Mother-of-the-Bride Dress, Vogue 8766

30 Aug Mother-of-the-Bride Dress, Vogue 8766

If only it was this easy.

 

I’m not sure why I panicked so about making a dress to wear to Katie’s wedding! Whether it was having too much to do, searching for the right pattern and fabric or doubting my competence, I was on edge about the project.

By now I should know that one’s hard work is ultimately rewarded. All of the planning and efforts invested over the last several months resulted in a divine evening and I dare say, a perfect wedding 🙂 

We can’t get much happier than this!

MY DRESS

What can I say? Sometimes it takes a village to make a dress.

FABRIC

My head was spinning from one pattern to another along with dozens of fabric samples until Alice Goldberg (from Mendel Goldberg) drove to Baltimore from New York while I was taking a class with Susan Khalje. (post here)

I recently rejected a sample of this fabric believing it was too bridal, but upon seeing the bolt of shimmering fabric, I recognized it as compatible. OK, let’s just say I adored it.

A special thank you goes to Leisa Stanton from A Challenging Sew for not only discovering the fabric in New York, but for persisting that I look once more at this stunning textile 🙂 Goodness, some people just know, don’t they?

Notice how the fabric glistens in evening lighting!

PATTERN

In June, I met the talented Cheryl Lemmons, a Goodbye Valentino reader from Texas, and an accomplished seamstress (post here). She dropped by my home for a nice visit, but upon discovering I had yet to select a pattern, Cheryl perused my entire pattern collection and suggested I try an old favorite:

VOGUE 8766

I selected the strapless version, View A and lengthened the skirt to the floor.

My first muslin resulted in a bodice that was too low along with a straight skirt featuring a narrow sweep. Adding an inch to the height of the bodice front and re-cutting the skirt as an A-line provided the coverage and comfort I sought.

My friend, Margaret, then tweaked the fit giving me confidence to cut the fabric.

BODICE

From the fitted muslin I created a thread-traced muslin.

 

The muslin pieces were placed and cut on white cotton batiste (which I prewashed). Next the batiste was placed and cut on silk organza. Seam lines on both the batiste and organza were traced using WHITE carbon paper.

Finally, I cut the matelasse and basted the three layers together.

Basting the layers together on the seam line  was h*!#|%#!.

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Susan Khalje made a comment in the April class which I hope to never forget. “Remember, when sewing with delicate fabric the fashion fabric is the dressing. All of the important work takes place underneath to support the fabric on top.

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 Following the pattern instructions I cut the lining and added the boning to the front princess seams. For the lining I ordered this Nude Silk Crepe de Chine from Mood Fabrics.

However I opted for additional support and added boning to the side seams as well.

 I experienced enormous relief once the bodice lining was attached and turned! The skirt is not underlined. The crepe de chine proved ample – even enhancing the matelasse’s phenomenal drape.

BELT

In June I purchased coordinating trim for the fabric from Mendel Goldberg. I saw this stunning trim in April and eventually succumbed.

Margaret suggested I place a piece of buckram on the back of the fabric, fold the tulle to the back, and secure it together with a whipstitch.

Next a piece of satin ribbon was attached to cover the stitching. Unable to find ribbon the exact width I settled on a slightly smaller width.

To fasten the belt I added three large hook and eyes.

The belt was secure throughout the evening but I may re-do the closure before wearing it again.

 Despite raising the front of the bodice I was uncomfortable wearing the dress strapless. Hubby liked it strapless, but six days before the wedding I added ½ inch straps which increased my comfort and satisfaction to an entirely new level.

I now loved the MOB dress I had fretted over all summer!

The raised bodice front, lower bodice back, a-line skirt, slightly raised and belted waistline suddenly worked beautifully together.

 Billy bought both Katie and me gorgeous pearl earrings to wear on the special day. I then decided to keep my accessories to a minimum.

 One friend just couldn’t honor the ‘no photos during the ceremony’ request and aren’t I glad…….

I never dreamed the delicate movement and drape of the skirt could be captured on an iPhone. Moreover, I certainly never dreamed I’d be wearing a dress I made at my daughter’s formal wedding!

Mission(s) accomplished 🙂

 Final wedding post on wedding wardrobe and MOB dress coming soon!