After, many, many toiles of the bodice, I was ready to do the first toile of the full dress for Carolyn’s wedding dress. Of course, it was at this point that I discovered that all of the discardable toile fabrics that I could fine in my stash were in weird patterned colours, which is fine for my own mock ups, but not ideal for bridal mock ups as I want the brides to be able to get an idea of what the final dress will look like. So I did something rather stupid.  I used one of my ugly patterned fabrics, and then I flat over-lined it in very thin white sheeting (too thin for a proper toile on its own) I do not recommend this for toiles!  It was tricky to work with, and made fitting difficult. Of course, immediately after going to all the trouble to cut out every pattern piece twice, and flat line them, and sew them all together, and having sent the toile off to Carolyn, I discovered an entire …

I get asked to do commissions all the time, and have the luxury of only agreeing to do the commissions if I love the project. When Carolyn asked me to make her wedding dress, there was no question if I would do it or not. The project would be insanely difficult and time consuming.  It would stretch my sewing capabilities, and the boundaries of design and fabric, to the very limits.  And it was gorgeous. No question, I was going to do it. This is the design sketch that Carolyn sent me (isn’t she amazing!?!): These are some other dresses she was inspired by: This is my design sketch, once I worked out what was needed for the dress to fit together and support itself: For the fabric, Carolyn and I selected a gorgeous silk, cotton blend, with a delustred satin finish.  So yummy! Over the next few weeks, as I finish off the dress, I’ll be posting all about the design and sewing process, and showing off the delicious vintage sequins and beads and …