I am making all of the dresses for my wedding party. My matron of honor has a large bust 36DD and a small budget. She did get measured for a strapless bra, but it was too expensive for her budget. How can I acheive support for her bust. It is a full length princess seam strapless dress using ducess satin. I am all ready planning on using some boning and a lightweight canvas as an underlining.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated
Thanks,
Heather
P.S. I wish my full time job was in front of a sewing machine, not a computer
Replies
First, I think Susan Khalje's book, Bridal Couture, should be on your reading list:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801987571/104-1471319-6123912?v=glance&n=283155
Second, think LOTS of strategically-placed boning (Khalje's book addresses that in detail), as well as a mandatory waist stay to keep everything in place.
Third, if you're not already married to a particular pattern, many of the Vogue designer formal patterns incorporate a boned undergarment, which could shortcut the procedure for you.
Fourth, post your questions in several forums. A number of people at http://www.patternreview.com have made wedding and formal gowns, and have posted pictures not only of the finiish garments, but of the stages of construction.
Looks like I might have to go ahead and check out that book. I actually made the pattern myself, made a muslin and all ready had a fitting- plus the wedding is on Aug 5th so therefore the pattern must stay. Even though I have a degree in fashion design, they never mentioned a waist stay and the purpose of it. ( ya know everyone in the world is a size 8 and doesn't have a large chest)
I second the suggestion of Susan Khaljie's book. I too have a degree in fashion design and agree that this area is certainly one that merits more attention at school. Susan's book was invaluable for me in the nuts and bolts aspect of designing/fitting and sewing wedding and prom gowns for my clients.This topic is also one which has been discussed recently on this board. Try doing a search.My gut instinct is that your matron of honour may need more support than you can reasonably provide in a dress alone. Perhaps some shopping around for a different bra might be in order?
One more thing, Heather: at http://www.sewingworld.com there are several people who do formalwear. One of them is a member named Amy Hinderaker, who has a photo album of her beautiful creations under her signature. She and the other ladies in this discussion generously share advice:http://www.sewingworld.com/cgi-bin/bbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=001867&p=3
Edited 6/1/2006 2:45 pm by woodruff
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