Just a few short weeks after my sister got engaged back in April...we started planning the wedding wardrobes.. its took very little searching to find we weren't going to locate anything ready-made that would be suitable. Thus the quest for a pattern began. Michelle quickly decided on Retro Butterick 5603 - we thought it was a cute and flattering choice for all the different body types involved.
Fabric is always the tough part. We ordered several swatches. Some from Fabric.com and more from OnlineFabricStore. We ended up choosing Plum Taffeta from OFS. Despite having previously seen the swatch. We had a bit of color shock when the 18 yard roll came. It was much brighter then we'd expected. We took it outside and did some detailed examining and decided we'd go ahead and use it.
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This dress definitely has some quirky bits.The neckband was by far the next most time consuming thing...they were constantly puckering and looking crappy. Can't have that now can we? All those hems were mighty fun too.
However, by the time I got to the 5th dress - I had things down to a science... From start to finish each dress, on average took about 24 hours... I am not a fan of cutting out (okay I hate it) so that always slows me down a lot - but once its done everything is down hill from there.
Gunna take a moment to tell my future self that ^ is not something you want to be doing the morning of the wedding. Just trimming down seams for a smidge more room. But with all the last minute sewing I did - it just added unnecessary stress that I didn't need.
6 unique and beautiful ladies...and I personally think it looks pretty dang rad on all of us?! I had to make very few alterations. A couple length adjustments, alittle downsizing on one, and a bit of nipping in at the waist on mine (by far the hardest. My body shape drives me mad some days. I needed like a size 12 on the bust and a 6 at the waist...not fun at all. Thankfully lil sis is picking up pinning quite well).
That V in the back was such a bear to work with, but I do so love the way it looks. Totally my favorite part of the dress!
In conclusion I will just say its SO, beyond rewarding to look at those pictures and think I did that!! Yes, there were moments I didn't think I was going to make it thru and moments when I just plain wanted to be done, but in the end it was all worth it! I've created lots of memories along the way - it even impelled me find new music which, in turn, became favorites and will forever have special meaning because of it. I mean com'on who doesn't love that?!
So thoughts? What do you think of the style, color, etc?
Love,
Brooke
*All photos credit - Jessica McDonald http://romantiquephotography.wordpress.com/
9 comments:
I think you did a beautiful job Brooke! The purple is definitely vibrant, but I think it looks lovely, and it's a such beautiful contrast with the bride's white gown. :) I love the pattern choice too, ya'll all look gorgeous! :) And if flatters your figures well. I think the V in the back is my favorite part as well. Good work! I can't wait to see what you will sew next!
~Theresa :)
Oh my! BEAUTIFUL, Brooke! I WANT PICS OF THE WEDDING! lol very pretty! :D
Ruth
I *love* these, Brooke! Fabulous job. =)
The dresses look gorgeous! The color is really dramatic, and I love the boat neck necklines...you did a great job! I do a lot of clothing sewing, and cutting is *definitely* my least favorite step...glad to see I'm not the only one who doesn't like it. ;-) Congratulations to your sister!!
Blessings,
Shannon
It's good to have a small waist, girly! The dresses look amazing, you did a beautiful job :)
thedeviantdressmaker.blogspot.com
Beautiful! What an achievement.
I love the purple color of the dresses! I think people should do purple more often for bride's maids dresses. The color I have seen the most in my short 22 years is blue. I love blue! But that purple is gorgeous. :) I can definitely see how the color would be a shock if you thought it was going to be a darker hue. I love the bright color though! Its very vibrant and cheerful and romantic for a wedding.
What a wonderful color for the bridesmaids dresses!! So very gorgeous! I love the way their bouquets are white and the lovely bride's is plum!! Simply divine!!
Blessings!
Gina
Thank y'all sooo much - your far to kind!! I am glad you like them tho!! :) ♥
Love,
Brooke
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