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 |
I love it!!!! I want one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like lots of blood, sweat and tears has gone into this stunning dress which you look amazing in. Well done Annie, I love it and you will be getting my vote.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marjorie , you are right a lot of heartache has gone into this dress.
DeleteFingers crossed but I have picked a winner already.
Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWow. Awesome, gorgeously beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent! I saw your entry on their website and tried to Google your blog but I only came across it after clicking on your pinterest feed (which is like 3rd on the list?). Really happy to have found another local sewist especially such a talented one. That capelet is tres chic. Off to delve into your archives now. See you around.
ReplyDeleteThankyou! I have seen your blog before through your feature on Burdastyle. I love your style too. Must be the Melbourne influence. All those lattes and people watching. I'm just about to post another dress which I finished last week whilst on holidays in Bali.
DeleteIt's so pretty, I love the red and all the ruffles :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Zoe. I love ruffles it adds a bit of 80's to it.
DeleteOk. I'm sold. You're going to be my dress adviser after seeing this dress. It's stunning.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Will talk dresses in Bendigo at the meet up.
ReplyDeleteAll of the hard work has definitely paid off in this stunning dress! Just love it ... J
ReplyDeleteThankyou J, it was hard work thats for sure. Making your own pattern is so much more challenging than just following one.
DeleteThis dress is amazing!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThankyou!!
DeleteI just came across your blog via Project Sewn, and am reading back through all your posts :) but had to stop and say WOW, this is an awesome dress - I wish I had half your skill!!!
ReplyDeleteThankyou Gabrielle. I'm actually going to enter this in the final week Project Sewn as I have been too busy with School fete sewing to make something. It really does sum me up in a dress anyway.
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