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wedding dress

Bridal dress – Day 2

Today I got off to an even later start (read evening) since I woke up with a terrible craft hangover from yesterday’s bridal bonanza. I was home alone yesterday, up late and got so absorbed that I didn’t drink properly, which was a bad idea since there is currently a massive heat wave in Sweden. But then tonight I got some sudden energy again and decided to work some more. So now the front of the dress is pretty much finished (not lined though). After a trial on a scrap I was happy enough to muster up the courage to cut out the dart and try to make the seam “invisible” (notice the quotation marks, I am no couturier, but I do the best I can).

 First I pinned the darts on the dress form, then I marked the darts with basting stitches.

Next step was cutting away the excess fabric. This was a little nerve wrecking. Luckily I had some more lace if this didn’t work out.

With small stitches I closed the dart (this is the sample).

And this is the final result. The dart is slanted and runs like a regular bust dart. You can see it if you know where to look, but my daughter couldn’t when I asked her if she could point out any seems on the bodice. So that made me deem it good enough!

After the darts I tacked the lace to the bodice using lots and lots of stitches. The thread is matching the fabric very well, so it is probably hard to see all the tacks. Just as well cause I am not sure the tacking lives up to couture standard, but again I deem it good enough 🙂

Now I will have to do the same on the back pieces, but hopefully it will be easier since they are much flatter. I rather not make any more cut-out darts in the lace!

Then I machine basted the front skirt to the front bodice and tied a ribbon around the waist to mimic the original design. And if can say so myself, it is looking pretty, pretty good so far!

9 Comments

  • Auragone
    July 15, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    I would say it is more than good enough, it is beautiful!

    Reply
  • Joy
    July 16, 2010 at 1:02 am

    It's looking beautiful already. It's refreshingly simple.

    Reply
  • eword10
    July 16, 2010 at 2:50 am

    OMG, it looks so amazing already. It's beautiful. Your friend is very lucky!

    Reply
  • Kerry
    July 16, 2010 at 9:47 am

    Oh, this is STUNNING!

    I finished mine on Thursday afternoon. I am quite happy with it, only one small issue with a lace hem that was slightly too short in one spot compared to the silk part, but the bride did the final try on last night and loved it. I'll post pics on Sunday or Monday after the wedding.

    Reply
  • luckylibbet
    July 16, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    This is looking really good! You are a much braver person than I am… lace is indeed nerve wrecking.

    Reply
  • Magdalena
    July 16, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    Good work! Love it. There is a good book on couture sewing called "Couture Sewing Technique" by Claire B. Shaeffer ISBN: 0-942391-88-8; I find it loaded with practical and useful information.

    Good Luck, you are doing great! I wish I had your courage.

    Reply
  • Lisette M
    July 17, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    It's looking beautiful!

    Reply
  • Summer
    July 17, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    It's gorgeous! What a beautiful gown.

    Reply
  • Gail
    July 19, 2010 at 5:10 am

    It really is so beautiful. Your bride will be very thankful.

    Reply

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