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| The whole thing, with the skirt not yet trimmed up. Plus dog. |
I’ve been in a terrible sewing slump lately, but managed to get a bit done on the wedding gown, now due to be complete in about 1 month. Others keep freaking out on my behalf when I tell them I’m just bimbling along on it, but I keep telling myself, “hey, I sew stuff like this in short periods of time all year long!” and then I don’t feel rushed.
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| The finished back – the CB pieces don’t have lining yet |
At present, the skirt is on, the bodice is stitched. I need to trim up the skirt – I cut each panel square at the bottom, thinking I’ll round it off, but I realize that probably wasn’t the best way to do it. I had no extra fabric to spare, though, so I think it had to happen this way. I’m sure it will work out fine (isn’t that what I always say?)
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| Need to fix this gapping and add boning on the edges |
I have some gaposis at the front. I *hate* edge-to-edge closure, but I wanted to be true to the original gown. It’s just a matter of moving hooks and eyes, everyone’s favorite task.
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| The side back seams did not match up with the inverted box pleats, but both sides match, and are cleanly assembled, so I’m happy. There will be a button at the junction here, besides. |
I’m on to the sleeves next, and some interior gut-work. My dear mother has embroidered the buttons, and we’re getting together next week to put them over the molds. There are twelve buttons total, embroidered with silver flowers and a pearl in the center of each one.
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| Because Chris and I already live together, this is how I am “hiding” my dress, until the big day. |
Stay tuned!
32 Comments
Rubina Scarletti
September 20, 2013 at 9:27 PMYour handsewing blows me away. I hope to one day to learn to love it & get really good at it.
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 9:43 PMThank you!
Unknown
September 20, 2013 at 9:31 PMGorgeous work! I love the color too. I had the same problem when making my wedding dress, but finally gave up, because I needed his help fitting the back on myself. 🙂
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 9:44 PMThanks! The color is unconventional, but I looove it
E. Waterman
September 20, 2013 at 9:31 PMIt is looking absolutely beautiful my dear! I am two weeks away and my stuff isn't done either so don't feel bad. Not to mention I have not even looked at the fabric for my own redingote since you sent it. Crap..
In other news IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL ZOMG. You are rocking the shit out of it. Props on the hiding techniqe!
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 9:44 PMBad girl! That's okay, I figure we'll be stitching yours together the night before. 🙂
Ms. Nelly
September 20, 2013 at 9:36 PMI'm sure it will be splendid! As always 🙂 I also hate edge to edge closure and that's why I chose buttons for my redingote. It was so much easier…
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 9:45 PMI wish I'd gone with buttons now, too. I usually do, and like you I find them so much easier. I love the look as well 🙂
Cindy Joy
September 21, 2013 at 2:19 AMLauren, have you thought about just putting a small modesty panel behind the hooks and eyes? That way, you can still have the look of the edges butting together, but there will be nothing showing between the hooks and eyes. As a bonus, it will protect whatever is underneath the hooks from being rubbed by them. And I agree – boning along the front edges will help immensely. BTW, it is looking great!
AuntieNan
September 20, 2013 at 9:42 PMYes, you rock that under construction hiding technique! I worked for a costumer who used to say "Fools and bairns shouldn't see things half-done, dearie" (you have to imagine her UK accent to get the full flavor) by way of not showing actors, directors, boyfriends what was going on in the workroom.
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 9:45 PMGreat quote! I'm going to have to use that one. 🙂
The Laced Angel
September 20, 2013 at 9:44 PMThat back looks AWESOME. Seriously, like woah.
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 9:45 PMThanks! That's a huge compliment coming from you. Now, dear, want to come up here and finish this thing for me? eh? eh? <3
Mary Nease
September 20, 2013 at 9:58 PMOh, wow! Stuff like this makes me both envious of others' skill and relieved that when I sew my own wedding dress(es) it(they) won't quite so intimidating. Well, lies- the 50s style dress for the reception will be easy, since I sew dresses of the same sort all the time. The fancy dress for the ceremony will be intimidating new territory, as I can't see myself sewing something so fancy between now and whenever I eventually get married. -_-U
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 10:19 PMDon't worry, you will rock it. There were a lot of new-to-me techniques in my gown pattern as well, and I had *no idea* what a was doing, but because it was such an important dress, I took the time to make sure I got the techniques right, and was careful when constructing, whereas normally I just kindof muscle my way through something and it ends up rather "meh." Go for it, with the uncharted territory! You will be amazed at what you produce. 🙂 (just make a mock up first)
Unknown
September 20, 2013 at 10:38 PMI am surprised Avi is laying on the train. Mine usually curl up on the part of the project that is draped over the edge of the ironing board. Can't wait to see the finished project. I really like the lines of the back. Is the denter back one piece all the way down the train? It sure looks like that from the picture. What a feat the was to cut if it is all one piece.
Lisa Fisher
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 10:58 PMHey Lisa – Avi tried her best to curl up on any fabric on the floor, and usually brings a chewbone along with, so I've been really careful not let the train stay down for more than just pictures, lol. She's sneaky.
The center back is cut all in one with the skirt. So I guess it's kindof a weird en fourreau thingy. Quite tricky – the side back pieces were not cut in one, and were weird to try'n connect up with the CB piece and the skirt panels.
evette
September 20, 2013 at 10:39 PMPeople should know you by now Lauren! It'll be done, and gorgeous, and then they will bow down to your awesomeness… again! It's looking really beautiful lady!
Lauren Stowell
September 20, 2013 at 10:59 PMGosh, thanks! I'll come back and read your comment to bolster my confidence the night before, when I'm still sewing on this thing, haha!
fixitfaerie
September 21, 2013 at 1:24 AMIt is looking beautiful. I am like the way you are 'hiding' it from your fiance. Why do we (maybe there are some that don't) sewers procrastinate? I have finished so many costumes and bits in the car on the way to an event.
You are going to be a beautiful bride. Paula
Lauren Stowell
September 22, 2013 at 4:45 AMThat's a very good question – you'd think, sewing being our hobby, that we'd be all about motoring through stuff to get it done. It's quite a paradox!
Caroline
September 21, 2013 at 2:05 AMLooking beautiful!! And I love how you hide it!
Lauren Stowell
September 22, 2013 at 4:46 AMThank you!
Ayana
September 21, 2013 at 3:52 AMThis is really stunning–very inspiring!
Lauren Stowell
September 22, 2013 at 4:46 AMthanks!
Vincent Briggs
September 21, 2013 at 3:26 PMIt looks great so far! I love the colour.
It's going to be so refreshing to see a wedding dress that actually has sleeves!
Lauren Stowell
September 22, 2013 at 4:46 AMthank you! Yes, I'm not a huge fan of the ubiquitous sleeveless modern wedding gown either…
Aquazoo
September 21, 2013 at 11:45 PMI had the gap issue with a front closure like that. So after hooking it closed, I did a quick whipstitch to close it completely. I had heard stories about ladies being "hand sewn" into their clothes…
Lauren Stowell
September 22, 2013 at 4:47 AMI've been sewn into a dress before, then cut out of it at the end of the night, lol, but it's because it didn't fit. I'll just adjust the hooks and eyes to make it match up perfectly, in case I need to take the overgown off if it's hot.
bauhausfrau
September 24, 2013 at 5:19 AMIt's going to be so lovely! I really love that particular color green and I think it will looks stunning on you.
plainlymodest
September 26, 2013 at 10:29 PMLooks beautiful!! Will Mr.C being wearing period clothing also? BTW is he the Chris from your shoe site?
Unknown
September 28, 2013 at 7:32 AMThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.