The Sewing Place

The Emporia => A bit of a 'do' => Topic started by: charlotte on September 01, 2020, 11:09:11 AM

Title: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on September 01, 2020, 11:09:11 AM
I've decided on my bridesmaids' outfits!

Long tulle skirts in these colours (there are six of them):
(https://i.imgur.com/BsA4Pw3l.jpg)

With a top (any style, each bridesmaid's choice) in Liberty's Wild Flowers:
(https://i.imgur.com/qMl5Rh4l.jpg)

I'm imagining something like this for the skirt:
(https://i.imgur.com/8BI3d73l.jpg)

With a maternity option (it's good to be prepared!) like this:
(https://i.imgur.com/yh7UBarl.jpg)
(I will make them in reverse order of likelihood of being pregnant!)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: UttaRetch on September 01, 2020, 11:20:22 AM
The antique rose would be a good choice.  It will suit fair and golden skintones.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Sandra on September 01, 2020, 11:24:14 AM
Do you mean each dress in a different colour? They're going to be so pretty.  :loveit:

And that's a brilliant idea about the maternity option...there's always one.  0_0

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: wrenkins on September 01, 2020, 11:36:54 AM
Be careful. The bottle green will photograph as black if it's too dark. (Wedding photographer's daughter here.  :))
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Ohsewsimple on September 01, 2020, 11:40:53 AM
Lovely idea.  Love the Liberty fabric. 
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on September 01, 2020, 11:42:24 AM
Yes, one skirt in each colour so they are all different, but the tops will be the same fabric so they will still be recognisably my bridesmaids. Because there are so many (well I think six is a lot!) I don't want them all in the same colour/dress.

I can also underline the Liberty fabric with a dark colour to give it a pink/green/purple to best suit each of my bridesmaids and their different skirt colour.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Acorn on September 01, 2020, 11:44:44 AM
It's very nice (and very kind!) to have variations so that each bridesmaid can have the colour and style that suits her best - you so often see groups of bridesmaids where some of them look great and the others look uncomfortable and wrong.

I think they will be beautiful.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Greybird on September 01, 2020, 11:51:56 AM
Will you get the final say in who wears which colour?
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on September 01, 2020, 12:13:09 PM
Will you get the final say in who wears which colour?

Yes! I think it will be fairly easy though. I think I know what colour each would choose.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Kwaaked on September 01, 2020, 12:33:49 PM
It's a nice blend of colors and should look very nice at your wedding!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: UttaRetch on September 01, 2020, 14:13:29 PM
@charlotte: I would be worried about the greens and purple as it might make any pale skinned girls look ill.  You might want to look at some colours on the yellow and orange spectrums.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on September 01, 2020, 14:59:38 PM
@charlotte: I would be worried about the greens and purple as it might make any pale skinned girls look ill.  You might want to look at some colours on the yellow and orange spectrums.

I did think about adding a mustard into the mix for one person in particular. I think the army green will work for her though. I'm fairly confident they will be happy with these colours but I'll offer the mustard as a backup.

My Mother in Law to be has also informed my mother that they should each pick something which tones with the bridesmaids' outfits and that my mother must pick first as Mother of the Bride. She would want the mustard. :D (I had never heard of this though and I'm going to tell her she can wear whatever she wants! Although if she wants me to make it she will have to get her order in as I am very busy!!)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: BriarRose on September 01, 2020, 15:16:52 PM
I love the colors- they're beautiful together. If I understand correctly that they will be used for skirts and the tops will be of the patterned fabric, how the colors blend with skin tone is not so important as it would be if the colors were going to be closer to the bridesmaids' faces.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: wrenkins on September 01, 2020, 15:57:11 PM
@charlotte the mums just need not to clash with your chosen colours. You wouldn't want your mum to turn up in orange if the bridesmaids were in red now would you?  :laughing:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: sewingj on September 01, 2020, 16:12:57 PM
@charlotte  people will tell you there are all sorts of rules - I was told that as mother-of-the-bride I must wear the biggest hat - I didn't.
I am a bit concerned that you are taking on an awful lot.  I know you are enjoying it at the moment but you will be super busy running up to the big day and you don't want to be so stressed that you don't enjoy it. If anyone offers help say Yes!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: UttaRetch on September 01, 2020, 16:43:10 PM
My Mother in Law to be has also informed my mother that they should each pick something which tones with the bridesmaids' outfits and that my mother must pick first as Mother of the Bride.
The job of the mother-in-law is to

