Replies

1. 
   Ralphetta | Jul 25, 2007 08:30pm | #1

   Exquisite!  Delicious!

2. 
   kbalinski | Jul 25, 2007 09:12pm | #2

   Beautiful, well done!  I love that shad of blue with the ivory.

3. 
   flossie | Jul 26, 2007 01:25am | #3

   Beautiful work! Very impressed with bullion stitch flowers.

   Is there something under ribbon on bodice to give it that raised effect?

   Regards Pauline

1. 
   solosmocker | Jul 26, 2007 05:25am | #5

   Flossie, I almost always sew in natural fibers so using this poly fabric and ribbon required that I make a lot of samples till I got it to my liking. I ended up using twin needles and two layers of a tear away stabilizer. Those two things gave me the puffy effect and the least puckered stitching. I had to fool with the tensions too. I have no idea what kind of stabilizer I used as it was given to me some years ago on a roll, not in a package, by a friend. I use it all the time. It is thin and waxy. It tore away easily. I am glad you liked my bullions. I always think they can be so much better. I got the embroidery design from the A-Z Book of Bullion Embroidery, a great book if you are inclined in this direction. solo

   Edited 7/25/2007 10:27 pm ET by solosmocker

1. 
   flossie | Jul 27, 2007 12:39am | #8

   Thanks for the info - I have browsed through the A-Z book in shops but I have quite a collection of "Australian Smocking" and "Inspirations" magazines by the same publishers which have many of the original examples. I have two grandnieces now - one two years old and the other 3 weeks so intend to start smocking again for them.

   Looking forward to seeing your dress finished.

   Regards Pauline (Melbourne, Australia)

    

4. 
   Becky-book | Jul 26, 2007 01:45am | #4

   So, so Lovely!!  She will look like a little angel!

5. 
   Josefly | Jul 26, 2007 05:42am | #6

   This is so beautiful. Thank you for showing it. Can't wait to see your dress.

6. 
   rsolish | Jul 26, 2007 11:37am | #7

   so sweet, i love the flowers!! always wanted to do something like that on my girls dresses but never got around to do it.
   we are waiting for pict. of your dress
   Raya

7. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 27, 2007 08:52am | #9

   So preciouse!!!  How did you make the neck and sleeve openings so perfectly?  What a beautiful gown!  Mary

1. 
   solosmocker | Jul 27, 2007 07:43pm | #10

   If you mean the bindings, it is a lot of practice. I do a lot of binding with children's clothing. It can be another design detail, subtle or obvious as desired. On this dress I re-did all the bindings so you are looking at the second version. The first I did my usual way with a double fold "French binding". I always do my bindings that way but found that the synthetic fabric has spring to it and really made the bindings look "tube-y" and rounded. So I took them all out and redid them with a single fold bias binding. It looked much better and pressed up nicely. The double fold wouldn't press. solo

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Aug 01, 2007 08:06am | #13

   Everything you create looks so exquisite!  I thought there was alot of custom work in the structure, it looks so much better than most patterns would provide.  As always, Thanks for sharing!  Mary

8. 
   Teaf5 | Jul 27, 2007 11:35pm | #11

   Wow!  Beautiful work and a beautiful dress that will look wonderful in the wedding party and wedding photos!  Thanks for sharing this lovely inspiration with us.

9. 
   tmorris1 | Jul 29, 2007 02:47pm | #12

   Solo;

   Once again, I bow to you my queen. The dress is absolutely beautiful.

   T.

10. 
    Candytseng | Aug 01, 2007 08:29am | #14

    Fabulous. The dress is so beautiful, out of word.

1. 
   solosmocker | Aug 02, 2007 05:58am | #15

   Kind thank yous go out to all of you. Now if I can just get mine done. I am close. solo

11. 
    Gloriasews | Aug 02, 2007 09:56pm | #16

    Oh, wow!  Gorgeous!  Perfect!  Superb job!  We can't wait to see your dress when it's done.

    Gloria