Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Formal Dress - Autumn

A formal event! September 20, 2008.

I used Simplicity 4270, and my fabric was silk shantung with a flocked/beaded applique border. Below is the muslin. I used linen. The weight of this fabric was similar to the fabric I was planning to use. With this fabric, there was no room for error - too precious! Therefore, it was imperative I refine the fit on test fabric.




Above -- Bodice interior. Bodice was lined with fashion fabric. Here, I'm pointing out the bra strap stay in the shoulder.

Below -- Here's how joined the appliques at the seams. There were four seams on the skirt. I used a simple machine stitched hem. Skirt was lined with cotton batiste.

15 comments:

Gigi said...

Wow, Barbara, that is stunning! You really made the most of your beautiful fabric.

Vicky F said...

Very gorgeous, Barbara. Can you tell us a bit about the appliques?
Vicky F

Anonymous said...

Lovely dress - well done!

Lisette M said...

You look stunning Barbara! I love the design (the 30's are one of my favorite eras) and the fabric is gorgeous.

kasizzle said...

Beautiful!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

The dress is simply beautiful!

Barbara at Cat Fur Studio said...

I'm so thrilled to get your comments. Thank you.

Vicky F - you asked about the appliques...the fabric came with the flowers and beads already affixed, to one edge of the fabric, near the selvedge. I cut the skirt carefully, sewed the seams up to the areas of the applique, then and hand-overlapped the motifs so that they would not be cut in half by a seamline. Each was a bit different, in the way it 'hit' the seamline. In essence, though, what I did was 'flap' a piece with applique, and handstitch it down over the seamline onto the other piece.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning! Excellent work - perhaps a few more pictures of the inside? Pretty please?

Little Hunting Creek said...

What a beautiful dress! And you look great in it. The fabric and pattern go so well together. And I love what you did with the appliques.

Sue S said...

Beautiful work - the color of the dress is perfect for you!

Gorgeous Things said...

Beautiful Barbara, simply gorgeous!

Maryissewfast said...

You have been nominated for the Brillante Weblog award. Post the award on your blog and list 6 qualities or values that are most important to you and 6 negative things you condemn . Then pick other people that you think are worthy. (or not, if you don’t want to!) I appreciate you sharing your life stories. Mary

Barbara at Cat Fur Studio said...

Thanks, Mary! My post to come...

Cennetta said...

Beautiful dress, Barbara. I really like the use of the appliques.

Margi said...

Incredible dress. Funny though, my first thought when I saw your green "muslin" was that you took a very sharp turn from your normal color choices.:) Obviously, I read the explanation after! Love, love, love the fabric, the color, and it looks great on you. Congrats on a big success.

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