Hello again, friends.
I was initially considering sharing those pictures once the dress was all finished... but you've been so supportive and understanding about it that I decided to share them with you sooner than later. :)
Here is the first version of my gown - in blue dupioni, with an overskirt opening out to a white taffeta panel.
Technically, I am honestly happy with how it looks.
However, my petite frame (154 cm/barely over 5 feet and 47 kgs/103 lbs) looks somewhat overwhelmed in this majestic dress... I am not perfectly at ease in it. All those layers of stiff fabric at the front are too much for me. As a matter of fact, I like the flowing look of the lining much better.
I was initially considering sharing those pictures once the dress was all finished... but you've been so supportive and understanding about it that I decided to share them with you sooner than later. :)
Here is the first version of my gown - in blue dupioni, with an overskirt opening out to a white taffeta panel.
(the lining wasn't attached to the dress here, hence the raw edges at the top; and the straps were not perfectly finished yet - I was testing their placement)
Technically, I am honestly happy with how it looks.
However, my petite frame (154 cm/barely over 5 feet and 47 kgs/103 lbs) looks somewhat overwhelmed in this majestic dress... I am not perfectly at ease in it. All those layers of stiff fabric at the front are too much for me. As a matter of fact, I like the flowing look of the lining much better.
So, I removed the overskirt and re-stitched the dress (which did mean re-sewing the bodice front by hand, again) to see the effect of a simpler dress; yet I still wasn't sure I was 100% happy with it. (I would be re-making the middle panel in dupioni in that case, though). Even though it has been washed and has lost a bit of its stiffness, the dupioni is still very... majestic. I can't find a better way to put it. We absolutely adore the colour and the uneven texture, though.
If you have any suggestions, by all means, fire away! They will be very welcome.
I wondered whether the underlining was partly responsible for the stiffness, but I really don't think so - it is very thin and lightweight.
Now that I've put it aside for 10 days, I'll try the dress on again tonight, and hopefully Seb will manage to take a few minutes off his frantic thesis work to take pictures!
~*~I learnt today that the last cat that was still at our parents' died... I had brought her home 14 years ago, when she was just a tiny, fluffy angora kitten. She was such a sweet, easy-going kitty and we all loved her to bits. She'll be missed!
~*~
If you have any suggestions, by all means, fire away! They will be very welcome.
I wondered whether the underlining was partly responsible for the stiffness, but I really don't think so - it is very thin and lightweight.
Now that I've put it aside for 10 days, I'll try the dress on again tonight, and hopefully Seb will manage to take a few minutes off his frantic thesis work to take pictures!
~*~
~*~
BUT, I am so happy at Barbara's wonderful news... It makes my heart sing whenever I think of it. I love you, Barbara!
I also received some astounding mail from a very special friend, whom I'll never be able to thank enough... I still need to find a proper way to share this with you.
I am still terribly behind with blogs and emails (actually, this is getting worse and worse). Please bear with me, friends! I am thinking of you, and promise to be back on your blogs as soon as I can.
Sending hugs all around!
I also received some astounding mail from a very special friend, whom I'll never be able to thank enough... I still need to find a proper way to share this with you.
I am still terribly behind with blogs and emails (actually, this is getting worse and worse). Please bear with me, friends! I am thinking of you, and promise to be back on your blogs as soon as I can.
Sending hugs all around!
47 comments:
Well, dupioni is majestic. Although, in a way, it's also not stuffy. Can that be possible? I think in that way, it's much like linen.
I like it better with just the blue underneath as well.
I would never have guessed you were so petite from your pictures.
sorry about your kitty.
I think it's beautiful! I actually prefer the white panel underneath, because it gives it a bit of extra interest and it's a nice contrast. I honestly don't think it's overwhelming on you or too majestic in any way, but obviously it's your wedding day and you have to be comfortable in what you wear :) I hope you find a solution that makes you happy!
