This week, I started working on my dress for my sister-in-law's wedding, eep! Perhaps this wasn't the best event to jumpstart my dressmaking career, but it does seem like a typical Audrey move. "Oh, I have a really nice wedding to attend! Why not try to make a dress for the first time? Because that sounds like the greatest idea ever!"
The above reads like sarcasm...and it kinda sorta is...but I'm also kinda serious....
I'm making the Jamie Dress by SisBoom, and I've finished everything except the bottom hem and the strap attachment. Because my fabric (Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush in voile, yum!) is so sheer, I opted to fully line the skirt as well as the bodice, meaning I had the audacity to make a change to the pattern, which seems like crazy talk to me because what the heck do I know about sewing dresses, let alone, pattern-modifying? (The answer is nothing, Friends. Absolutely nothing.)
There have been some really really really (times a kajillion) frustrating moments, but they were all of my own doing. I nearly gave up when I sewed my basting stitches yesterday before attaching the lining fabric to my skirt. Then, I nearly cried when I ripped everything out, attached the lining, sewed another set of basting stitches, and got halfway through the gathering only to have my thread snap. Oy vey, people! Dressmaking is hard!
I'm sure it doesn't surprise you that I went for a pink zipper. The zipper assembly was fairly simple, and while it's not *perfect*, it's close enough, and that's all that matters to me! I doubt anyone is going to come up to me at the wedding and say, "Your zipper isn't inserted perfectly. There is totally a millimeter of error right here." And if they do, I will stab them in the eye with my fork or stiletto heel, whichever is more convenient.
I need my dear sweet husband to help me get the straps figured out since I think that will be too much for me to do solo, but otherwise, this dress--for good or for evil--is in the bag.
I'm linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced. I hope to return to regularly scheduled quilty programming next week!
That looks super pretty! Do we get a picture of you wearing it next?
ReplyDeleteOh my word how funny, I've come here following your visit to me, I also have a dress to make for a wedding and have that voile in the grey (I think) - i'm not really an experienced dressmaker and scared of messing it up, but you have given me hope - thanks. Look forward to seeing the finished ress
ReplyDeleteooh Audrey this is inspiring! I bought the Jamie Dress pattern last year but haven't touched it yet. Gorgeous fabric you have there and the sneak peaks look awesome... cant wait to see the finished product! :D
ReplyDeleteJenny! Fun! I look forward to seeing your Jamie Dress. The pattern really is quite lovely! :)
DeleteYay! From what I can see, it looks fabulous :) and yeah, no one will care about the zipper not being perfect. I hope we get to see pictures of the dress actually on you before the wedding!
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing a wonderful job! It looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThis is gonna be a gorgeous dress!
ReplyDeleteAmandak@whatthebobbin
It looks lovely so far! And I'm sure everyone will be so impressed by the fact that you made your own dress, they won't even notice the tiny mistakes (which obviously look bigger to you). :)
ReplyDeleteI love that fabric! I feel your pain on clothes sewing...failure at that is what got me into quilting. I can manage some simple kids clothes and skirts for myself, but I haven't braved a dress in about 12 years.
ReplyDeleteHere via WIP Wednesday.
OMG! This is beautiful. And I lOVE the zipper! It's perfect! I can't even manage to make my girls those twirly skirts...stupid twirly skirt tutorials that all read "EASY!" are NOT easy!! I gave up and refuse anytime I get asked to make one. I don't even want to talk about. Sniff. Haha. I applaude you in your dressmaking endeavor..you are my hero. ;)
ReplyDeleteI want to dive into dressmaking, too. but I will probably have to wait for a wedding. that's exactly the sort of thing I would do.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is really wonderful. I LOVE the fabric you chose! Please sow us more of this dress when you think is it finished!
ReplyDeleteipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com
Yay! Thank you so much, Esther! I was a little iffy about the fabric, but I figured I couldn't go wrong with AMH. I'll definitely post a pic when it's done! :)
DeleteWow, I'm impressed!!!
ReplyDeleteI may need to consult you on making Barbie clothes. You're like the Sewing Machine Whisperer!