(https://i.imgur.com/a9kW5PA.jpg)

Synopsis here (https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/kathleen-gilles-seidel/keep-your-mouth-shut-and-wear-beige/9780330505673).  Sounds like an entertaining read.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: BrendaP on September 01, 2020, 16:55:31 PM
They will look lovely - and nice that you will have a mix of styles for the tops. what suits a matchstick won't work for the more buxom girls, and vice-versa.

@charlotte: I would be worried about the greens and purple as it might make any pale skinned girls look ill.  You might want to look at some colours on the yellow and orange spectrums.

NO, not orange with the colours in the floral fabric!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: BriarRose on September 01, 2020, 17:31:29 PM
I was mother of the bride on the first of August. Had a perfectly serviceable black dress with black lace jacket to go over it.

NO BLACK DRESS, said my daughter. SPARKLY, said my daughter. We went shopping. She chose a white knit lace dress with a pink, white, and black print jacket with sparkly accents on it. White? I said. You want me to wear a white dress at your wedding? I'm wearing cream, she answered, and yes, I want you to wear white and pink and sparkly. So I did.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on April 29, 2021, 10:41:56 AM
So I'm making a start on the first outfit over the bank holiday weekend. I've pulled out the £4.00 "luxury cotton" I bought to be the base layer of the skirt and it is much heavier weight than I thought - the kind of fabric you'd use for a tablecloth. I originally planned to use the same fabric for the lining.

Really I want to chuck it and buy some nice lawn but I don't want to waste it, so I'm going to try and work with what I've got - 24 metres of the blooming stuff...

Will the skirts be okay unlined? So it will be a layer of the tablecloth fabric, pleated around the waist, then a double layer of gathered tulle on top. The waistband will be a double layer of petersham ribbon. If I finish all the seams nicely on the overlocker will that be okay?

I thought about adding a yoke to reduce the bulk of the pleats at the waist but then they will be much harder to fit - without a yoke I can leave the waistbands until the month of the wedding and readjust the pleats/gathers to fit.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on May 03, 2021, 22:35:36 PM
Update: I have made two skirts to the first fitting stage, so they are waiting on waistbands and hems. The side seams, pockets, zips etc. are all sewn as any adjustments can be made in the pleats and gathers. The cotton is not too bulky, and actually a nice weight without a lining, so that’s a relief!

I’ve also toiled the first top. Roll on May 17th and fittings being legal!!

(https://i.imgur.com/ak3yF4al.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/I6ZWZo2l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uWXts2B.jpg)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Ohsewsimple on May 05, 2021, 12:06:43 PM
Looking lovely @charlotte
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on May 17, 2021, 10:03:58 AM
More progress! Top toile number two complete.

(https://i.imgur.com/siGLjbEl.jpg)

My bridesmaids all have very different styles, so although I am putting them all in long tulle skirts and Liberty print tops, I hope they at least have a skirt colour and top design that matches each woman's own personal style.

Anyone else think this pattern is a bit funny with the princess seams offset to the side so far from the bust apex? I am used to them being much closer. That's definitely what the pattern tissue says though. It's Vogue 8997 in case anyone is interested.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Lachica on May 17, 2021, 12:39:11 PM
I've made that pattern several times, for myself & for my friend, and it turns out very well.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Ohsewsimple on May 17, 2021, 12:46:18 PM
It’s not unheard of @charlotte.  And it does have the extra darting underneath the bust so some of it might have been placed there. 
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Sheilago on June 10, 2021, 12:23:01 PM
I don’t comment much, but just thought I’d say I’m really enjoying watching your progress with all your wedding outfits. I was mother of the bride 2 years ago and did enjoy all the preparation , but once was enough :D. Cant wait to see all your outfits finished.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on August 24, 2021, 11:52:43 AM
First top is complete!

