Thursday 18 June 2009

Strapless dress with boning


I am immensley pleased , I don't mind telling you, and even if I do say so myself ...  I have nearly completed the dress for Miss L.  It's ready for her fitting tomorrow which is making me nervous, but since it will be the third fitting - the first two with toile's, then I think it might be ok.  

It's taken me the best part of a week to cut this out, and sew it together, not least because the spotty fabric has driven me literally dotty, it's so fine and flimsy.  I had to lay it over sheets of paper, line it up exactly - no mean feat I can tell you, then lay the pattern over it, and cut.  A nerve racking experience if ever there was one, because this is ALL the fabric there is - no spare parts and as it is 100% pure silk with quite alot of 'stretch' - almost chiffony in texture, well you can guess!!  I had a small moment of near heart failure yesterday when one of the pins got stuck under my presser foot as I was sewing around the curve of the left boob which made a very wobbly line - talk about the most conspicuous place this could happen, and so a very very delicate operation commenced to unpick the extra tight stitches (due to aforementioned jam) and restore the boob to smoothness.  Luckily it worked out fine with no lasting damage, but it could have been a whole different story! 

The reason I am especially pleased is because I drafted and cut this pattern myself.  If somebody had told me even last year, that I would be able to do this, I would have thought them quite dotty!

16 comments:

  1. So stunning. What made you decide to take this up?

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  2. I am in awe! That is breathtaking, and you made the pattern for yourself? I am just speechless, I only hope to be half as good someday.
    ♥ Teresa

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  3. Rather you than me! I've made gowns before but I always find it so stressful. The finished result is gorgeous... I'm sure Miss L will love it.

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  4. WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!! I am very much looking forward to tomorrow - and I have a coffee date before hand so I'm likely to be on time for once!!!! xx

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  5. LOOVVEEE spots!! HATE sewing slinky silk!!

    You brave lady!! Can't wait 2 see the finished thing!!

    T xxx

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  6. Well done Julia, it is beautiful.
    twiggy x

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  7. You have created a lovely shape and the dress will look stunning when worn. Lovely work!

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  8. Hats off to you... I did the same pattern cutting course and I havent progressed as much as you! It looks amazing! Well done!

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  9. Well done you - it looks fabulous!

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  10. I see nothing but smooth boob and dots! Nicely done.

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  11. That is an absolutely wonderful creation. I love it! You should be proud.

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  12. Oh wow Julia - it's gorgeous! You did a fantastic job - especially on straightening that boob out!!

    xxx

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  13. Wow - so impressive - you must be so pleased with it!

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  14. wow, absolutely fantastic... what a clever seamstress you are... well done!

    x Alex

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