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.