Part 5 of wedding dress construction (it's almost done!)
Last we left it it was on the mannequin with the straps made and pinned on, and we were playing with trims.
The next steps were attaching the straps (after a final measurement), putting on the top binding, and of course attaching the bodice to the skirt.
We used a bias band of lovely lightweight silk in almost the exact same grey and sewed it right sides together to handsew down to cover the raw edges (not shown).
Also, I hadn't hemmed the underskirt yet, so I did that. I cut it out a little longer than I was sure I wanted, just in case, so gave it a big hem to match the tulle overskirts.
And we sewed the bodice to the skirt. I left that step for almost last just in case my waist size changed much since cutting it out. I suppose I am a little vain... but I didn't want a loose wedding dress!!
My mom is coming over today and we're going to do a full dry run of everything--makeup, jewelery, dress... I can't decide what color of lipstick to wear so hopefully my mom will be able to help. So many decisions to make!
I'm starting to think part of the stress of a DIY wedding is there's no one to tell you how to do or wear or accessorize everything. You get to/have to make all those choices on your own, and it's sort of a lot of pressure although it's also fun to have so many options and freedoms. Any of you have any wisdom on this issue?
(If you did any DIYs for your wedding or the wedding of a friend or loved one, I'd love for you to share them in the Adventures in Dressmaking DIY Weddings Flickr group!!)
I didn't make my wedding dress and had a friend do my hair and the hair of my bridesmaids, but I had a fairly low-key wedding as far as planning goes. Meaning, we did it ourselves or had friends or family do it. One thing that I found comforting was what I gave someone else to do, I let them do. Like my husband's cousin is a florist, and a good one. I sat down with him, told him what I wanted and let him go from there. I knew no matter what, even if the flowers were ugly that I would still be married and the day wasn't going to be ruined over flowers. By letting him do his thing I was happier and the flowers were GORGEOUS! So, my "words of wisdom" are to remember that no matter what happens on the big day, and something will happen...you are still marrying your best friend and it is a day in your lives. Not the only day, but a day. Keep a calm spirit and enjoy your day!!
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying your blog. I am sure everything will be perfect on your special day and you will look stunning. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been married for a very long time. I made my empire line dress from white brocaded velvet and my sister's who was my bridesmaid, from red velvet in a similar style. Had my hair done at a hairdressers, did my own makeup. As far as lipstick, don't go for anything too bright.
My husband-to-be's darling Grandmother made our gorgeous 2 tiered wedding cake, beautifully decorated and also the bouquets- she was extremely talented.
Wishing you the most perfect, happiest day.
Sandy ( from Australia) :)
i am really in awe- that looks amazing and scary hard!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the finished dress!
ReplyDeleteamazing dress! I agree with the advice others have given already-enjoy your special day & don't sweat the small stuff. As long as you & your hubby enjoy it that's all that matters. I did all my own flowers & decorations. Then again we had a small beach wedding so it was very laid back. Best wishes again, it's been fun following your adventures.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is coming along beautifully! Although I rehabbed a vintage dress and didn't make mine from scratch like you're doing, they have a very similar style.
ReplyDeleteDoing a full run of everything before the wedding is really smart. I wish I'd done that, especially since my (at the time, future) mother-in-law was in my hotel room throwing up for an hour when I needed to be getting ready, and things ended up being super rushed. My advice: Don't let anyone use your hotel room for anything other than getting ready!
I wish I could have made my dress, too! I doubt I could have made it as beautiful as yours though. Seems like I need rigging training to make everything hang perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI've only just found your blog, and so far am really enjoying it. I am a dressmaker as well and just had a few questions for you... Did your dress have a lining? If not, is that why you chose to finish the top using bias binding rather than sandwiching it into a lining and under stitching? It seems like a great technique, I just haven't used it before and am curious of your thought process. Your dress turned out beautifully, I'd love for you to teach me something!
ReplyDeleteI've only just found your blog, and so far am really enjoying it. I am a dressmaker as well and just had a few questions for you... Did your dress have a lining? If not, is that why you chose to finish the top using bias binding rather than sandwiching it into a lining and under stitching? It seems like a great technique, I just haven't used it before and am curious of your thought process. Your dress turned out beautifully, I'd love for you to teach me something!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I gave the dress an underlining of the sturdy grey, and because of the inner waistband and all, it didn't really need a full lining--like it might just add bulk and would make it harder to take it in or let it out little bits, to get the perfect fit. Here's some more about underlining: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4999/understanding-underlining.
DeleteGlad you found me, thanks for reading!
Hello! I'm getting married in October 2013 and I found you via google because I've bought a cheap tulle dress and I've decided to add a massive skirt to it in tulle. Hopefully I can make mine as great as yours :) you are do inspiring! :) love Donnaxxxxx
ReplyDelete