The brief was to create a knee length (or just above) dress that's all about the WOW and NOW factor. Something that would fabulous at a red carpet event, swanky cocktail party, the races or a fancy formal wedding. You must use either their Flame Red fabric which is a french taffeta or the Phantom Black, a dobby spot which is also a French fabric. The prizes are amazing, a flight valued at $2500 is first prize and an overlocker is second. I was not sure if I wanted to enter as there are so many amazing and creative sewers out there and last years entry's were incredible.
I happened to be in the store about a month ago and was discussing with the ladies there how I wasn't going to enter this year however with a little persuasion they convinced me to give it a go. I had a dress in mind that would be perfect for Tafetta. It was a Chloe dress I'd seen on the S/S 2013 runway shows. Lots of ruffles and tucks, perfect.
I designed my own pattern by draping first and then transferring onto a muslin. After alot of frustrating attempts at draping the bodice, I finally got it right (I think). I fully lined the bodice and skirt and also used the bustier techniques which I had previously practiced following Gerties instructions on the Bombshell dress lesson.
I also boned the bustier which makes the bodice stay up really well. I added a belt to the waist to give it a bit more shape as I thought it was a bit frumpy looking. It did the trick. I added a big red button to the back of the belt.
It's not perfect by a long shot, but I'm very happy with how it looks.
I have my nephews wedding coming up soon so I don't have to worry about figuring out what to wear now.
Also, thanks for the champagne, I really enjoyed that after a hard day modelling!
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| boning the bodice |
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| Draping the tucks |
