Sunday, November 07, 2010

Birthday Gala Dress - Overcoming My Fears

Making this dress has been a long and arduous journey for me.  Probably because the construction of this dress is so outside my comfort zone.  I primarily sew careerwear.  I'm always in awe of people who sew garments for all aspects of their lives...me, not so much.  I purchase the few things that don't fall within my parameters to sew.

So while visions of jackets, dresses and sweaters dance through my head, I have attempted to come up with a dress that would fulfill my needs...which are:

1.  An eveningwear dress that is not party dress-ish.

2.  Comfortable, yet still funkysexykewl.

3.  Not too flashy, but with a touch of glamour.  Because how many opportunities do I get to wear real dress-up evening clothes.

4.  A one-piece long dress.  I definitely didn't want a two-piece dress.

Mostly though, I really wanted the dress to reflect me...my style and my personality.  I thought Vogue 8666 would work but after making the shorter version of the dress and thinking about it for a minute, I realized that it really wasn't me.  Too fidgety, too funny looking, too awkward...just too!

I finally decided to just start all over again...using the navy silk crepe and lace I just purchased and seeing where the fabric would take me.  Of course once my hands laid the fabric on the table, all of my doubts were erased and I could see the dress that I wanted to make clearly.  I found myself excited and invigorated by the journey...gone were my fears.

So I've begun the process...I've made the first cuts...sewn the first seams...and am on my way to what will be a great Birthday Gala Dress.  I know, I know...you want to see something right?  *LOL*  Okay here's a peek of where I've been...


I'm much further along in the process than this and the next post will be about construction details...

...as always, more later!

33 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you were able to overcome your fears and appear to be winning the gala dress war. Can't wait to see what you end up with. I know you will definately end up with the crazysexykewl you are looking for. g

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  2. Oh my goodness, that fabric is beautiful! I can't wait to see the finished dress.

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  3. Fabulous! The finished dress is going to look wonderful . .. can't wait to see it!

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  4. I'm not normally a lace fan, but that's really pretty! Looking forward to the finished dress.

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  5. This really looks special. I'm sure it will be exactly the way you want it to be.

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  6. Lady it's looking great so far! It's cool that you're doing something "fanciful"! Can't wait to see more:)

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  7. OOh! This is so pretty! Can't wait to see the rest.
    I was going to say that I love the lace skirt and I do, but this is sure to be wonderful!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and the nice comment you left me, Carolyn.

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  8. Wow. That is so gorgeous. I am SO glad you decided to step outside your comfort zone and treat yourself to something truly spectacular. I can't wait to see the final result!

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  9. Very pretty fabric choice. I like that so much better than black. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

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  10. Gorgeous color, love the lace, and the piping is the perfect touch! Can't wait to see more!

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  11. Looks ultra pretty so far...

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  12. Already loving it! So sparkly!

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  13. I love navy for evening wear, and can't wait to see the finished dress! Looking great so far!

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  14. It's gorgeous so far. Beautiful lace.

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  15. mmm, yummy! I look forward to seeing more!

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  16. You were right not to settle on something that didn't feel right. This one? This is it! Looking forward to seeing the finished look!

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  17. Looking good, can't wait to see you dressed up.

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  18. The bodice and the fabric are amazing. Yes, this is out of your comfort zone and IT LOOKS FANTASTIC!

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  19. Lovely choice. You got over a hurdle. No more fears (says me)

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  20. I cannot wait to see this dress finished. It looks fabulous so far.

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  21. I cant' wait to see more - the fabric is beautiful

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  22. beautiful. I love lace and navy is a great evening colour choice

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  23. Beautiful fabric. This preview is very promising. I can't wait to see the final result, I am sure it is going to be gorgeous!

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  24. The fabric is beautiful! I can't wait to see what you come up with. I think it's wonderful that you're stepping outside of your comfort zone with this creation!

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  25. That lace is gorgeous! I can't wait to see the final product...I am positive it will be fantastic given what you learned from your muslin!

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  26. This is so beautiful! I'm listening to the podcast you had with Lori of Sew Forth Now. Enjoyed it very much!

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  27. The fabric is awesomely beautiful.

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  28. I think sewing can be scary sometimes as I am trying to be my own designer, wardrobe consultant, fitter and production manager. I think if I can make myself keep going on a project I have a good chance of creating something that is wonderful. I think you are well on the way and that lace looks beautiful. Keep going!

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  29. Wow, that fabric is so beautiful. Am eagerly waiting more details. I did love how beautiful you looked in that lower, eveningwear neckline and this one should be just as flattering.

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  30. OHHHH I see sparkle!!! I love it already!

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