It was a real test of my spacial awareness getting all the layers and facings together, and it didn't help that my separating zip was too long, but I just left it, as it's hidden by the overlay anyway.

(https://i.imgur.com/XGJzEU9l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EbQFNWGl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bK8fPoPl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BGIKouil.jpg)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bumblebuncher on August 24, 2021, 12:21:51 PM
Love the fabric, really pretty  :D
BB
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on August 24, 2021, 12:36:04 PM
Looks gorgeous!  And all those scalloped edges  :o :loveit:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Ohsewsimple on August 24, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Looks lovely
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Lachica on August 24, 2021, 14:15:36 PM
That's fab. What an unusual design, but it looks great
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on August 29, 2021, 13:38:09 PM
First bridesmaid in her outfit!

(https://i.imgur.com/oMAnnzEl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/I7prwoPl.jpg)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: SkoutSews on August 29, 2021, 15:03:59 PM
That's so pretty! I love the back detail.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: maliw on August 29, 2021, 16:11:27 PM
That's lovely and different  :perfect10:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Lachica on August 29, 2021, 17:21:34 PM
She looks gorgeous, and very happy in her outfit. You've got a great fit.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Silver Rose on August 29, 2021, 17:38:36 PM
Very pretty, lovely colour.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Elnnina on August 30, 2021, 11:11:52 AM
What a gorgeous yet unusual bridesmaids dress, just love all the detail on the back bodice.  How many bridesmaids are you having?  The detail and all that scalloping is beautiful - well done.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on August 30, 2021, 12:38:44 PM
What a gorgeous yet unusual bridesmaids dress, just love all the detail on the back bodice.  How many bridesmaids are you having?  The detail and all that scalloping is beautiful - well done.

I’ve got six bridesmaids! The skirts are all different colours and then the tops are the same fabric but with different underlining (so they look slightly different colours) and different styles.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Sheilago on August 30, 2021, 12:39:19 PM
Just gorgeous and a perfect fit. I’m really looking forward to seeing the wedding photos. I hope you post a few!  :D
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Elnnina on August 30, 2021, 16:11:06 PM
Wow Charlotte, six bridesmaids, one bridal gown and a mother of the bride outfit - any more?
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on August 30, 2021, 16:14:13 PM
Wow Charlotte, six bridesmaids, one bridal gown and a mother of the bride outfit - any more?

Hopefully not!  :laughing:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: datcat23 on August 30, 2021, 23:10:52 PM
If you have enough scraps of the floral lawn, remember to make pocket handkerchiefs for all the groomsmen. 

I am impressed with your sewing, and your plan for your wedding party.  They are really quite beautiful. 
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on September 07, 2021, 11:11:34 AM
Finished another bridesmaid top!

(https://i.imgur.com/VeyR28Ml.jpg)

Had a bit of a nightmare, because I changed my mind at the last minute and put in an invisible zip instead of a separating one, but I forgot that meant I should put in my all in one facing before the zip. :headbang:

I decided that cutting the facing into separate neck and armhole facings was better than unpicking, and I think it's worked out okay. It's maybe a little bulky on the strap where the overlocked edges meet, but it probably lies better than it would have with the original all-in-one facing.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: b15erk on September 07, 2021, 11:20:30 AM
Beautiful! @charlotte  <3

Jessie
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Elnnina on September 07, 2021, 11:30:03 AM
Again this is looking beautiful, love the colour of the lining, you have obviously put a lot of thought into how the wedding party are going to look and also all the detail on both your dress and those of the bridesmads, and the mother of the bride outfit - no wonder you started sewing these so early they are going to be stunning.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on November 08, 2021, 16:21:34 PM
Two more top toiles completed! I feel like I am approaching the home stretch now... which is fortunate given we've got less than four months left!!  :D

(https://i.imgur.com/x0qVzJwl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/mqfnFg7l.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NR3cZMkl.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/P79bHkSl.jpg)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Gernella on November 08, 2021, 16:46:48 PM
I remember years ago when my next door neighbour made her daughter's wedding dress.  The agreement was that future mum in law would do the bridesmaids dresses, six I think.  The wedding dress was duly done but six weeks before the wedding mother in law had not even started.  It got down to four weeks and my neighbour was getting really panicky.  To cut a long story short she finished up doing all the bridesmaids dresses.  I felt terrible at the time because I was working but really busy and just didn't want to get involved in something that had to be right and under pressure, I had enough of that at work.

