clever :)
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It is lovely. Looking forward to seeing pictures of you wearing it.
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That looks amazing @charlotte!
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Dress is looking beautiful @charlotte . Clever girl!
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A productive weekend: I sewed on my buttons and pinned all my lace to the bodice. Now for many many hours of hand sewing to get them stitched into place!
(https://i.imgur.com/LoZekkil.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/LlJXgRQl.jpg)
I'm currently trying to decide whether the waistband should be similarly embellished or left plain. I was going to piece the lace from the smaller border of the lace fabric, but I tend to look best in dresses with an obvious waistband so I think plain might provide a good contrast.
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That is stunning Charlotte! You must have a lot of patience.
Jessie
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It's beautiful! I think a plain waistband would look nicer - it won't detract from the lace on the bodice. What kind of lace is it?
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That’s absolutely beautiful, what a wonderful achievement.
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That's beautiful. I'd go for a plain waistband as the lace is so intricate.
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Charlotte this dress is going to look absolutely stunning, well done on what you have achieved already, now enjoy the hand sewing - this can be very therapeutic. I also think the plain waistband would look nice, why not make two up one plain and one with the lace, and then see what you think when the rest is ready.
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It's beautiful! I think a plain waistband would look nicer - it won't detract from the lace on the bodice. What kind of lace is it?
I’d probably call it an imitation Alençon. It’s described as a “heavily beaded and corded embroidered lace on a tulle background”. You can see it here (https://www.bridalfabrics.co.uk/ivory-beaded-lace-alexandra). It’s great because they sell matching motifs and trim separately, which saved a lot of money over having to cut out the motifs from the fabric!
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Gorgeous.
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Wow, I would have neither the patience nor the dexterity to sew all that by hand.
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What a pleasure it is to follow your wedding dress journey. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us. :grouphug:
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That looks amazing @charlotte!
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@charlotte, lovely work and I agree with those who favour a plain waistband. You could do a few rows of horizontal pleats, though.
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Looks amazing. Definitely plain waistband. Don’t envy you all the hand sewing but it’s the best way.
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Absolutly beautiful. I would go for the plain waistband to show of your waist.
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So talented ... so beautiful .. so slim . :loveit:
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PROGRESS! The hand sewing of the lace motifs is complete!
(https://i.imgur.com/NN7ovAxl.jpg)
I need to tidy up the tulle around the shoulders and arm holes, but I am really pleased with it.
I have also cut out a final skirt toile. I drew the pattern using Sewist and had it printed on A0, which was much easier than hand-drafting on taped-together brown paper! It's too big for the cutting table so I had to shift all my furniture and do it on the floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/ufSBUS9l.jpg)
Next weekend I have my bridesmaid coming to button me in, so I will hopefully have the skirt toile tacked on by then so I can determine final length before cutting out the real skirt! That will be even more complicated space-wise, as I'll need to hand tack the different fabrics together in a single layer. ><
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That's looking lovely - and all that hand sewing, wow :)
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Beautiful. :)
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That is beautiful! The hand-sewing of the motifs is a labour of love indeed. The neckline is so pretty.
Looking forward to seeing the finished dress.
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Charlotte that is absolutely beautiful, stunning in fact, and a real labour of love. I also love the neckline. Looking forward to seeing the next stage, have fun making the skirt and the train.
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That is stunning! You must be so proud.
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Absolutely fabulous. Worth all the hand sewing.
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So beautiful, good luck for the next part.
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UPDATE! I have something that looks like a dress!
(https://i.imgur.com/q2cas5rl.jpg)
It still needs a zip (and the rest of the back seam sewing), a waistband facing and a a couple of hems (dress and lining) but it's very nearly there!
I am undecided whether the waistband needs embellishment. I prefer it in theory with the extra lace, but I think it might suit me better without!
I need to get my bridesmaid back for another try on!
(https://i.imgur.com/hhvN4COl.jpg)
I also probably need to add more tulle to my petticoat, as the weight of the lace means it is just a teeny bit too long, but that might sort itself once I've got the horsehair braid hem in place.
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Charlotte that is looking stunning, just love the lace detail. Personally I rather line the lace on the waistband, it makes it look more like a dress rather than a bodice and skirt especially with the scalloped edge.
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I prefer it with the lace on the waistband too.
Looks stunning.
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That is beautiful, and I agree with the other two about the lace on the waistband - like Elnnina, I think it makes it more of a piece.
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Really beautiful and I like the lace waistband too.
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That looks fabulous! Well done you. :thumbsup:
I agree with the others and like the lace at the waistband.
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Gosh, that's amazing! Like the others, I like the lace round the waistband too.
