Bridesmaid Dress #1: Robin
This was for my maid of honor, Robin. She and I both share a love of J.Crew, pale colors, and retro styles, so her dress was sort of a hybrid! We didn't copy any specific dress out there, but combined patterns to make this style:
All the bridesmaids' dresses will be made of the grey cotton/lycra, and will have the just-above-the-knee pleated skirt. I love the midriff panel at the waist, and most of the dresses have those as well.
For Robin's I used Butterick B5317 for the top of the bodice:
While at my mom's one sewing day, I sewed the two panels together for the skirt, serged the bottom edge, and pressed in a 2" hem. This fabric is really resilient and sort of thick, so I checked with the serging, instead of turning under twice. Saves some fabric and looks better in this heavy stuff.
Ta-da! Done!
Stay tuned to see all the bridesmaid dresses, each of a slightly different style!
(If you made your bridesmaids' dresses, or did any other DIYs for your wedding, I'd love to have you share them in the Adventures in Dressmaking DIY Weddings Flickr group!!)
You have the luckiest bridal party on the planet! This looks great on Robin...
ReplyDeleteShe looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteNicely done. That's a dress that'll definitely get worn again, too!
Wow! Love the color. Her dress is similar to one of my bridesmaids dresses. So you have great taste. :) I also had different dresses for my gals.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful neckline for her! You did great! Does Robin like it?
ReplyDeletebeautiful girl and a gorgeous dress! nice job!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress. It is my favorite although I haven't even seen the other dresses yet. I think it's a great idea that you kept the skirts the same and the fabric. It seems your BM's will ACTUALLY be able to wear their dresses again. Also the fit is phenomenal. Your BM's don't even have to worry about alterations which is fantastic. How long did it take you to make this dress?
ReplyDeleteits a beautiful dress, perfect!
ReplyDeleteThe dress is FABULOUS! I'm so jealous--your bridesmaids are all going to end up with dresses that will be great additions to their regular wardrobes as well!
ReplyDeleteI love that she will be able to wear the dress again!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great. Love that the skirts match with various bodices. So great that they probably will actually wear these again.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks!! Yes, Robin loves it and is so excited to wear it at the wedding, and will definitely wear it again, too!
ReplyDelete@banclothing, it only took a few hours. I've got the patterns down pat! And it really helped that I made all the skirts at once.
Gorgeous! I'm so excited to see all the final dresses, and your wedding dress finished :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks so beautiful. I love your style! She can definitely wear this dress again and again.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing!! She looks beautiful, you did an incredible job!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful and looks terrific on her! Great job! What lucky bridesmaids.
ReplyDeletethis dress is so beautiful. you look great!
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take care!
burcu
Lovely dress and bridesmaid! That colour and shape is fabulous on her.
ReplyDeleteI've never commented on your blog before but I just have to say that is one gorgeous (and super flattering) dress. I honestly don't know how you do it. I've never made anything before but the thought all that measuring, cutting, and sewing makes me really nauseous. I can't wait to see the rest of the dresses including the wedding dress!
ReplyDeleteBy chance what pattern do you think most fits the skirt? I am totally over the moon for this dress and would LOVE to recreate it! Thanks for any information and KUDOS to you crafty lady!
ReplyDeleteIts fantastic. The dress is perfect fit to her. Love the color and design.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, everyone! So glad you like the bridesmaid dress. I was hoping it would be beautiful. =)
ReplyDelete@*Emy, I imagine there are patterns for the skirt, but I would never use one--it's just rectangles, pleated. You could use the cutting guide from Butterick 4915 if you wanted, but really it's just two panels of fabric, 2" longer than you want your skirt to be. Snip the selvage, and tear across to the opposite selvage. Do this for two pieces, then sew the selvages together (leaving an opening for a side zipper if you want a side zipper). Hem the bottom. Then, marking your center back and center front, pleat the skirt to the size of your waist. I made directional knife pleats, so they pointed toward the center back and center front. I highly recommend the pleating tips/tutorials on this site: http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/mediafiles/sewingroom/sewingroom_us.asp
If there is interest I can post a tutorial for how I made all the skirts once I finish all the dresses!
Very cute!
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