Creating a Muslin


...except this "muslin" is a rather heavy denim blue chambray, and my current bride is going to actually wear it doing old time dance when it's done.

It's standard procedure to make a muslin to get the perfect fit before chopping into the silk or satin when making a wedding dress, or any other type garment where the fabric is expensive and where it needs to be just perfect.

So, here are a couple of pictures. This thing is totally thrown together, with dirt cheapo walmart lace so that I could practice my construction techniques (what order to do the seams in). I altered the bodice so much that the instructions were rendered useless, and the lace goes on while I"m constructing, not afterward. The front of the hem is merely pinned, and the back is still just a raw edge.

The bride was very happy with the results so far, and the only changes we'll make for her wedding gown is four small darts in the front and no darts in the back of the bodice.

Additionally, the wedding dress will be white dupioni silk, with lace trim on the bodice, sleeves, and hem, insead of just the bodice. I might add some beading, too, if it seems appropriate.

And here is a close up of the bodice:

Comments

Anonymous said…
Very, very pretty. Elegant.

I just attended a Prot. wedding. The bride and all the bridesmaids were in strapless gowns. Gosh how I hate that. So inappropriate for a wedding.

I love what you've done Alana. Bravo!!
Xenia Kathryn said…
In regards to what Philippa said, wedding gowns with straps let alone SLEEVES are SO hard to come by these days, which is why we Orthodox brides often need dresses made (I wanted mine made but found a used one for cheap with short sleeves-- eh, worked for me!).

gorgeous dress Alana! can't wait to see the finished product!
Dollymama said…
What a sweet looking dress. Adorable.
Anonymous said…
It's just her style! Good for you.
Mimi said…
Gorgeous! I did not know that about the Muslin (see how little I know about sewing?)
Wow, it is looking great!
I could never ever do something like that ......well done !!
Anonymous said…
I have seen a few shocking dresses at Orthodox weddings. Standards drop fast in some places when it comes to get the third-generation kids through the door even just for their wedding. I think it's great that the bride is going to use the mock-up for old-time dancing, it would be such a pity to waste it.