I’m happy to report that my wedding gown is nearing completion. It’s to the point now where I shall tease you with detail shots and save the full “reveal” for later.
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| The buttons for the gown were embroidered in silver purl, by my wonderful mom. Then we sat around my kitchen table gabbing and assembling them. |
Since I posted last, I did battle with the front edge-to-edge hook n’ eye closure, and won. I added stiffening to the front as well as the center back, but not boning, as I didn’t want any unsightly lines showing through the very thin taffeta.
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| The center front closure, with the buttons pinned on. I hate how the camera brings out the worst in a dress! It really doesn’t look this rumpled to the eye… |
I assembled both sleeves, but haven’t sewn them on yet – that’s today’s milestone. I also rounded off the hem. There’s not much of a train, but it’ll trail the ground ever so slightly.
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| Piping detail on the sleeves cuffs, which went together more easily than I though – I worked out all the hellishness in the test garment, and thank goodness! |
What’s left? Well, to add the sleeves of course, and do a little more interior work. I need to hem the skirt, and stitch on the buttons. At that point the gown itself will be complete, but I then need to make the petticoat (luckily quite a quick job), and I might assemble a different type of bumpad. So it’s really not much more to go!
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| The center back where it transitions into the skirt. It’s not perfect, of course! |
31 Comments
MrsC (Maryanne)
October 3, 2013 at 8:12 PMOh my it is so lovely. And silk taffeta is always a tad rumply, that's how we know it really is silk taffeta. I hope all the other plans are on track and if they're not, well it sill be a story to dine out on. We have a few of those! 🙂
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:49 AMThis is actually the first time I've ever worked with real silk taff. I love it! (of course) and am enjoying its properties. 🙂
Anonymous
October 3, 2013 at 8:12 PMCan't wait to see the finished product!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:49 AMThanks!
gabriela diana goddessOf InYourBones
October 3, 2013 at 8:27 PMjust lovely….
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:49 AMthank you 🙂
Iron Chef Kosher!
October 3, 2013 at 8:44 PMThe so-called imperfections are endearing proof that it was hand-made with love. Blessings & joy to you on your happy day!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:49 AMThat is a good way to look at them. 🙂 I will keep it in mind, and try not to fret about the small things 🙂
Debbie Roth
October 3, 2013 at 9:30 PMSo lovely and elegant. Wonderful job!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:49 AMThank you, Debbie 🙂
bauhausfrau
October 4, 2013 at 12:46 AMIt's really lovely, it's going to look smashing on you!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:50 AMThank you!
Thread-Head
October 4, 2013 at 6:41 AMHoly moly! It's gorgeous in the details, and promises to be even better in the full reveal. You are going to be a lovely bride. Congratulations on rounding the corner with the dress!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:50 AMThank you so much!
Kleidung um 1800
October 4, 2013 at 7:06 AMBeautiful!!!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:50 AMThanks!
AuntieNan
October 4, 2013 at 12:48 PMSplendiferous! There won't be a dry seat… er….. EYE in the house!! Tell you mum I am in awe of those buttons, and encouraged to do something like that for myself, maybe. What button forms did you use? Mine always pop off down the line…
Happy, happy day, Ms Duchess!
Auntie Nan
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:52 AMThank you! The buttons – I bought one of those big packages of various sizes buttons, at Walmart, and used the 5/8" domed ones as the molds. I find the snap-together ones to be either difficult to get perfectly smooth, or the backs break off too easily, so I cover buttons the old fashioned way, by gathering and stitching like crazy on the back.
Unknown
October 4, 2013 at 3:30 PMI've been watching the progress eagerly on this dress…and my excitement is building! You have done such a lovely job, and I'm sure it will look absolutely gorgeous on you! The buttons are so snazzy! I love little details, and that one is no exception :). You're mother is so sweet :). Congrats and good luck!
~Theresa 🙂
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:53 AMThank you! I love that my mom had a hand in the dress. It makes it extra special 🙂
Karen
October 4, 2013 at 6:51 PMgorgeous, gorgeous – can't wait to see it all. Love the hand stitching and the wonderful piping – its really neat and pretty. Hope you have a wonderful day as well!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:54 AMThanks! I like prick stitch and the effect it gives, so I don't mind it showing on the gown. 🙂
Rachel
October 4, 2013 at 9:58 PMYour attention to detail is exquisite! What a lovely dress, and I am sure BRIDE! Congrats!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:54 AMThank you!
Cindy Joy
October 6, 2013 at 7:13 AMLooks great! I am looking forward to the big reveal pictures!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:54 AMThanks! I'll post lots 🙂
Anonymous
October 8, 2013 at 10:02 PMI've just discovered your blog, because I'm doing research on costuming for a larp – and it looks like I've tuned in at the right time. I can't wait to watch you post little by little!
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:54 AMWelcome! Thanks for following me. 🙂 Good luck on your LARP costume.
Sanna K
October 10, 2013 at 5:27 AMI can't wait to see the finished dress! Will you both dress up in 18th century clothing for the wedding or just you?
Lauren Stowell
October 10, 2013 at 6:57 AMHi Sanna – thanks! The wedding isn't historical. Mr C is wearing a nice English cut suit, to go with his Englishness. My matron of honor and I are wearing the redingotes, but neither of us is going full 18th c., so no big hair or period correct makeup and hats. Nobody else is wearing historical clothing, just us. 🙂
Sanna K
October 10, 2013 at 7:09 AMI see! But it's great you two are getting dressed in redingotes! White modern wedding dresses are so usual it's almost boring. 😀 Of course they can be beautiful, too, but getting dressed in something different is always more interesting.