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Fabulous dress @charlotte! Another one 'for' the lace on the waist.
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Gorgeous dress, agree about lace on the waistband
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Stunning work. I prefer the waistband lace too.
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It's looking lovely, and I agree with the others about the lace on the waistband. :loveit:
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I love both versions of the dress, but if I had to choose, I’m out of step with everyone else. I think it looks more striking and chic without the lace.. It will be stunning either way. You’re very talented :D
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Beautiful! I prefer it with the lace on the waistband as to my eye it pulls the whole dress together.
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Your dress is absolutely beautiful @charlotte ! Along with the others, I prefer the lace covering the waistband - it makes it look more like a wedding dress than an evening ensemble.
Jessie
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Well I've just read through all this and may I say "Wow!"
Your future husband is a very lucky man and that dress is amazing!
The thought of starting to make a new shirt for myself has my brain having a stroke! Envious of your sewing talent? Moi? :laughing:
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So pretty! Another vote for lace on the waistband.
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We need a "gorgeous" button for this thread. "Like" just isn't enough.
Beautiful work.
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Thank you so much for all the lovely comments.
I put the zip in this week, which included pattern matching one of the lace motifs with the zip running through the middle. :scream: I hand-tacked it from the right side with a whip-stitch and then the zip was hand-picked and the tacking removed. I'm really pleased with how it came out.
(https://i.imgur.com/xykPleIl.jpg)
Below the zip, the two layers will be sewn together separately. I have sewn the underlay back seam and for the lace I will overlap the motifs and hand stitch, so there will (hopefully!) be no visible seam line.
I am also definitely leaning towards the lace on the waistband. I can use it to hide the part where the zip teeth are visible on the tight waist band (I should have overlapped the back seam at this point, rather than just tacking on the stitching line), and it would also be useful to camouflage the metal eyes for my removable train.
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That pattern matching is amazing!!
(https://media.giphy.com/media/EdRgVzb2X3iJW/giphy.gif)
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Such neat stitching in of your zip, and as for the lace matching up - well done. Glad you are going with the lace over the waistband - I don't think you will regret this as it does make the whole dress look finished, and not a two piece.
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Looks amazing
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Hello!
Made some very good progress this weekend - finished the back seam (which involved removing the beads from one side of the lace, overlapping the motifs and hand-stitching) tacked in the horsehair braid for the hem and pinned it up, stitched the waistband lace in place, sewed my skirt lining and tacked that in.
Seam, what seam?
(https://i.imgur.com/vH1RiFZl.jpg)
All that's left to do now is sew the hem, fix my fit issue at the back (I think possibly some boning in the button bands and taking it up a bit at the shoulders will work), and make my train.
Which, I have decided to re-design into a cape train!
(https://i.imgur.com/ylQYh5el.jpg)
I've ordered some pink pearls off Etsy (the one in the picture is just a necklace I own!) and it will attach with hooks and eyes concealed in the lace at the shoulder, so it can be removed after the ceremony. The only decision I need to make is whether the keep the pearls on after I remove the train. I do like the look but they might be a bit uncomfortable for sitting, and potentially lethal on the dancefloor. :laughing:
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Oh you are making progress Charlotte, the more we see of this dress the more stunning it becomes - well done.
Don't envy you about the choice on pearls or not, will be interesting to see what you eventually decide.
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@charlotte , that is so beautiful... :loveit:
Jessie
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Wow, that is just so beautiful. Well done on all the matching and hiding of seams. A true labour of love. :loveit:
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That is stunning, and such beautiful, precise work. You're very talented.
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Fabulous…
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Thank you for sharing this process. I've enjoyed it every step of the way. :grouphug:
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Your dress is gorgeous!
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It's looking amazing - a real heirloom for the future.
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I'm loving seeing the progress on your fabulous dress - you must have the patience of a saint to do all that fiddly hand sewing so very well.
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More progress! The hem is done, I've added in the skirt lining, a waistband facing and a zip guard. I've ordered some boning to add to the centre back which should hopefully sort out my back fit issue, and I've cut my train.
I feel like I'm on the home straight now, but I'm about to slow down again, as the lace trim needs hand sewing to the train (currently pinned). I'm hoping it will be a bit easier than the bodice as it is pretty flat, and hopefully only needs attaching at the top edge.
(https://i.imgur.com/8GLT9e3l.jpg)
I originally planned a 30cm 'chapel' train, but when I came to cut it, I decided it should be longer, and went for 55cm, which is more 'cathedral'. I immediately wished I had cut it even longer, so I had to give myself a stern talking to: "Charlotte, you are having a civil ceremony in a barn in Surrey, not a royal wedding in Westminster Abbey..." :laughing:
I've ordered three more pairs of the lace appliques to add to the bottom of the train, which will make it easy for my bridesmaids to see the centre back when they are arranging it for me. Luckily the fabric for my mum's dress is coming from the same place, so I was able to order it together and only pay once for shipping.
