1930's Inspired Red Dress

Special thanks to Ron at Seattle Photography http://www.ronseattlephotography.com/ and model Vanessa Johnston for allowing me to use these beautiful pictures. This dress turned out so beautifully. I truly loved making it. I've made it four times now. I used Kaufman's radiance silk with this version. You can read my previous post about it here. It has just taken me this long to update my blog.

 Stay tuned for my next project which is going to a reproduction of Marylin Monroe's wedding gown. Some modifications are going to be done, but I will be keeping the aesthetic of the gown.

 

Transformation complete

I love how it turned out! The options are endless with this dress. Bridal gown, bridesmaid, the prom or some cotton fabric for a every day dress.

Bodice detail & back

I also made an cute little ruched option that attaches with hook & eyes. I think the next time I make it though I will use the hook & tape. It would have been easy to just add it to the dress. To make it I just measured the front mid section and back sections and made sure to add seam allowance. Doubled the length. These are rectangle shapes. Gathered middle, side seams and the back. Sorry I only have pictures of the front. I was on a time crunch to get the dress shipped in time.

Now how to make the overlay without a pattern. With the chiffon I just ripped it. For the front section width 60" long. To determined the length just measure from your natural waist to where you want the hem to end. Don't forget to add seam allowance. For the back pieces I ripped two 30" wide pieces. If your overlay is say lace, net or tulle which does not rip, I suggest if you have it using a rotary knife. This is perfect for scalloped edges! If you want it fuller just add more inches.

Transform Butterick 5462

I love this gown and would love to make it like it was intended, but sometimes only pieces of a pattern will work.

We are going take this lovely wedding gown and transform it to a elegant black 1950's inspired dress. It is the neckline and back I want. Though I had to alter the back because my customer wanted it high enough to wear a bra. Below is the fitting. The dress is also going to have a chiffon overlay. Oh oh seemed to missing a midriff section.

Here is the bodice with the overlay and midriff section.

Here is the inside of the dress. I will be posting the final dress with some hints on how to make the overlay without a pattern. It is very simple and if the fabric tears you won't even need scissors.

Chantilly Lace Wedding

I received these pictures a while ago, but with wedding season I have not been able to keep up with my updates. I also started a facebook account...never thought I'd do that but I think it will be a great way to interact with my customers and fans. Seems weird to say fans, I'm not a rock star ;) For more pictures please visit my facebook page and if you like it please give it a like. Feels like the 80's it's like this and like that.