Sunday, January 30, 2011

early morning wedding dress muslin

I woke up extra early again to sew up the Simplicity muslin I'd cut last night, and quickly ran face first into the most bewildering array of pleat markings I've ever seen on a pattern.

Have a look- but only if you're fortified with more than a small cup coffee!

Pleats!

I had to retreat and make a nice fried egg while my poor brain cells attempted to wrap themselves around all the pleats over more pleats under other pleats, fold on this line, stitch over here. Yikes!!

Well, I'm happy to say that after much seam ripping and puzzling over the directions and trying some more, I ended up with what I thought might be the right arrangement of pleats. I held my breath as I attached the bodice with pins, but everything lined up! hallelujah!

Here we are..... pardon the un-showered hair, the messy sofa, and general I-sewed-a-wedding-dress-before-9 AM-and-took-a-self-portrait-with-a-cell-phone look going on here.

Simplicity 5343 Muslin

Here's the pattern again.

s5343

This dress feels fantastic- the top fits amazingly well for the small amount of alterations I've made, I adore the full skirt, and I'm actually OK with it sitting at my natural waist. Wow... I feel like a real bride in this one. ;)

So there's a little bit of weird extra fabric or pulling above the bust. And again, I'm drawn to patterns with no side seams for pockets! However... I think I found it. This is it! Are you excited to see this made up in white silk taffeta? With a lovely short sleeved lace overjacket? :-D

16 comments:

Toby Wollin said...

ooo, I'm first. LOOKS FABULOUS AND YOU LOOK FABULOUS IN IT. Even in muslin which means that in taffeta, lace etc., you will just be off the charts.

BeeBee said...

Oh, YES! I soooo agree! This does make you look like a bride. I think it's time to start some real sewing. Lovely, even in muslin.

Sewlovely said...

I follow your blog on Google Reader. This is my favorite too and I think the fit is great and the most flattering. I love this neck line on you. Very slimming through the waist. I'll wait to see if this is THE one. Good Luck!

Shannon said...

Wow! That looks amazing on you and it's just the muslin. This is the one that gets my vote. I know you didn't ask, but hey, I guess I can't keep my opinions to myself! :)

Anonymous said...

I love this one on you! I am going to miss your wedding dress muslins when you finish. Keep this one in the running! Love the pleats.

SEWN said...

WOW! I love this dress. It's so different from every other that you have been considering, but I agree, this is IT!!! It looks gorgeous on you. Yeah!!!

gMarie said...

Oh I think it's lovely. I'm so glad you finally found 'the' dress. g

Anonymous said...

This muslin/pattern looks really good on you. It is very flattering,

Marleen

BetsyV said...

Wendy I love this dress on you! So glad you think this is the one - it's certainly the best one you've posted here.

Terry said...

Well it looks great!

Uta said...

Before seeing your conclusion - this is it - I thought the same. This looks like "you", a bit retro, very flattering, and not over the top or too extravagant. Yes, I am excited to see this made up!

Paddy Kelleher Designs said...

OMG, I LOVE this one! I have enjoyed reading about your process along the way and haven't gotten so excited about another one.
I was going to say not to bother beause I liked a lower one so much, but this is so gorgeously flattering on you!
I agree with you that you have found it. I am suddenly so excited to see the true incarnation!
Patricia

Paddy Kelleher Designs said...

ps- went through the photos, the second fave was Butterisk 3478. Definitely second fave.

Carol said...

This is a great fit and a really flattering style. I like the pleats; it gives a nice full shape without the puffiness. I love the idea of a lace overjacket.

lsaspacey said...

I agree with everyone above, this should be THE ONE! The other empire designs hid your great figure and this one shows it off. It is so flattering on you. I can't wait to see the final. Good luck!

Melodye said...

I've been following along with you as you've sewn the various muslins. This is the best one yet. If it looks this good in the muslin, I can only imagine how fanastic it (and you) will look in the final version!