Sorry about your/your parents' cat too {{{hugs}}}
Dupioni is a very formal fabric, I think, but oh how I love it! Perhaps once you have the shrug to go with it, you'll feel a little more comfortable with it? It's a beautiful dress, Isabelle, and it enhances your own beauty. Both you and the dupioni will glow on your special day. :)
I'm so sorry about your kitty
What an honour to be invited to your wedding, sweetie, especially because only your closest family will be with you. I feel so blessed... Thank you SO much :)
(((big hugs)))
Oh Isabelle. I SO have to disagree with you. I just love you in that dress and I think the white panel peeking out adds such a lovely bit of intrigue to it. I wish that you could see yourself as we see you. That dress is so amazing. I really hope that you will be able to find yourself being a little more comfortable in it. You are such an elegant woman and that dress is everything it should be for your wedding day. I hope that you will consider wearing it. I honestly don't think that it overwhelms your frame at all. It may feel foreign to you, but you should rejoice in the fantasy of your wedding day. You are supposed to feel like a princess on this magical day. Let yourself be carried away by the moment, as it only comes once in a lifetime. Truly you deserve such a gorgeous dress, my friend. *hug*
I just stumbled upon your blog. I think the dress looks beautiful exactly how you have it. I didn't catch when the big day is but congratulations. You'll make a beautiful bride.
I can see your point regarding the flow of the dress, but like Karen I like the white taffeta. Not sure how to best put it into words, but it brings energy to the dress, brings it to life... But whatever the dress looks like, you want to feel at ease in it! And let me tell you, I am in awe of your sewing talents!!
I love the dress with the white panel! You look like Cinderella:)
I am so sorry to hear about the kitty.
LOL! Every time the other dawn leaves a comment I have to go to her page just to see if she's me!
Oh my, I'm so sorry about the loss of your kitty at your parents home.
I love your pictures of your dress! WOW it's gorgeous and fits you like a glove. :) I'm anxious to see your changes :)
I see you so perfect with first pictures , i love the white under the blue silk ....it gave a certain radiance to the whole ensemble...maybe try some lace instead of tafetta?...i don't know...at the end it shold be you who sould be feeling good in the dress....
hugs and kisses
Isabelle, it's beautiful! Gorgeous, gorgeous, glowingly radiantly beautiful!
Oh Isabelle! Your wedding dress took my breath completely away! It flatters you just perfectly! I love it!
I am terribly sorry to learn your sad news. It sounds like kitty had a wonderful life, but losing pets is so very sad... {{{hugs}}}
Okay, most people who know me don't have much to say about my fashion sense, but here goes -
You do not look at all diminished by the glory of your gown. You look majestic, glorious. The white taffeta panel adds a freshness, a bit of something unexpected but very welcome. It suits the dress very well. You look like every bride wants to look - elegant, unique, and timeless.
(My own gown couldn't have been more different than my usual choices, but I am so glad I dared to wear it.)
Though I'm sorry to hear about your kitty, she looks like she was remarkably loved and happy. :) That's what it's all about, right?
And thank you so SO much for your kindness and support - there are a number of hearts singing here in Gouda!!
Your blue dress with the white insert is very beautiful! You look very lovely in it.
I can really relate to the thesis writing. I am currently working on my doctoral thesis right now and am so happy to have just completed the first 3 chapters. Yes, when you are feeling especially productive that is the time to write, write, write.
Oh my God Isabelle - you look simply gorgeous in your dress. It looks perfect but I guess you need to feel that it is totally perfect for your big day. I don't see the silk as majestic at all, it is elegant, but it doesn't flow the same as other fabrics, it flows in a crisper way. (my wedding dress was also made from this silk) It does also photograph beautifully.
Jack, Maddi and I looked at your photos and we just thought you looked beautiful, even my 13 year Jack said, wow, I can't believe she made that dress!! (meaning=it must be good!)
I do like the white peeping out more than the blue though :)
I am predicting that you are being very critical of yourself in this dress - I wish you could see yourself from here - You don't look overwhelmed by the dress at all, as I said before, simply beautiful. The dress has very clean lines, if it was 'frilly & fluffy' it would probably overwhelm you then.
