I am designing and sewing a bridal gown. I am having the darndest time deciding how I should do the bodice. It comes to a modest V in the front and a higher V in the back. The gown has a satin underlay with a lace overlay. The lace also has a scallop border which we want to use at the neckline in the front and the back. The problem for me is do I just cut out the lace now and use the scallop at the necklines (it will all be one piece and then I guess where the 2 bodice pieces meet in the front they will just have a seam down the middle (no scallop) – the bride needs to wear an undergarment and we have to make sure the bodice V is high enough to cover it. OR, do I cut the pieces out of just the lace with the scallop border and then cut out the scallop border separately and attach it separately after the top portion is complete – by tacking it in place????? Your advice is greatly appreciated – I haven’t done this before.
Thanks, Sue
Replies
I would cut the bodice pieces out of the lace (not on the scalloped edge); trim some of the scalloped edge into the width you want and hand stitch in place after completing the bodice. If the lace is "busy" enough and you plan your cuts and stitches a little, the edge will not look added on. You can either place the edge piece over or under the edge of the completed bodice, which ever looks best.Becky
ps made my 3 daughters gowns and have done work for several friends.
Thanks Becky - I think that is why I hadn't cut any lace out yet because the way you said to do it is the way I kept thinking sounded like the better way. Now with you saying that you have done it that is the reassurance that I needed. I really appreciate your help.
Should I sew the satin and lace pieces together as one piece - there are some tucks to take under the bodice area on each side?
Sue
I've sewn the satin lining to the lining the bodice and the lace to the outside with the original neckline sandwiched between. That way the original neckline is hiden more than putting the entire piece behind the neckline. If this make sense?
Chris
Thanks Chris - I will do exactly that. Sue
I would make the bodice with 3 layers; lace, satin underlay, lining. Treat the lace and satin like one layer, basting the edges of each piece together, then construct the bodice.Best wishes to you,
Becky
I agree with Becky, hand baste the satin and the lace together and treat them as one piece and the lining as a separate piece. I've done scalloped lace in the manor you mentioned and you can hide the seam for the scalloped edge pretty easily by trimming the pieces following the design of the lace. It takes longer to cut your pieces but the result is definitely worth it. When you stitch the scalloped edge over your bodice lace use a narrow zigzag or stitch it by hand (this depends on how much the bride is paying you) you can also use nylon filament thread that is virtually invisible. Hope this helps and good luck.
Thanks - Excellent ideas. Sue P.S. I am not being paid enough but I agreed to the price so I will sew it like she was paying me 10 times the $250.00. I have a hard time with pricing because I am a softy for hard luck stories even though I need the money!
Edited 6/14/2008 10:20 am ET by designsbysue
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