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Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Charlotte, your work is really stunning. Now carry on enjoying putting all of this into practice and enjoy every stitch.
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Barn or cathedral, you are going to shine.
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My mum has arrived, and I finally got my dress fitting! It just needs some slight adjustments on the shoulder, but I'm really happy with the fit. Once the shoulders are done, I just need to sew hooks and eyes for the train and work out how best to attach the pearls.
I'll get proper photos once it's finished, but in the meantime, here is the back with the train pinned on.
(https://i.imgur.com/U4gw8vAl.jpg)
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Beautiful Charlotte, you really are getting on with all this sewing do hope you are enjoying all of this as well.
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Perfectly gorgeous. Perfectly.
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Fabulous!
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Absolutely stunning, you should be very proud of yourself.
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So beautiful.
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Fabulous dress :loveit:
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Wow what a fabulous dress!
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Absolutely beautiful! <3
Jessie
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That is beautiful @charlotte
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That is absolutely stunning. What beautiful work, you should be very proud.
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That dress is absolutely awesome, barn or Westminster Abbey it would put any royal wedding dress well and truely in the shade.
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I don't normally swear, but bloody gorgeous @charlotte
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That's so beautiful, really breathtaking, very well done.
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Gorgeous. So much beautiful work and such patience.
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I keep checking in hoping for a front and side view of The Dress. Hint. Hint.
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Charlotte I have just read through all of your posts regarding the making of your wedding dress and I am in awe of your wonderful work. Making wedding dresses is never easy but making your own with all the difficulties of fitting yourself is a huge challenge, well done it looks amazing and thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
Jan
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Simply beautiful
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Amazing can’t wait to see mire
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I keep checking in hoping for a front and side view of The Dress. Hint. Hint.
These will have to do for now, but when my bridesmaid comes to visit on 17th September, I will try it on again and get pictures of me in it!
(https://i.imgur.com/Jle9rhml.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BazUOy5l.jpg)
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That is just stunning. Such talent!
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Wow! So gorgeous :perfect10:
BB
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:loveit: :loveit: :loveit:
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Thank you for sharing those photos. Looking forward to the bridesmaids, too.
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Have just caught up with this, what a gorgeous dress, you are soooooo talented, well done.
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Absolutely beautiful!
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:perfect10: :perfect10: :perfect10:
Wow, it’s simply perfect.
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Charlotte your wedding dress is just so beautiful, stunning in fact. Out of curiosity I see glimpses of your dress stand through the dress, and it looks as if it is patterned roses? - any chance we can have a photo of the naked stand please, and did you make the cover for this?
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The dress is absolutely stunning, very well done.
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Charlotte your wedding dress is just so beautiful, stunning in fact. Out of curiosity I see glimpses of your dress stand through the dress, and it looks as if it is patterned roses? - any chance we can have a photo of the naked stand please, and did you make the cover for this?
It's a Bootstrap custom-size dress form. It was a proper pain in the bum to make if I'm totally honest, but totally worth it, especially for lockdown self-fitting purposes. I have a very short back waist measurement, so find it very difficult to adjust/pad standard forms to my size.
(https://i.imgur.com/vAI70A6l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mr98bxyl.jpg)
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Thanks Charlotte - it is such a pretty cover so much nicer than the usual covers. So glad it is useful for you especially now with all the wedding clothes to make and fit. Keep up the good work.
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Pictures of ME IN MY DRESS!
I am very happy with it apart from the back button bands not sitting straight. I have a slight adjustment to make on the shoulder seams, which I hope will help, and I will experiment with different types of boning. Again, that will have to wait until I have someone to button me in (October, when my mum visits). Worst case scenario solution is lowering the back neck, but I hope it won't come to that. It was fine on the toile, but I think the tulle is just not strong enough to hold itself up.
(https://i.imgur.com/k6wKHVQl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cWr0hJKl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/m6c79dTl.jpg)
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That's absolutely stunning. You look beautiful & should be very proud of yourself.
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Absolutely gorgeous @charlotte something I would never dare make.
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Amazing work @charlotte ! That is a beautiful, beautiful dress! <3
Jessie
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Absolutely stunning. I was worried those bridesmaids dresses were too pretty, but they have no hope of outshining that dress of beauty.
BB
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Absolutely beautiful, you are so talented.
