Thursday, January 27, 2011

Dressmaking Days


I'm quite sure most of you know that in the past I did a little dressmaking for people.  It was something I could do from home, as I was often needed to help with odd jobs around the properties, ie shifting machinery, feeding poddy calves, and also doing the bus run with the children.  The photograph above shows the very first wedding dress I made.  I am sorry about the quality of the image, but it's been scanned from an older photograph, and a tad on the grainy side.  The bottom band was all cut on the bias [doubled], and pearl piping was inserted where it joined the skirt.  The three ruffles had to have stiff net inside them so they would stay up, and the trim on the centre front was simply organza motifs beaded and hand stitched after the bodice was fitted.  

Another frock/outfit that I deem rather special is this one.  Although it looks a very simple style, I have to say it was stunning on the young lady, fitting her lovely slim body beautifully.  It was made for her school graduation ceremony.  The fabric was mauve shot with aqua.   I always loved making outfits that were simply styled, using gorgeous fabric.  I have totally lost count of the number of wedding and formal outfits I've made, and sadly don't have photographs of all of them.




A few years ago I made the wedding frock for my DIL.  It was hand embroidered with silver metallic thread and beaded in great detail.  I also made her veil, a simple square of tulle, beaded all around the perimeter, and then folded on the diagonal.  The store-bought version was in excess of $200 at the time.  I made it for less than $20.  I shall also include a close up shot of some of the beading that was done.   Much of the beaded design was just made up as I went along, adding another scroll here or there.  

Thank you everyone for such lovely comments on my smocking.  I do appreciate the enthusiasm and support I receive from each and every person who cares to comment.  

10 comments:

michelle said...

Oh my gosh Linda i am in awe ! what fabulous dresses and the embroidery is so beautiful. What a lot of work but how rewarding to see you creations admired by many and making beautiful girls turn into fairytale princesses.

DIAN said...

Beautiful work Linda. I love the embroidery but the simple formal gown is my favourite. So elegant.

Do you have a pic of the top (I think it was a bustier) with feathers? Or am I dreaming?

Sharne Gregory said...

How talented you are!

Jensters said...

OMG LInda I for one didn't no u have done dressmaking or my memory fails me! These are all so stunning in there own way, my I do have a talented friend, thank for sharing xx

Iceni UK said...

Linda, superb work, the dresses are just stunning and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your skills with us, it makes my day to read you blog, it is full of news that I find so interesting.
I too am so happy you are my friend. x

Frances Leate said...

Linda you are one very clever and talented lady - these outfits are superb as was your smocking in the earlier post. Happy stitching!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Linda, You are a very very talented lady. The wedding dress is stunning and a work of art. Your DIL was very fortunate to have such a lovely MIL to create such a beautiful dress for her. Hugs Judy

Radka said...

Little dressmaking??!!! Linda! You have so much skill:)) You constantly surprise!BEAUTIFUL.......

Anonymous said...

Linda you are soooo talented. It boggles my mind to see your splendid work. The gowns truly are beautiful and I can imagine the ladies who wore them felt like princesses. All of that embroidery. Simply Stunning!

Julie said...

The beading on the wedding gown is just lovely.