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New Wedding Gown Recycled from a Once Worn Gown

Here is a close up of the bodice. It had an empire waist with a sweetheart neckline that dipped lower in the back.
The sash was only tacked at the sideseams and fastened with clear snaps at the waist.

Full view of back. Chiffon draped beautifully to the floor. Since the satin was lined with a cotton, it created a soft edge at the bottom, which the beading hugged slightly. Very cool effect.

Full view of gown

I created my daughter's wedding gown using her design, the lace and beads from a previously worn gown, and new satin, organza and silk chiffon.

In picture two you see the front beading as well as the back detail. The beading was all hand done, after I placed the lace to fit the bodice piece.

Picture three shows the lace and beads on the train. I had to rearrange the lace a bit, since the previous gown was cut completely different from design my daughter created.

The inner corselet kept the dress up all day and night. The addition of a waist stay made a big difference too. We bustled it low, around knee hieght, which showed off the detailing nicely at the reception.

What a rewarding project, and so much fun to work on.

Pattern or design used: My own design

Maripat, member
Posted on Nov 23rd, 2009 in sewing, garment construction, reader's closet, , wedding, formal

Comments (2)

Hodgetm42 writes: WOW that is great I wish I could just do a portion of that. Congradulations.
Posted: 5:59 pm on November 29th

clematislover writes: Congratulations on a design well done.
I alter wedding/formals for a living, so I know many of the ins and outs of creating a wedding gown. Most people have 'no clue' how long it takes to add lace and beads to a garment. I'm in the middle of remaking a wedding gown for a customer right now. She's wearing her Mother's wedding gown. The tulle sleeves,bodice and collar have come off, I've made lace covered straps, redesigned the neckline both front and back, let out the sides so it fits her body and created a totally different bustle = 12 lifts.

Again, you should be very proud of what you accomplished.
Posted: 9:22 am on November 24th

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