After much deliberation, and some fiddling around with beaded net fabric, I’ve come up with my design.
It’s a combination of these two:
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| Janet Arnold’s drawing of the Laurel dress, on the left, and an illustration from a 1912 Vogue, on the right. |
Click “Read More” to see my design sketch, fabric, and shoes…
Here is my design sketch:
Here is a terrible photo of my fabric. This is a lovely, drapey, plum-colored net with silver beading. It was love at first sight, and I especially adore the scalloped edges. My plan is to use the scalloped edge on both the hem of the over dress and the top of the bodice.
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| just pinned on over an almost-finished 50s dress |
It’s a simple design – silky, charmeuse stuff for the under dress, then the net over it, hanging loose from the waist, but mounted to a fairly structured bodice. the dress closes at the side by way of hook & eye placket, or snaps, or both. The sash matches the under dress; the sleeves are the net, with silver claspy somethings holding the joins.
And, of course, tassels.
There must be tassels.
You probably all know what shoes I’m planning to wear, but I want to make my Astorias metallic silver (yee!) using the awesome silver Meltonian spray, or the metallic Angelus paints.
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| Astorias in silver, please! |
More to come!
15 Comments
Skye
January 9, 2012 at 5:13 PMThis design looks really beautiful!
I actually had a little question. Maybe this has been asked before but I didn't see the answer right away. Do you make your design sketches on your computer and if so, what program do you use?
Thank you.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished result of this dress.
Lauren
January 9, 2012 at 5:28 PMDROOL!!!!This is going to be gorgeous!!!
Libby Gohn
January 9, 2012 at 6:08 PMThat is the most beautiful fabric I've ever seen! I can't wait for the dress!
Laurie
January 9, 2012 at 11:55 PMDid you find the drape on e-bay?
This dress will be fabulous! I looked at some fabric at JA's today at lunch, but nothing like this!
Thanks,
Laurie
Caroline
January 10, 2012 at 12:18 AMThat will be breath taking! I can't wait to see it! I've been fiddling with ideas for an evening gown of this era recently, but now beading seems like the only way to go! (-;
PinkJamie
January 10, 2012 at 12:50 AMCan't wait to see the finished product!
Lynn Brooks
January 10, 2012 at 2:43 AMthat is going to be really pretty, purple is my favorite color.
Kathryn Grace
January 10, 2012 at 3:03 AMBeautiful! I would be in heaven if I could find some pre-beaded fabric similar to this! We are having a Titanic Ball in April and I still have to decide on a dress design. Can't wait to follow the progress of your gown!
Lauren R
January 10, 2012 at 4:55 AMThank you all.
Serafine – I use Photoshop and a pen tablet (wacom) to do my design sketches. Sometimes I draw them from scratch, like this one, and sometimes I use a photo of an existing dress and paint over it. I got this question on Facebook too, so I think I will do a blog post about it.
The net fabric came from a local shop called "Mill End Fabrics," that's been around foreeeever. This was hiding in the "special occasion" section, where they keep the prom and glittery-dress fabrics, lots of sequins and embroidery, that kind of thing. I bought all of it, couldn't resist!
I need to get back to the store to buy the fabric for the under dress, so until then I'll be posting about the other bits – corsets, hair, and of course shoes 🙂
Helen
January 10, 2012 at 10:48 AMOhh, I looking forward to seeing this complete. The ideas look stunning. Those shoes as well.
E. Waterman
January 10, 2012 at 6:00 PMYou are going to look like you just stepped right out of DA, Missy. I cannot wait to see this, the fabric is very beautiful, and I wager will make those lovely eyes pop.
Hana - Marmota
January 10, 2012 at 7:43 PMThat is one fabulous fabric. It will be one fabulous dress!
Angela
January 10, 2012 at 11:45 PMLauren this is cool. Hey I will finally get to meet you as I will be at this event, too! Cheers.
heritagestitchery
January 12, 2012 at 1:24 PMLauren ~ You always get the creative juices flowing…
That dress is stunning and will be a smash….
Franciss Kay
December 20, 2017 at 11:01 PMGorgeous! Was that Mill Ends store in Oregon? I miss that store so much. Moved too far away.