I’m not really sure where to begin. This was the first dress I ever sewed. I have made shorts, blouses, skirts, and bags so I decided to take on the daunting task of making my wedding gown.
I was really inspired by the bias gowns of Madeleine Vionnet, but knew there was no way I could attempt something of that feat. I sewed a muslin using a pattern to begin with. However I have weird measurements, so I fit it to my body and then tore it apart to use as a pattern for my gown. I also decided to take the train panels in a lot because I didn’t want a large train.
From the beginning I knew I wanted a detachable train. I decided to line the bottom of the short dress and the train with the same lace to incorporate them together. The lace on the front of my train was actually from the back of my mother’s train and fit almost perfectly. I had to cut and rework the lace to fit around the round perimeter of my train.
I also used my mother’s lace for the bodice and sleeves. The lace for the sleeves was a more delicate and unfinished lace, so I finished it with a scalloped edge. The sleeves were improvised (and so very complicated).Â
I finished the dress off with silver lining and an applique on the bodice. This was out of my comfort zone as I typically choose golds and warm colors. I couldn’t have completed this project without my mother and my friend Rachel (and all of the supportive people in my life). The hardest part about this was trying to work on it and not let my husband (fiancé at the time ;)) see it!
Love that your dress is up-cycled from your mother's dress. Beautiful .. Great job!!