(I am so sorry about your little furbaby - living with your family, that little cat would have had a good life but it is still so sad to lose a family friend {{{hugs}}})
Sorry to hear about your cat.
My opinion? KISS :) I'd got with a flowing gown, all blue. You know what they say, dresses with all the same colour makes one look taller! :)
The gown's is looking super!
How about a different white accent somewhere? A sash, maybe, tied in the back, or held together with a beautifully made fabric rose?
When your page open...I was like..WOW!! it brought tears to my eyes...you looked so beautiful in it. Now I know why people cry at wedding. :-)
I like the first version....with the white centre panel. You are supposed to look majestic on your wedding day with a majestic dress. It's once of a lifetime event.
I am so happy....hugs
It reminds me of a movie...The Princess Diaries..when she was groomed into a Princess. Her dress was flowing, hair all bunched up with tiara...looking absolutely beautiful, fine and sweet.
You looked like that...breathless.
It's beautiful either way Isabelle! Do what makes you the most comfortable. I am sorry to hear of your kitty! {{hugs}}
The dress is stunning! I love the look of the dress with the center white panel. It looks so grand.
Occassionally, do put on your wedding shoe during dress fitting, it might give you an idea of how the dress will look like eventually.
So sorry about the lost of your kitty.
Hi dear Friend Isabelle! I'm really impressed with the wedding dress as it is now! You did an awesome job and it's a pitty you don't feel like it is absolutely right for you... I have to say it looks awesome to me!
I'm very sorry about the lost of your kitty... I have a guest at home now, a little baby pigeon that fell from its nest. I couldn't leave him to die and brought it home; now I'm hand feeding this poor and helpless creature! Hugs from Portugal!
It is a shame you don't feel comfortable with it because it is gorgeous. It does not look (to me) too big for your frame/size. Remember you should look extra special on your wedding day and why not feel extra grand? You certainly will look beautiful!
Oh, but the dress is divine, Isabelle! It is truly marvelous and it looks fantastic on you--just beauitful! This silk is scumptious...and after all it is your wedding day, why not be majestic & regal for one day! I also am liking the blue with the white underskirt--the contrast is delightful. You are doing a splendid job of the whole thing. So very sorry to hear about your kitty...What lovely news of your friends to cheer the day, though! Happy Days & Hugs :o)
How wonderful Isabelle. I am sure you will be inspired to create the dress that fits "you" perfectly...you look adorable. Just add your radiant smile to the pictures. It's going to turn out perfectly and it will be "your" day, for the both of you, as you have wished it. I am sure. Ann.
I love the MAJESTIC flow of your gown, and the way it flirts open to reveal the white panel. I can understand why you like the flow of the lining, also, but sweetie, think MAJESTIC on your wedding day! You should be dressed like royalty. All eyes will be on you, so live it up! Remember you GRAND mother as you walk in a GRAND dress!
The dress is gorgeous. I just adore the way the light hits the dupioni. I am so in awe of your sewing and construction abilities! I am sure that whatever you decide feels right, will be stunning!
Gorgeous gown! Your sewing is perfection. I bet you're getting excited about the big day. I'm so happy for you.
Sorry to read about the kitty - so beautiful. Pets are dear ones in ours hearts forever.
I know you have worries about the dress and the fabric, but I think it is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!
You look so pretty! You're going to be a beautiful bride :)
BTW: My DH and I are celebrating 7 years of wedded bliss on July 4th.
I agree with everyone who has said your gown is lovely and that you look beautiful in it.
I can understand wanting a dress that is *just right* for your wedding day though. And the dress that makes YOU feel like the princess, is the right dress.
If this dress, as beautiful as it is, and as lovely as you look in it, isn't the right dress? Then it just isn't.
Maybe (and I don't know you much at all, so forgive me if this is completely at odds with your likes) you would be happier with the dress if it was embellished with some dainty daisies (or other white flowers with light yellow accents), perhaps on the straps, or edging the bottom of the bodice; or maybe some fine ribbon as trim; or perhaps a scattering of embroidery on the skirt; or perhaps a very small amount of crystal beads sewn on?