You have my deepest admiration @charlotte you have made a wonderful job.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on November 22, 2021, 10:24:37 AM
Another one done! Halfway there now!

(https://i.imgur.com/kTgSJWil.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/E5oADqrl.jpg)



However, wearer of the V neck top in the centre of the above picture has decided that she doesn't want the top tucked in, and wants it cropped to the waist.  :\ I think my plan is to leave the invisible zip in the back (just unpick a bit just above the new hem) and add a second invisible zip upside down in the side seam. It does also need taking in a bit, so I  need to redo the side and/or princess seams anyway, otherwise I think I would flat out refuse.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Elnnina on November 22, 2021, 12:48:10 PM
These bridesmaids dresses are absolutely beautiful Charlotte, just love the colours and they all go so well with the bodice fabric, I do hope hour bridesmaids appreciate just how much you are putting into making all of these.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Missie on November 22, 2021, 13:04:28 PM
I love that they are all similar yet different.  Fab idea and great job!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Boppingbeth on December 21, 2021, 00:27:05 AM
Those are fabulous!  Well done.  :perfect10:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on January 10, 2022, 11:50:49 AM
Another toile/skirt without waistband finished. This one has a cap sleeve and a strap option. Seeing this bridesmaid next weekend to fit the toile and then I can get on and make her top.

(https://i.imgur.com/PmLYy5Nl.jpg)

And then I have also done as much as I can for my currently pregnant bridesmaid who is due four weeks before the wedding! Skirt has an elasticated band to sit at the underbust rather than the waist, and her top is designed to be nice and loose with plenty of ease on the bust and waist (I used the Grainline Studio Willow Tank as a base). It has huge seam allowances and I haven't sewn the hem or facings so I can do plenty of alterations - change the neckline, add some waist darts, and obviously take the shoulders and side seams in and out. Hoping not to move the bust dart (just adjust the shoulders and reshape the armscyes until it's in the right place!) but I think there is plenty of room for manoeuvre.

(https://i.imgur.com/2s7dI8Ul.jpg)

I absolutely love the buttons. They are vintage green glass and I think they work so well with the fabric. I did 'cheat' and use elastic button loop tape, rather than making rouleau loops though!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: SunnyWave on January 13, 2022, 11:06:05 AM
Antique Rose is amazing color! I probably got to look for something similar for my skirts, I really love it
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on January 26, 2022, 11:49:26 AM
And the last one is done!

(https://i.imgur.com/UdqEzZol.jpg)

Obviously I still have to fit and finish the top and hem of the skirt for my post-natal bridesmaid. (Her due date was yesterday, but no sign of impending arrival yet!)

Unfortunately one of my bridesmaids can now no longer make the wedding, which is really sad. (She's moving country for work and won't have her passport back from the visa office to come back.) So these are the other four outfits which will actually be appearing at the wedding:

