Dress Project #2: Crew Neck Sleeveless Dress with Full Skirt
Here are some of the dresses you can make using the skills learned in this course.
The course does come with a pattern that you can print out. I did sew a muslin mock-up using the pattern, but I then decided to draft my own pattern off of my form. I was able to use the pattern provided in the course as a guide. This is where I am at now…
I hope to post soon to share with you the latest updates to this dress. Until then, happy sewing and keep pursuing your dreams.
Making my first wedding dress
Last year, I found an awesome online course for making wedding dresses, called Corset Academy – Online Haute Couture Classes. I watched the free videos and then realized it was definitely worth it to invest in the online course. I am a visual learner, so to be able to watch step-by-step how to put together a wedding dress, was super helpful. Also for each dress video, you get the PDF pattern and written transcript. In addition, there is a supportive forum of dressmakers, who share their work, passion, and knowledge about dressmaking.
For my wedding dress project, I followed the first wedding dress video: Dress with Whole-Piece Train. Overall, I was really happy how my first wedding dress came out. I wish I made it the actual size of my dress form so that I could photograph it well. I didn’t use expensive fabric or lace appliques because this project was just for me to really work through my crazy fear of making a wedding a dress.
Let me share with you some photos of the process. First, I cut the pattern in muslin to check it on the dress form. I knew at this point, it didn’t fit the form, but I was being lazy and didn’t feel like making pattern adjustments…HUGE MISTAKE. At least, it looks like my dog, Lily Mae, approves of the muslin.
Once I have some pictures, I will add them to the blog so that you can see the progress.
Happy Sewing!!!
Yoga Headbands just added to my Etsy Shop!!!
NEW ITEMS ADDED TO MY ETSY ACCOUNT…CHECK IT OUT!!!
I just added these cute and comfortable headbands that are great for yoga and working out.
Spread some love with these cute Market Bags!!!
My Fashion Design Library
In my first blog post, I thought I would share some of the books that have inspired me throughout the years. Ever since I was a child, I loved going through knitting, crocheting and sewing books. I felt like there was so much to learn and I wanted to learn it all.
1. I Taught Myself Knitting by Boye
I was probably about 10 years old when I taught myself how to knit by following the “I Taught Myself Knitting” guide. I think it was the special section for left-handed people like me that really got my attention. What’s amazing is that I really learned how to knit by following this book and this was all before the days of amazing YouTube knitting/crocheting tutorials.
2. The Vogue/Butterick Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Techniques
My mom gifted me with this book when I started design school. As you can tell, it is well loved and used. The step-by-step guide truly helped me when I was a beginner sewer and I still reference it when I have a sewing question.
3. Patternmaking for Fashion Design by Helen Joseph-Armstrong
I was fortunate to have found this amazing patternmaking book at a stoop sale in Brooklyn for $2. You would have thought I found a million dollars when I came across this book. I was so excited.
4. Draping for Fashion Design by Hilde Jaffe and Nurie Relis
This was a book that I had to buy for my first draping class at FIT. You can see it was expensive even back in September 2002 at $56.25, but I have definitely gotten my money’s worth.
5. The Spec Manual by Michele Wesen Bryant and Diane DeMers
I was fortunate to have Diane DeMers as my professor at FIT. I loved watching this woman do flat sketches by hand. As a technical designer, this book has been a wonderful resource for learning about POMs (Points of Measurements), spec sheets, and how to measure illustrations. It also comes with front and back view croquis figures for missy, petite, plus, men, juniors, preteens, children, toddlers, and one-year-olds.
6. Illustrating Fashion Concept to Creation by Steven Stipelman
I also had the great pleasure to have this author, Steven Stipelman, as my professor at FIT. It was absolutely awe-inspiring to watch Professor Stipelman sketch fashion illustrations. He sketched with such ease and grace; and the way he taught made you feel inspired to create something beautiful and to let go of any fear of sketching. Believe me, I had fear of sketching…I still do a bit, but this book always gives me the courage to try and practice new techniques.
If you are interested in any of these books, I have provided the links below.
Keep learning, keep creating, keep having FUN!!
Summer Dress Project: Drafting the Pattern and Testing out the Muslin
So I decided to draft a pattern for a summer dress during the Polar Vortex we are experiencing up North. It helps me cope with the frigid cold weather. I designed the dress with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. It hits at the knee and has a full sweep. I...
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