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Makes: Lily's Wedding Dress 

Process

I had the great honor of designing and making my sister Lily’s wedding dress- it was a really special make and a huge learning curve to create such a garment. I utilized the following skills:

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  • Design consultation- research, references and sketches

  • Drafting a pattern block based on measurements

  • Adapting a pattern to include new design elements 

  • Creating a calico toile

  • Fitting the toile and making adjustments 

  • Pattern cutting with silk satin and habotai silk 

  • Creating an open back dress and a yoke with button fastenings

  • Sewing

 

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After taking Lily's measurements, I created a pattern block for a basic dress. I then altered the block to suit the design, drawing the shape of the bodice I wanted to achieve and adding a train to the skirt. 

I cut and sewed a calico toile, which helped with some of the problem solving to achieve what I wanted with the pattern. I then organised a fitting with Lily to try the toile, making the necessary adjustments and notes to extend the hem and the train. 

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I adjusted the bodice pattern following the fitting and once I had created a new toile that I was happy with, I began cutting the fabric.

 

Lily chose an ivory silk satin and I picked a beautiful habotai silk for the lining. I pressed the fabric before cutting each piece out carefully and sewing them together. 

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I inserted the matching ivory satin button loops and sewed on the satin covered buttons.

 

The back was open with satin spaghetti straps, which I adjusted to fit comfortably in a final fitting with the finished dress. 

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