I have been working on this gown for quite some time, since I wasn't in any hurry and didn't have any place to wear it particularly. When the 90th Anniversary Banquet for my Mu Phi Epsilon alumni chapter came up, I knew I had to finish it.
The fabric is a mint/dull-red cross-dyed stretch velvet which was a gift from my dear friend Patti. In the photos it shows as much more red than it does in person, I think because of the flash, but it is very changeable, and a lovely fabric. She bought it and later realized that it wasn't her colors. However, it IS my colors, and she was kind enough to let me have it. I didn't have any plan for it originally, and thought it might become a nice, snuggly winter top. And in fact, I was holding it up in front of the mirror last winter to see what style might be good when I draped it around myself and realized that it wanted to be an evening gown.
I have long been an adherent to the theory that you can't just pin a length of fabric around yourself and stitch it up as is, with no underpinnings, and have it look good once you're past about 18-20 years old. I was shocked when I did just that with this fabric. It was almost magic, the way everything just worked as if it was meant to be. I don't expect to ever have it happen again. I simply tacked it where I had pinned it, and didn't even cut at all. Since the inside is a dull red, it makes a great contrast to the mint/sage green and red of the right side, and I used that contrast for the turn-over at the top. The slit in the skirt shows both sides as well.
The only interior 'work' I did was to add a grosgrain waist stay that is attached at the point where the waist drape twists. With all the skirt fabric hanging from that point, it became heavy enough to sag after I added the beading, and the stay holds everything in place. I wasn't uncomfortable once during the evening, or nervous that my dress was going to move out of place.
The beading was fun, and I just started in without any great plan other than an idea of what I wanted it to look like when I was done, and added more and more, and after the Kenneth King Weekend, I added silk ribbon embroidery and even more beads and some cording and strung beads that hang from the waist drape.
The shawl is a piece of silk chiffon embroidered with starfish (appropriate for a mermaid gown?) that I purchased from eQuilter several years ago. It's simply hemmed on the ends, and uses the selvedges for the other edges. It turned out to be the perfect colors to go with this, and just what I needed.
20 comments:
Gorgeous gown, it looks stunning on you and I am amazed at how this cam about, such wonderful work!
Wow, you made a beautiful dress and the draping worked out perfectly. Hope you had a fabulous night!
Just beautiful, I can't believe it doesn't have more underpinning work. It's perfect! K
You and I had not even met when I purchased that fabric. Some Fiberly Goddess must have known that I should get it, hold onto it, and at some point in the future someone for whom the fabric would be perfect would become a dear friend. I love what you created--stunning, one-of-a-kind, and shot through with your own personality.
It is an absolutely gorgeous gown and you look stunning in it!
Most 20 year olds would be quite jealous of just how great you look. Fabulous!!! Welcome back to the blog. you are always missed.
I concur, it's an absolutely gorgeous gown and you look stunning. Great hair! I am not an embellish type of woman, but this is so perfectly done. Enough but not too much. Brava!
WOW, you and the dress are perfect.674
Gorgeous! Beading is lovely.
That turned out beautifully and it looks fabulous on you!
Wow Liana, you are STUNNING and so is the dress!
Oh wow, that is breathtaking! The embellishment is just the perfect touch, you look stunning and so happy.
Its good to know that you have ten up to something stunning. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Wow. I mean, WOW! That is one gorgeous dress, and you look fabulous in it! Every element is perfect for you: the color(s) to the shape, the embellishment, the je ne sais quoi style. It's a perfect fit in every way. Just beautiful.
The fabric is what it was meant to be, and the whole design complements you perfectly. You have achieved the ultimate perfection hoped for by those of us who create what we wear. Beautiful!
You look beautiful and the dress is gorgeous too! It's so wonderful when a fabric and idea come together so well.
That (and you!) is. FABULOUS!!!!!!
You look amazing!
Stunning dress. Love it!
That is a sensational gown! It's just perfect timing for checking your blog, as I hadn't in awhile! Mermaid it is... shimmering and filmy! You could sing "Song to the Moon", in that dress, and feel the part! I love the colors in it. It looks comfortable too. I don't mean to be nosy, however a close-up of the embroidery and to see the particular type of material it is would be nice. I hope you get enjoyment out of the dress to wear it for another special occasion too!
Lorraine
Wow, I am speechless!!! I had plans for a nice silk velvet fabric but you just ruined those with this gown... now if I just find enough willpower between breastfeeding and cooking to actually embroider anything on the velvet to make a similar dress... You are fabulous and talented!! Love this gown!!
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