The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Sewing Professionally => Topic started by: Bloobell on July 21, 2018, 11:13:27 AM
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My client, Annie, turned 90 in late May, and had a bespoke dress made for the occasion. Annie has vascular dementia, so we weren't sure she'd party the whole day but in the end, she partied Saturday AND Sunday and caught up with her sleep on Monday.
She chose the style, based on an emerald green dress worn by Sophie Wessex, Prince Edward's wife, last year I think. I found a commercial pattern that had the right neckline and bodice, and altered the skirt to make it longer and fuller. We also adapted certain elements to make dressing her easier, as Annie is in a wheelchair.
There's a black velvet belt with a bow hidden by her handbag (a 1950's original that she has treasured all this time)
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I'm driving myself nuts trying to sort this pic out! Sorry!
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Bloobell, that is beautiful! Annie looks so happy! The dress is a triumph!
Jessie
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Thank you. Annie's already dropping hints about having another one made.
This is the inspiration dress. I think the collar on the Vogue pattern is far nicer than Sophie's one!
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It's much nicer, and I love the fabric.
Jessie
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Annie's sits much better. That is one stylish lady. Matching bag and shoes and nails and hair done. Fab.
My dad had vascular dementia. The laughs we had with him! 0_0
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She looks beautiful. The dress is lovely - well done!
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Aww that is a beautiful dress! Annie looks so happy wearing it too :flower:
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That's a lovely dress and she does look happy wearing it. I especially like the black trim around the hem.
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That is a lovely dress, perfect for the occasion. Annie looks relaxed and happy - and very smart with her matching accessories.
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Oooh it's nice to see you notice the trim around the hem. The fabric frays horribly and a simple turned up hem wasn't possible due to the curve. I made bias binding from the lining and used that. It's machine stitched one side and hand stitched carefully on the other, so the stitching doesn't show at all. I did consider black round the cuffs as well, but decided it was overkill - the lining sorted that finishing out anyway, it would just have been cosmetic.
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Going off on a tangent - sometime ago I heard a radio programme by a GP who was in the early stages of dementia - she said that she had several dresses that were reversible as it wouldn`t matter if she got in a muddle and put them on inside out.
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I tried to reply to this earlier today but the internet went funny and my post didn't register...so...trying again...
It's a beautiful dress, @Bloobell and I love the fabric..I want to stroke it.
Annie has good taste. I love the vintage look.
Sandra.
xxx
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Lovely dress, beautifully made. Well done.
Its so nice to see someone with this condition doing something so normal and everyday, well special everyday.
My mum had this condition and everyday day was a torment for her.
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That's lovely, @Bloobell ! A really special dress for a special lady. She looks amazing in it.
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That is gorgeous. I hope I have someone to make me lovely frocks when I am 90!
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@crafter Her daughter did have to manipulate things a bit. She's normally a bit livelier at the beginning of the week, so it took a bit of craftiness to get her sleepy/wakey pattern adjusted so she'd be able to enjoy her party over the weekend and then rest on her normal bright days instead.
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@Bloobell - it's a triumph. Looks fantastic!
What pattern number did you use as the basis for the dress?
Annieg
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@annieg
It's Vogue V8667 View B, with adaptations. I changed the sleeves to 3/4 length, and added some length and fullness to the skirt panels.
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Just found this thread and wanted to say how lovely she looks!
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First time I've seen this too. What a great job. She looks wonderful.
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Lovely, I have just realised I have this pattern and never used it, you have inspired me to get it out. May try it with one my red fabrics.
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I've only just seen this too. It's a beautiful dress and has obviously made Annie very happy indeed. <3 She looks fantastic. My mum had vascular dementia and some days were better than others, but she never lost her sense of humour.