The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Sewing Professionally => Topic started by: Bloobell on July 21, 2018, 11:13:27 AM

Title: Annie's dress
Post by: Bloobell on July 21, 2018, 11:13:27 AM
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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Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Bloobell on July 21, 2018, 11:21:37 AM
I'm driving myself nuts trying to sort this pic out! Sorry!
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: b15erk on July 21, 2018, 11:25:55 AM
Bloobell, that is beautiful!  Annie looks so happy! The dress is a triumph!

Jessie
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Bloobell on July 21, 2018, 11:30:54 AM
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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Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: b15erk on July 21, 2018, 11:35:28 AM
It's much nicer, and I love the fabric. 

Jessie
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: wrenkins on July 21, 2018, 12:09:42 PM
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
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Greybird on July 21, 2018, 12:12:37 PM
She looks beautiful. The dress is lovely - well done!
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Lolli on July 21, 2018, 12:17:57 PM
Aww that is a beautiful dress! Annie looks so happy wearing it too  :flower:
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: BrendaP on July 21, 2018, 12:29:45 PM
That's a lovely dress and she does look happy wearing it.  I especially like the black trim around the hem.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: SkoutSews on July 21, 2018, 12:44:32 PM
That is a lovely dress, perfect for the occasion. Annie looks relaxed and happy - and very smart with her matching accessories.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Bloobell on July 21, 2018, 16:24:34 PM
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.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: sewingj on July 21, 2018, 17:51:06 PM
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.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Sandra on July 21, 2018, 19:18:15 PM
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
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: crafter on August 01, 2018, 22:52:54 PM
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.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Nevis5 on August 02, 2018, 08:23:14 AM
That's lovely, @Bloobell !  A really special dress for a special lady.  She looks amazing in it. 
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Missie on August 02, 2018, 12:25:55 PM
That is gorgeous.  I hope I have someone to make me lovely frocks when I am 90!
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Bloobell on August 02, 2018, 12:26:59 PM
@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. 
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: annieg on August 02, 2018, 13:07:57 PM
@Bloobell - it's a triumph. Looks fantastic!
What pattern number did you use as the basis for the dress?
Annieg
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Bloobell on August 02, 2018, 14:48:52 PM
@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.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Catllar on August 20, 2018, 23:56:39 PM
Just found this thread and wanted to say how lovely she looks!
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Ohsewsimple on August 21, 2018, 13:51:35 PM
First time I've seen this too.  What a great job.  She looks wonderful.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: sewmuchmore on August 24, 2018, 19:06:10 PM
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.
Title: Re: Annie's dress
Post by: Kenora on August 25, 2018, 21:39:24 PM
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.