A few months ago I was asked if I would be interested in making 5 bridesmaid dresses for a June wedding. Of course, I said “Yes’. Not only do I love creating beautiful dresses for weddings, but the bride’s parents are good friends and also family.
A pattern was found, pics text to me, and I said yes, I could make that with the alterations they wanted. I cut out a dress a few weeks ago, basted it together and a couple of the bridesmaids stopped by for a quick fitting. (Did I mention that the bride, her family and the bridesmaids all live in Indiana, while I am in Ohio?)
I was happy with the way the dress fit, figured out what to do with the neckline and was ready to make all 5 dresses to a certain point and then planned to take them to Indiana to try on and finish.
However, as I took the dress apart, that had just been basted together, and began to sew it up for real, I became a bit concerned that this pattern was not turning out to be what the girls had envisioned. From a couple of comments made during the fitting, and a phone conversation with the Mom-of-the-bride, I just wasn’t sure making 5 dresses was the wisest thing to do. So 2 weeks ago as I was finishing the dress I text the Mom-of-the-bride and told her I really thought the they all needed to see this dress and see if it really was what they wanted. They had a way for the dress to get to them the next day. I considered that briefly, but I really wanted to see the dress on the person it was made for and see what they thought. So at 2:30 in the afternoon I hopped in my car and headed 2.75 hours West and North to fit that dress.
Long story short, I headed back home with a new plan, arrived home at 10:30. Headed straight to JoAnn’s the next morning, spent 2 hours looking at patterns, texting pics and ideas, transferring the plan in my head into a pattern(s).
Patterns bought I headed home to create a new dress. Last week I once again headed West and North, dress in tow. And my girls too this time 🙂 We headed out on Tuesday and arrived back home at 11:35 Thursday night. 30+ hours at the machine. All five dresses made, one came home with me with just a bit of hand sewing to sew the lining around the zipper, add thread belt loops, and create the simple sash. I just couldn’t make myself finish the last one out there since I had a 2+ hour trip home ahead of me. I will go back Friday night before the wedding to press and steam all the dresses. AND I get to go early and help get everyone in their dresses – I’m rather excited about the opportunity! And I get to take my camera and do a bit of second shooting – just some fun creative stuff that doesn’t interfere with the real photographer!
So that was my week last week – what did YOU do?
Sew a Fine Seam
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Yowsers! Thank goodness you had them check everything out before you got all five finished. Glad that you’re having fun with them c:
I know Jane, I know. And the Mom is so glad I didn’t cut anything else out so we could still use the same fabric! I needed an extra yard of the sheer overlay but the main fabric i actually only used one bolt and she is taking the second bolt back for a store credit!
Oh my heavens!! You go girl!!! They certainly knew who to ask, didn’t they? I don’t think they could have found another who would have put as much time, care, and attention into their dresses. I can’t WAIT to see what they look like! I do sew quite a bit, as you know, and I’ve made clothing for my kids over the years, but the thought of trying to make FIVE dresses for girls that don’t live in my house (i.e. I can’t make them try them on 20 times to make sure I’m getting the right fit) would terrify me. You are amazing.
Debbie
LOL, thanks Debbie. I hope they still think they asked the right person! I do prefer to have the person available for fitting but I’ve learned a lot over the years and it can be done without doing a fitting each step of the way – though it is easier if you can fit each step to them 🙂
Sounds like a LOT of hours at a sewing machine!!! But I know you loved it. And you got to spend time with friends~fun, fun!
It was fun but I was wishing I could just stay out there for Friday too instead of pushing so hard. But I needed to be home to sign for the camera lens I rented. And I’m really glad I had the lens for Sunday.
Jill, yours is pretty much the only blog I comment on….you are amazing. I am in awe at your sewing skills and ease with taking challenges. I got another new grandaughter this week and I am hoping I can catch up and make the five quilts I want to make for the new babies since March. Thanks for inspiring me and the wonderful example you are setting for your girls to serve, developing talents, and sharing those talents. I just think you are real and remarkable. Someday when I grow up, ha, I want to sew like you!!!
Oh my goodness, Jill! How sweet are you, you’re going to be so excited seeing them at the wedding, hope you remember to take a picture for us! 🙂
You are such a good friend. How thoughtful to make all those trips and spend all that time for these dresses. You are so inspiring and kind. You not only talk it but you walk it. God bless.
Thanks for the sweet encouragement Regena! I try to do the best I can with what God has gifted me with! I’m far from perfect but HE IS perfect and the Grace He extends covers my faults! Praise Him!
Jill, it’s a good thing that you are so talented and could ‘read’ these girls enough to know what they wanted/didn’t want! This sounds like a lot of time and work but a great opportunity-I’m sure your skills will be appreciated!!
Susan
Susan, I am very glad I listened to my inner voice on this one! I sometimes think I’m just being silly but this time it definitely was worth the extra time and mileage to take the dress to them to double check.
What a week. You are obviously not only very good at what you do but very good at listening to people. How attentive to realize that the dress probably wasn’t what the bride to be wanted. I am sure they appreciated you going the extra mile (literally and figuratively).
🙂 I know they appreciated it Amy, and it’s just part of what I do. What fun would it be to create something they didn’t like?! Thanks for your sweet comments, they always make my day better!
Haha! Well I was extremely unproductive in comparison. Well done! Will you post photos?
🙂 I will definitely be posting pics of the dresses after the wedding! In a couple more weeks!
hope u post some photos 🙂
I will Nena! In a couple weeks after the wedding is over I will be sharing the dresses!
I hope you will show us the dresses. I want to see what you ended up with. Now, on another note, I just love your porch scene in the photos. That little table is so cute!
Liz
Thanks! I am loving that little green table too. It was part of the huge haul I made when my little town had garage sales. I’m keeping it for awhile cause it makes me happy!
I will definitely be showing you the dresses. I’ll show you the first pattern I started with too so you can sort of get the full effect of the change. I don’t share the pics till after the wedding usually. I’m going to take my camera and get pics at the wedding so I’ll be sharing in a couple of weeks!