Action Shots

 As promised, here are some shots of my Simplicity dress.  It's a little wrinkled from the work day, but you get the idea.  Cool and comfortable in our 90 degree humid heat!  Yes, people.  Connecticut gets hot in the summer!

 (My middle girl, whining about something...what a face.)

 (My youngest took this one.)

 (Another headless shot by my little one.  At least the dress is in the picture this time!)

Gelato for my little sweeties

Simplicity 2176

This is the first project I've completed for myself since December...it's about time.  I finished Simplicity 2176.  I love a good action shot just like everyone else, so I'm sorry for my dress form model, but I'm planning on wearing this dress to work tomorrow and I'll get my coworker to snap a few for me:

I chose the version with the cute bodice flap and lined the whole dress.  I made a size 8.

 The straps were very difficult to place, but I ended up setting them much wider than the pattern indicated.  I think it's much more flattering on a woman with wide-set straps.  I also chose to use a button to hold each strap.  There is nothing worse than putting so much effort into placing the straps, sewing up the dress, and then having the straps buckle in weird place because the placement isn't PERFECT.  The button allows the strap to move and turn into the perfect position.

 I was only going to line the bodice, but I used a very lightweight chambray and the skirt needed more body.  So the skirt lining is a 45/55 cotton/linen blend. 

 Originally I had the hem band sewn to the skirt, but ended up taking it off because I felt the dress was too long.  I hemmed the lining 2 inches and the skirt 1 inch, and used pink hem lace.

 You can see my hand sewing stitches here...

And I used a metal zipper.  I like the look of it and it feels sturdier.  WAAAY easier to put in rather than an invisible zip, too.

Like I said, action shots to come.  I'll leave you with a perfect Saturday afternoon activity that my girls enjoyed yesterday.  Shots of the planted flowers to come as well:)....

Hope you had a great weekend!

Wedding Dress Part 2

Yes, it has been a while, but I would love to post an update on my first completed wedding dress.  Caitlin (the beautiful bride) completely spoiled me with her calm demeanor and was heaven to sew for.  She basically just gave me the reigns and I didn't look back.  Here are some more shots of the dress with fine detail:

 I added this original button for the bustle in the back.  The overlay was all salvageable, thank goodness.  It save me many hours.  (The total project totaled 24 hours of work)

 This is the extension I added to the built-in slip.  I originally took out the slip because it was too small.  Caitlin bought several slips, but nothing was even close to the opaqueness of the original, so I put it right back in and added about an 1" strip on both sides of some handkerchief cotton I had used for the interlining of the new bodice. 

 (My sweet tag.  I got it on Etsy.)

 I added bra strap holders to both shoulders.  I would recommend this detail for any formal dress.  There is nothing worse than a bra strap slipping off the shoulder, and it gives the dress a more "couture" feel, don't you think?  I found these in the Garment district for $2, if I'm not mistaken.

Ta-da!!  The beautiful bride.  I would post more pictures of her, but I can't seem to save photos off the pesky password-protected photographer website ;)

Thanks to everyone for the patience on my update.  I'm sure we all have blog lapses, when life just seems to get the better part of your time.  Thanks to all my followers who have checked in with me, and I hope you enjoyed these 2 posts as much as I enjoyed the experience of making my first wedding dress!

Here are a couple photos of my current WIP.  It's Simplicity 2176 and I'm using a taupe chambray.  Very summery and it's looking great so far.

 (Ugh..my messy sewing corner.  Pay no attention...)

And what's summer without a picture of my sassy little girls???  Beach Day!!!