(https://i.imgur.com/E5oADqrl.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/2s7dI8Ul.jpg)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Lachica on January 26, 2022, 13:14:24 PM
They're all lovely! I like that the tops are all the same fabric design in different colourways, with the toning skirts they are just so elegant. What a thoughtful bride you are! Looking forward to a pic of you & your bridesmaids on the day - not long now!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bumblebuncher on January 26, 2022, 14:34:18 PM
Just beautiful  <3
BB
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: realale on January 26, 2022, 17:30:25 PM
Those are so lovely. All individual but cohesive and co-ordinated. Lovely.   :love:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on January 26, 2022, 20:30:26 PM
They are lovely.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: BrendaP on January 26, 2022, 20:56:58 PM
They are really lovely dresses.  The differences will allow each bridesmaid to be her individual self yet at the same time they are clearly all co-ordinated with the matching fabric for the tops.   :perfect10:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Sheilago on January 26, 2022, 23:07:18 PM
Wonderful- looking forward to the wedding photos! :loveit:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Cazlyn on January 27, 2022, 08:29:55 AM
Gorgeous outfits, looking forward to some wedding pics!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bumblebuncher on January 27, 2022, 11:33:41 AM
I just realised how soon the wedding is now!  Exciting  :D
BB
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Ohsewsimple on January 27, 2022, 11:51:08 AM
 They’re all looking wonderful.  Really looking forward to the day and the photos!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Missie on January 27, 2022, 15:36:23 PM
They look fabulous @charlotte  :perfect10:  Looking forward to seeing the photos.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on February 15, 2022, 10:34:41 AM
Finally finished the last one! Fitted 5 days post-birth. We lowered the neckline and I let out the side seams, but the skirt was great with the elasticated empire-line waist.

(https://i.imgur.com/3FVI1GTl.jpg)
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: b15erk on February 15, 2022, 10:38:15 AM
Absolutely beautiful @charlotte ! <3

Jessie
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Greybird on February 15, 2022, 11:01:26 AM
My bottom jaw drops every time I read one of your posts and see the pictures. I am astounded at the quality of your work and the attention to detail. Looking forward to seeing them in the finished photos.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: KayK on February 15, 2022, 11:26:53 AM
Absolutely beautiful!
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Missie on February 15, 2022, 11:36:28 AM
Beautiful.  You've done a fantastic job @charlotte .  Looking forward to seeing all the photos  Have a fabulous day.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Lachica on February 15, 2022, 11:43:55 AM
That's gorgeous, feeding-friendly too. You're so talented.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Ohsewsimple on February 15, 2022, 12:09:29 PM
Stunning work.  I hope it’s a lovely day for you.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Elnnina on February 15, 2022, 13:05:57 PM
Charlotte well done on all the thinking, planning and sewing of all that you have made for your wedding, your bridesmaids are very lucky indeed to have such lovely dresses.

Now dare I ask when is the wedding?  I am pretty sure it is not far off, and I too hope that all goes well on the day and that you thoroughly enjoy your wedding - you deserve to after all the hard work you have put into to this project.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on February 15, 2022, 19:17:40 PM
That's gorgeous  :loveit:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: maliw on February 15, 2022, 19:31:08 PM
Lovely and a great big WELL DONE. Can you now take a bit of time for yourself?
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: realale on February 15, 2022, 21:42:02 PM
Absolutely fabulous!!   :thumb: Looking forward to seeing the wedding pics.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on February 16, 2022, 10:08:23 AM
Thanks for all the lovely compliments! Wedding is 26th February, so 10 days to go now!

I'll upload some wedding pictures after the big day.  :D

Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bumblebuncher on February 16, 2022, 11:04:30 AM
Now is the time to relax and enjoy as you have no problems with everything and everyone looking beautiful on the day.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: charlotte on March 28, 2022, 10:20:14 AM
Photos! I'm hoping for some better ones when the official photographer ones come back, but for the time being, here we go:

(https://i.imgur.com/QPuKZfxl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VK1KnqDl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TMoMMpyl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wzf0GbDl.jpg)


Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Acorn on March 28, 2022, 10:42:08 AM
Lovely!  And congratulations.   :D
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Cazlyn on March 28, 2022, 12:09:14 PM
Lovely dresses.
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: b15erk on March 28, 2022, 12:11:45 PM
Absolutely beautiful @charlotte  <3

Jessie
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: Bumblebuncher on March 28, 2022, 12:43:00 PM
Beautiful  :D No need for the professional shots to see how gorgeous everyone looks  :VV:
Title: Re: Bridesmaids outfits
Post by: realale on March 28, 2022, 15:00:13 PM
All lovely. You must be so pleased how they all turned out.  :perfect10: