Lovely Destination Dress

Back in January, I had my first consultation with Kathy. She was planning a spring wedding, at the beach. Very small, simple wedding. She didn't want the traditional gown; just a pretty ivory chiffon dress. She had a  photo of a dress, but couldn't find any info on where to purchase it.  

I found a very filmy light as air silk chiffon in ivory, as well as some pretty appliques that I cut down to size for the neckline and sleeve trim.

At the second fitting, I made a couple fitting adjustments, and we discussed placement for the appliques, buttons, ribbon sash, hem, ect.  

There was a lot of hand sewing on this dress! Much more than I had anticipated. But it's the little details that make a dress like this so special.

The dress has an empire waist, with dolman cut sleeves that fall to just past the shoulder. The v-neck line and sleeve edges are trimmed in tiny lace appliques. It has an attached 'slip' lining; a side zipper, and covered buttons with loop closing at the front; although with the side zipper, the  buttons are really just for show. The empire waist is covered in a 1  1/2 " wide satin ribbon. She didn't want a bow at the back, but she did want a tail, so it has a simple knot, instead. The hem is cut at a flattering tea-length, with the chiffon layer being slightly longer than the 2 lining layers.

The china silk lining consists of 2 skirt layers, and 2 layers at the bodice cut in a slip style.

Front of dress

Front Detail

Sleeve Detail

Back of Dress

Back Detail

She is scheduled to pick it up on Wednesday, this week. It turned out as a very pretty, easy to wear dress, that she should be able to wear even after the wedding. It has kind of a vintagey look to it, I think!

Simply lovely!

Decisions, Decisions . . . .

Did I mention that my dear husband was in Malaysia for about 2 weeks? He returned home on Sunday (YEH!), bearing gifts (more YEH!).  Our daughter's - both being pretty big soccer fans, got Malaysian soccer shirts. He had received a couple gifts himself, from the people there that he was working with. They gave him a traditional Malaysian shirt (red silk with painted symbols on it) and a traditional ceremonial knife, called a Kris, in a display case. But I received the best gift of all. My loving devoted husband had spent half a day browsing through one of the huge silk fabric stores there, shopping for fabric he thought I might like. Now, granted, there are a couple pieces I'm really not sure what I am going to do with. Maybe you all can help . . .

Like this one -

It is a silk charmuese with this red and gold paisley print. It is kind of growing on me, but I just don't

know . .  .                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                

Then there is this piece. A burgundy red raw silk with embroidery of sterling silver threads. At least this is what they told him. It, too, is growing on me. I'm thinking maybe a jacket. It's not very wide - only 39" wide, with the borders to work around. But I think it could be interesting.

This one is a silk chiffon in a red and black hombre. Again - only about 42" wide, but about 8 yards worth. What to do with it?

This fabric has definite possibilities. Silk charmuese, black and white flowered pattern, and it has tiny colored hot fix crystals scattered on it. You may be able to see better here:

This next one is one of my fav's. The color in the photo doesn't do it justice. It is a deep rich raspberry red shantung silk. Absolutely gorgeous!

 Again - about 8 1/2 yards - plenty to make a gorgeous gown!
The final piece may be my favorite. But, again, I'm not sure what to make with it. I need some creativity, please!

I adore the colors in this lovely double chiffon! I believe it is actually a piece for a sari, as one edge is the border, and the other is a heavy wide selvage. It is only 42" wide - and about 4 1/2 yards. -  doesn't even quite reach my waist from the floor. As a long skirt, it would have to sit at my hips.
Now, I have an upcoming event we are going to in December that I always make a new gown for. Originally, I had purchased some beautiful printed chiffon on my NYC trip that I had planned to use. Now I am torn. Do I still use my original fabric -

Or one of my new ones?

Decisions, decisions . . .

HELP!!