DrBuffles' DIY bridesmaid dresses progress so far *flash*

Yay got it to work! So this is the mock up. I think at this point my BM was wondering what the hell she was going to end up with. She said she trusts me but I'm not sure how genuine that was!! I only put on one strap as i knew it wouldn't be right first time so no point wasting time on two. Generally the fit was OK, i just wanted to move a few seams and we decided to drop the waist by 1.5cms.

After this i amended the pattern, created a facing and lining and cut it out of the real fabric. I totally overestimated how much fabric I needed in a bit of a panic buy so I know I've got plenty so it wasn't a massive faff cutting it out.

I tried making a paper pattern for the tulle overlay but I wasn't sure how much extra fabric to put in the create the gather effect and the first attempt was no where near right so I decided to put the gathers in my hand. This then ended up being pleats (i am making this up as I go along! don't tell BM!) so I pleated and pinned the smaller 'behind' cup section and then the larger 'front' cross over effect panel.

It wasn't too painful to do as the liner fabric is a heavy satin and very stable and easy to work with so it worked as a good base. I wasn't 100% sure about the pleat direction after I put the bodice together as I invisioned it looking like more of a sweep across the bust and into the side seam so I have toyed with the idea of doing it again but I also quite like the idea of the pleated straps looking like they continue into the bodice then down into the skirt. I left it for a couple of days and it's grown on me a bit now. (please excuse Chip's antler chew in the pic!)

At this point I had attached the lining to turn the neckedge in and give more of the finished effect. The lining has a facing on the top edge of the same duchess satin then I've lined it with a lightweight silk with boning in the front and back for structure.I thought the silk would be cooler against the skin in august than a basic polyester lining. I am making them wear black in August after all so it's the least I could do!

I've left gaps in the seam to add the straps in later. They are scaring me at the mo. Irrationally, but I'm not 100% sure how I'm going to get the effect I want so I am ignoring them!

Originally I wasn't sure how much extra tulle to add to the outer of the skirt but I decided to do 3 times the liner as this is roughly what the pleats on the bodice work out to be. The skirt liner is a complete circle so I have 3 circles of tulle which I pleated by hand onto the waistband yesterday. Chip decided he would help by sitting on the fabric I was trying to work with, then curled himself up in it as a nest.

So this is the finished-so-far dress. It needs a concealed zip in one side and I've only tacked the skirt to the bodice so far as I don't love how some of the pleats are sitting so will rearrange some of them a bit more but I'm pleased with the volume of tulle in the skirt. This weekend I will put the straps in and the zip ready to take down for the first fitting a week tomorrow. I've only really made stuff for myself before (or friends who are the same size) so I'm very nervous this won't fit and it will be back to the drawing board!

It's quite hard to see the detail in the photos. I've left the pins in for now because although I am fairly confident the inner structure of the dress should provide enough tension on the pleats for them not to pull open I don't want to risk it yet and if I need to hand tack each one it will be much easier to do if they are still pinned.

More to come...

Wow! You are so clever! That is by far the best wedding diy i've seen so far!

That is amazing! Well done you ;-)

This is lovely :] you're really talented! I wouldn't have the patience to do something like this.

Best wedding DIY award?

DrB, I bow down in awe!!! They are going to look truly fabulous and your girls will feel amazing. Well done!

DrBuffles? DrClever more like! Ha! Well done, it looks gorgeous!

Wowsers!! I really wish I could sew. It's such a useful skill to have. So many times I have had a definite idea of something I want and can't find in the shops. Your BMs are sooo lucky!! they are looking fab.

Wow, I have to agree they are amazing! To have such a great idea and then to be able to bring it to reality. Wow just wow!

Looks good so far! Very impressed with your sewing skills.

Thanks everyone. It's what I love doing so I've really enjoyed it so far. Nothing more satisfying that creating an amazing dress from a few pictures and a pile of fabric. (This may not be how I feel after the fitting next weekend!)

I have one more to do after this in a different style so it's a good job I love sewing!

Oh my god!!!!! i want you to make ME something- that's amazing!!!

Wow - that is totally amazing! The pinning is so neat (that's a sad observation, I know!) I actually really like it strapless like that.

Your girls must be so happy, they are going to look amazing and it's a 'can wear it again' dress which is fab. I know lots of people say that about BMs dresses, but out of eight I have, I've only worn one again!

They look fantastic! Well done clever DrBuffles!

Gosh that's gorgeous - well done lady! Fab work. It looks much better than the original even in it's unfinished state.

Bows down and touches your hem, we're not worthy lol. Superb. Xx

Fan-flippin-tastic!!!!! That is all!!!

Wow, well done you! Looks amazing!

Wow that is amazing! I wish I could do something like that.

Wow that's amazing! You are so talented! I had to look at the pictures over and over as I'm in awe!

X

Totally agree with you on this one. They are amazing!

Please please teach me how to sew like that! X

Wow that's absolutely amazing hun! God where do you learn sewing skills like that! Your bridesmaid must be a very happy one having a one off dress!

Those pleats are amazing and looks so much better than the inspiration dress, fantastic DrB, just fantastic.

Just posting so I can follow this thread and see the finished dress. Looks great so far.

Just posting so I can follow this thread and see the finished dress. Looks great so far.

this! ^
I'd love to make my bridesmaid's dresses too, but my sewing skills are nowhere near yours! Planning to make some twist and wrap dresses, as apparently they're dead easy :L
xoxo

They look really great!