At 5 weeks out from the wedding, I'm still working away on prototypes of The Dress. Currently, I'm working up #3, but progress is being made. This one has a pretty good bodice, although I've rotated the armhole dart out and moved it to the side seam and waist. And I also added the skirt this time.
As I mentioned weeks ago, I ended up bailing on the bodice that came with the pattern after prototype #1, and I ended up using the Hearts a Flutter top as the base pattern instead. Yes, this project is now "Hearts Fluttering in Vogue." Well, more tweaking on the new bodice pattern. I've cut in the armholes to look more like the original design, plus, I rotated out the armhole darts for fear of their impact on the sequined and beaded mesh I'll be using for the final version. I just know that a dart would have intersected a motif. Not good.
Please tell me that the final dress will go together easily as a result of all this pre-work. DF keeps telling me the final dress will take no time. Remember, he doesn't sew!The silk I bought has to be easier to work with than the poly charmeuse I'm using for prototyping. That stuff is incredibly slick and mobile. I had originally planned to make an actual dress from this stuff but I think I'll pass. Too slick, too ravelly, and too shiny for a dress. Although I actually like this fabric, any leftovers will be used for something else--lining or maybe some lingerie as it does have a Victoria's Secret kinda vibe.
Since I'll need some apparel for the honeymoon, I decided to make an actual garment with the massively altered and tweaked pattern before tackling The Dress. I bought some tropical print jacquard rayon several years ago that will be perfect for a little frock to wear on Kauai. I think it could be Tommy Bahama fabric, but whatever. My backup fabric is some cream and navy silk noil that could become a work-appropriate dress, now that a more business casual dress code is in place. We can now go sleeveless, omit panty hose, and wear peep toe shoes again...
Addendum: I received a great comment from an Anonymous poster regarding the handling of poly charmeuse, so I thought I'd share it with you. I also included my reply explaining why I'd moved on. These are the types of things that have to be considered when working with special occasion fabrics when sewing for events. You really need to be prepared to change directions if you need to.
Good tip, thanks!
Nancy,
Polyester is washable, so, starch the yardage, cut out and it sews like a crisp, thin fabric. When finished, simply wash the starch out and the original drape returns.
My response: