Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Bubblegum 4 Christmas

The dress is done. She won't get it until the 14th because it goes on the advent calendar, but here are the photos on the mannequin (which is a bit bigger and taller). Silk, silk silk... I always end up with silk. But you know, it's a wondrous fiber, not at all what some people might think. It's strong and durable, can be washed in hot water, takes dye with brilliant results, and of course, it feels like a million bucks :)) I had the good sense this time and ordered in bulk from Dharma Trading- one bolt each of black and white habotai, as well as a bolt of 4.5mm white gauze. I use the gauze for nuno felts, which, btw,  I haven't made in more than a year !!  Oh well.
As you can see I manipulated the fabric as I did with my blouse, only this time I used Jet AB crystal beads.


And the shoes... Aren't they gorgeous? And the color matching went pretty well, if I may say so myself :)


Some details: I made a little bow at the back, using the extended bias. That was a tip from Roberta Carr's book. Hook and loop closure. My label under the ruffle.

Here's the lining being attached, and the finished dress inside out.
Vicky asked if I cut the ruffles on the grain: 
Yes. The sheerness of the gauze worked well this way, and the lace is very light as well. I used a 3-1 gather ratio.
Thank you for your well wishes. I feel a little better today, and having this done was a relief. I'm not sure if I'm ready to go into the black, so to speak, but I probably should. I really need that black dress...

15 comments:

  1. That dress is so pretty! It goes perfectly with those adorable shoes.

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  2. Wow, that is just so perfect! Just about the prettiest dress I have ever seen. Lucky DD!

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  3. Your daughter will just love that beautiful dress!

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  4. Wo - how do you post a comment here? I had to randomly click until magically a box for comments appeared! I'm on a Mac but this is the worst I've seen.

    But I persevered, and for good reason - your daughter's dress is beautiful. The workmanship is impeccable: the ruffles just so, the colors exquisitely matched to amazing shoes - just gorgeous!

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  5. Absolutely wonderful, matching of the shoes is perfect.
    Lucky daughter.

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  6. I have a Mac also, and no problems getting the comment box.
    The dress is fabulous, but of course, I expect no less from you! I always pick "easy" or quick garments. I know you will always pick something amazing! I have ordered from Dharma before and always been pleased. I've been wanting to try my hand at dying, but have no experience, really. I may be home for a few weeks in January with foot surgery, so may try it then. BTW, those shoes are amazing. Can you imagine how fabulous they would look in a stiletto or kitten heel? Hopefully your daughter will take more interest in sewing than mine has. She has a fabulous teacher! Again, you always do such amazing work.

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  7. Awww. it's adorable and frilly!! I love it :-)

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  8. I had trouble getting the comment box last night on a PC, but now it's fine. Anyway, gorgeous kinder-couture dress! Any sewing plans for elder DD? I still remember her Sabrina dress and what a stunner that was.

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  9. And today no problems at all commenting! Internet gremlins somewhere, grrrr. Apologies for venting on something that was NOT your fault. My bad for making the assumption.

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  10. This is beautiful and those shoes are so so perfect. She will be a vision.

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  11. What a gorgeous dress Birgitte! It goes perfectly with those adorable shoes. Miss "Bubblegum 4 Christmas" will be too cute for words (well she is anyway!). I love your label too, that is just precious. What a lucky girl you have.

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  12. What a lovely dress, and the shoes are perfect. She will be just adorable, probably is anyway, but the outfit is fab.

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  13. The dress is stunning and I adore those shoes. I think I must be the only person in the world who does not like the feel of silk on my skin!

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  14. What an absolutely gorgeous dress. I love the crystal bead detail!

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