I too prefer the dress with the white panel. :)
I just wanted to comment though, to reassure you that the dress does flatter you very nicely as it is.
I am sorry to hear of your kitty passing away. They hold such special places in our hearts. *hugs*
This dress with the white fits your perfectly, Isabelle.
I'm sorry about the cat, Isabelle. Each one is unique.
Take care, Sweetie.
Lili
When I saw the first picture with the white panel I spontaneously thought "just perfect". And was surprised to read, that you didn't like it yourself. Or didn't like yourself in it...
To me the dress is just perfect to your figure, a tall, gib woman could easily be just "too much" in that dress... but you.. you look just like the perfect princess for the perfect day.
But I understand, that you want to wear something, that does not only fit your body, but your soul...
You don't think, you could make your soul love the dress, too? Sometimes... we have to give things a try to grow...?
What can I say that someone else hasn't already said? Your dress is lovely Isabelle and I think it looks wonderful on you. Whatever your decision I know you will be a beautiful bride.
So sorry about kitty - each and every one of them is so special.
Isabelle, it's your wedding. It's one occasion where you are SUPPOSED to be majestic - make the most of it! It's a fabulous dress.
Your dress is looking fantastic. I can't tell which way I like it best, they are both lovely.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty. They are such a part of the family and their loss is so hard. It will feel so strange for you going to your parents house and not seeing her. {{hugs}}
Sue
Hi Isabelle, Sorry to be late again...I don't think you look overwhelmed in the dress but I do prefer the look on the second picture. Also I know what you mean about the look of the lining ... as that seemed to flow from under the bust area so nicely and the dupioni is much more rigid... but then again wedding dresses are usually that way, a formal dress for a formal occasion and all that. I know the straps were not finished but do you think it might be them? You are so petite they might look nicer being narrow and dainty like your good self? I think it fits in perfectly on your back :) :) :) I can't wait to see what you have decided on doing and definately know both you and the dress are going to look very very beautiful on your special day.
I was sorry to hear about your cat at your parents she was such a pretty little thing and sure looks to have had a happy life. I was studying your dress so much before after reading your opinion that I hadn't read the rest :-)
Your dress is gorgeous! You look so beautiful in it. My condolences at the loss of your kitty.
I'm not into sewing, so no comment on that. But I know what you mean by 'to much for your body'. You must wear what gives you the most comfort.
It's a bit early, but I want to wish you a very nice day, July 4th. I understand it's not the biggest occasion for you both, but it's a milestone too.
have a nice day today
wow, i love it. both versions.
that's how i imagined a princess to look like when i was a child.
awesome!
this will be YOUR day!
You have done an amazing job with your dress. I too prefer the one with the lining, it just adds that something 'extra'. I am certain that what ever you decide, you will make a beautiful bride and your day will be special.
Joanne
Oh Isabelle! I agree with everyone else - you look stunningly beautiful in this gown!
I'm also sorry about your beautiful kitty. Our pets give us so much love and joy when they are in our lives and she was adorable. No wonder she'll be missed.
Dear Isabelle - I am so far behind in my blog reading! This is the first I've seen of your wedding dress and it is absolutely stunning! You are going to be such a beautiful bride! Congratulations!
Wow the dress is just stunning!!!
Just a beautiful dress, Isabelle! With your flowers, you will feel like a perfectly glorious bride. Don't forget that the flowers add alot to the whole image.
I'm just devastated along with you about your little cat...it's just heartbreaking and I know this is just not a good time to receive another heart-wrenching thing on your plate. I'm so sorry...
Love and a big hug,
Deb
Just wanted to drop by and say how unique your wedding dress is! You have a lovely figure too. I'm 5 feet 3 and think back on the days when I had a similar figure to yours, but I never weighed under 110 pounds.
Sorry about the calico kitty too. So pretty.
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