We got the photos from our amazing wedding photographer, Amy Kiel, so I can finally share my wedding dress with you guys! The first few photos I took in my studio on my dress form, but the rest are by Amy. There are posts about the planning and fitting (here and here) of this dress, if you want to read about that, but this post is mostly just pictures, and some details about the construction, of the dress.
The Details-
Pattern- Victory Patterns Ava
Main Fabric- Silk Shantung from Pacific Fabrics
Upper Dress Fabric- White Crafter’s Lace form Joann Fabrics
Underlining Fabric- Silk Organza from Pacific Fabrics
Started- 4/19/14
Completed- 8/31/14
Practice dress- 28 hrs.
Final Dress- 47 hrs.
Total time- 75 hrs.
I’ll start by saying that making my own wedding dress was such a great experience for me and has to be my greatest sewing achievement so far. I learned so much. This dress was totally the style of wedding dress I wanted, and luckily it also happened to be within my skill level as well, so it worked out.
There was a lot of hand sewing involved that was time-consuming, but it was worth it for what it added to the final construction of the dress. I underlined the silk shantung with silk organza by hand basting them together, which helped the opacity of the dress and also added a heft and crispness to it. I then took each underlined piece and surged the edges I could and used fray check on the rest. Between the underlining and the fray check, the silk wasn’t too bad to sew at all!
I’m really proud of the way I finished the hem and the front and back necklines. I hand sewed the bias binding to the lining and also the hem to the underlining, so the thread would not show on the front. I’m also especially proud of my invisible zipper. I think it’s the best one I have ever done!
I enjoyed seeing all three versions of this dress (the muslin, wearable muslin and final dress) hanging together.
Now on to Amy’s photos of me actually wearing my wedding dress on my wedding day!
Flower who was my maid of honor extraordinaire, and was a huge part of part of planning our wedding, (as you will read in future posts about the party favors, decorations and desserts), had the foresight to thrift lovely fur stoles for me and the rest of the bridesmaids. She also made all of our amazing headpieces, but more on that later as well. I think the furs totally made the styling of the whole bridal party and they kept us toasty and warm all day, as it was chilly and rainy most of the day.
I won’t lie, this dress had some fit issues, but I am not going to point them out to you this time. Once again, this dress is “happily imperfect” (just like life), but I had a blast at my wedding, felt beautiful all day and danced the night away, which is exactly what I wanted to do. That’s all that matters, right?
I love everything about this! I love the pop that the crinoline adds to the dress and the fur stoles and headpieces are amazing. Congrats again…you and the photos are so so beautiful!
Thanks Dani! The crinoline came from a square dancing shop, but the rest was due to our good friend Flower. Isn’t she amazing?
I love it that you made your dress! You have a wonderful sense of style!
Thanks Lin. There were moments where I thought it would never get done and wanted to just give up and buy a dress. I am so glad I didn’t though. It was such a great experience, gave me a real sense of pride and was really fun to dance in!
Love it! You looked beautiful!
So fantastic, Lilly! I am so proud of you! You did an amazing job!!!
Congrats! The dress looks great. I like the phrase “happily imperfect, just like life!” It’s true, it’s all a journey, not a destination. I’m glad you had such a lovely time!
Hi Tasha! Thanks! I wish I could take credit for the phrase “happily imperfect”, but it’s something Monica, the owner of the West Seattle Fabric Company, always says. She’s the sweetest and most positive lady and I pretty much learned how to sew by taking classes at her shop. It’s a great approach to sewing, so I’m glad I have carried it with me!