Monday, May 17, 2010

Balmain update

An update on the Balmain just to PROVE I am actually working on it!

The collar is beaded and in the process of being hand stitched to the neckline. I have to hand sew it on because the rhinestone chain goes all the way to the seam line and I'm not taking any chances of the machine needle hitting one of those. I'm using a thick Gütermann polyester thread, which also was used for all the beading. Those silver gray pearls next to the rhinestone chain are 3 or 4 mm, can't remember, and were beaded on two-three at a time. Most of what you see came from FireMountainGem.




Below is a picture to show how I attached part of the sleeve to the shoulder before the beadwork. You can also see some of the hair canvas that is used to support the beading.


The bottom of the sleeve: Everything is beaded except the last loop, which will be done after the underarm seam is closed. If you look closely you can see the beaded rope I found in NYC (and cat hair! those cutie pies OWN my grainboard, it's their Pride Rock). I chose to use the rope instead of the larger pearls because it's lightweight; the sleeve is cut on bias so extra weight truly drags it down.


  
Well that was the update. Thank you so much for the nice comments on the much-delayed pictures of the Dior coat. I'm thankful I actually wrote the review last year, but now I'm fearful of how I'll write a review of the Balmain... Hopefully the pictures I've taken will refresh my memory. Not that it matters much, I mean, who's gonna want to make this, it's been more than a year since the original came out! Yes- one year almost to the day since DH showed me a pic in the LA Times...
I'm such a slowpoke!

13 comments:

  1. Fabulous! Love seeing these closeups. Your bead design is incredible.

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  2. Perfection takes time! And that. is. perfection!

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  3. Fabulous! It's a work of art.

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  4. This really is your masterpiece. I might pop across the Pacific for lessons!

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  5. The Dior-inspired coat is flawless! I was wondering if you could provide information about calculating the amount of fabric used for pleating in a given design, and how you convey pleating requirements to the company which does this work. Thank you!

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  6. This and the Dior....Showstoppers!!! Love them!

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  7. No hurry...it will always be wearable! Amazing work and dedication.

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  8. You keep amazing me, how creative and original your work is. This is definitely in the couture/masterpiece/art department. Wearable art that actually can be worn. Perhaps for a special occasion, but not only for shows. Take your time, but like most of your readers I'm so looking forward to the complete picture.

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  9. That is just so incredible! Can't wait to see more.

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  10. Amazing work! Looks great so far, can't wait to see more!

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  11. I am so glad to see another update!! It is amazing! I have said it before, but I just cannot wait to see the finished project!

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  12. Now THAT's process. It's also gorgeous, what you're letting us see so far. Don't rush perfection, but know that there are a bunch of us who can't wiat to see it.

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  13. I'm WAY too late commenting about this masterpiece-in-progress. The original inspiration is still fresh in my mind, and no matter how long it takes, it will be worth it to see this beauty finished. And it's so exciting about the Tony award! Congratulations!

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