Thursday, August 2, 2012

Sending mom to the prom in style: mp dress part 3

 After my last post about the mom prom dress, I worked hard to get it ready. I sewed all the pieces together, added the sleeves, the hooks and eyes in the front and some hanger loops so that the bodice could be hung up easily.
front of bodice
back of bodice
I finished the skirt adding a stay tape to hold the pleats to the back of the skirt and also added hanger loops.
bodice and skirt front

back of bodice and skirt
The little hat also needed finishing. I had covered the buckram frame with a layer of cotton flannel so that any fashion fabric added could be pulled smooth.
Crown tip and brim covered with flannel "mull"
Initially I had wanted to make swirls on the top and side but after trying several things I ditched that as it was too much on such a small hat. In the end I opted for covering the tip with purple taffeta, black satin and using some patterned black satin bias binding to finish the edges.
Flannel covered crown tip and sating covered brim
After sewing the crown to the brim, I added a band of ruffled black lace (the same lace I used on the front of the bodice), a lace bow and decoration of feathers on the side of the hat.
Finally, I attached a band of horsehair so that Heather could pin the hat on and a ribbon to tie as well.
Mini top hat

Two days ago I was able to do the final fitting for Heather's dress. When everyone saw her in the dress there was a hushed, WOW from everyone. She really looked wonderful and elegant.

The bodice needed one or two final little tweeks and we agreed that it needed a touch of sparkle. The front hook and eye closures did not gape but the edge was noticeable. I think that if I were to make something like this again I would do it differently because such front closures are not as attractive as back closures. I added a strip of black lace along the neck line  and then hand beaded it with some beads and sequins.

I took several photos of Heather in the dress with her camera and with mine. When I returned home I found that my camera was broken ?! and the pictures I took with Heather's camera were not very good. I think it is time I take that photography class!!!

Just so that you have a vague idea what the dress looked like I am posting three photos and will replace these ASAP.
Back of dress
side view


Heather in her mom-prom dress with mini top hat



1 comment:

  1. I am so excited that Heather in this dress was a hit at the MOPS convention in Dallas. Plum even came up to talk with Heather about it, wow.
    I am now inspired to make some more items and I will of course blog about them here!

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