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I'm speechless @charlotte . Just beautiful. Thankyou for giving us a sneak preview.
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Wow! Just wow! :loveit:
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Both you and the dress are just beautiful <3 <3
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Fabulous! :perfect10:
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Exquisite and totally unique ..... Brava!!! :VV:
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Oh so very beautiful Charlotte, so very well worth all the trouble you have taken and what beautiful sewing as well. You should be very proud of your achievement
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What a beautiful dress! That is such an achievement, both in design and execution. It is a huge success.
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Just gorgeous. :loveit: When is the big day @charlotte ? Bet you can’t wait to wear it and show it off to everyone. :VV:
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Just gorgeous. :loveit: When is the big day @charlotte ? Bet you can’t wait to wear it and show it off to everyone. :VV:
Not until February… luckily as there is still lots of bridesmaid and mother of the bride sewing to do!
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Oh, Charlotte! That's so, so beautiful. :loveit: Absolutely stunning work.
Sandra.
xxx
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Exquisite dress. You look so beautiful wearing it, too.
That back view is simply stunning. :perfect10:
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What can I say other than absolutely gorgeous!
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Beautiful, unique, and exquisitely grafted. :VV: Thanks for sharing the sewing journey with us. Do we get to vicariously enjoy sewing the bridesmaids and other dresses as well? And of course I'm looking forward to photos from the wedding.
Greedy me, hmm? 8)
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I've just caught up with this as I've been away and no internet.
That is really beautiful and different, well done.I hope the day, when it comes is just as good as the dress. :perfect10:
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(https://i.imgur.com/qGa4s3Jl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ep9PJ8tl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VK1KnqDl.jpg)
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Charlotte, you look absolutely beautiful, thank you so much for showing us the pics of your day.
I think we have all enjoyed being a small part of your journey.
I hope you and your new DH have a wonderful life together. :VV: :VV:
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Beautiful! Does he know how lucky je is to be married to such a talented girl?
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Congratulations to both of you. <3
Beautiful work and you look so happy together. (He's nice and tall isn't he)
Sandra.
xxx
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Congratulations, you looked lovely and so happy! I don't think the official photos will be better, usually the private ones capture the mood of the day much better.
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Congratulations to you both! Your dress is beautiful.
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You look lovely, many congratulations to you both, thank you for including us in your sewing journey.
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:VV: Congratulations to both of you. You look radiant and your dress is absolutely :perfect10:
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Congratulations, you look beautiful.
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Congratulations @charlotte Your dress is beautiful and you look stunning and very happy. I wish a long and happy life to both you & Mr Charlotte..
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Congratulations to you both. Dress looks fabulous. And what a lovely day!
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Many Congratulations on your Very Special Day Charlotte! :VV:
(and thank you so much for letting us share your journey! ) :flower: <3 :flower:
Jessie
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So wonderful and gorgeous and beautiful (I ran out of words).
You did an absolutely fantastic job on them all and have made some memories that will last forever!
:perfect10:
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Lovely pictures. I have followed your journey with fascination and I am in awe of your skill and patience! Thank you for allowing us to share in it all. Congratulations :VV: I hope you have a very happy life together.
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I looked at all the photos and you should be proud of your work. They came out beautiful and well done.
Congrats and many happy years on your marriage!
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Oh, Wow! All the clothes you made look stunning. Fabulous photos. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and letting us see the photos of the day. Congratulations to you and your hubby, I wish you a long and happy life together. :VV:
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Wow! Your dress looks even better than on the mannequin. Many congratulations to you & your DH. May you have a long and happy marriage. Thanks for sharing your photos.
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You look absolutely stunning and the bridesmaids look fantastic too. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you have a very long and happy life together :VV:
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Fabulous, what more can I say, except that I wish you both all the very best for the future.
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Beautiful bride with a beautiful dress. Congratulations to you both. Thank you for sharing your 'journey' over the months. The bridesmaids were lovely too.
Best wishes to you and Mr Charlotte for a long and happy life together.
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Congratulations @charlotte and Mr Charlotte! :D What lovely photos. You all look wonderful. It must have been satisfying to see all your creations on the day. I bet the guests were most impressed by your talent.
I was just looking yesterday to see if you had put any photos up , I thought I might have missed them. It’s so lovely to see them. :D :loveit:
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Congratulations :VV: The dress looks stunning, as do the bridesmaids, and you all look so happy.
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Wow, @charlotte , many many congratulations and your dress is absolutely stunning! I hope you both had a stupendous day xx
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Charlotte your wedding photos are so lovely, it was so nice seeing actual people in the beautiful dresses that you have made, and what a lovely day you all had - for once the weather was so kind and that makes such a difference.