Two Piece Gown in Blush

Inspiration dress #1

What started out as a simple idea for a dress turned into one of the most unique dresses I've made so far.

Making a dress for someone is a process.  Sometimes the pattern I make hits the mark and sometimes it doesn't.  It's like going into a store, seeing the perfect dress hanging on a rack, taking it to the dressing room knowing you found "the one," trying it on and realizing it isn't what you want after all.

The idea for this dress started from "inspiration dress #1" but turned into another during the pattern fitting appointment and then a few days later, turned into another idea altogether.

A few days after the appointment, the bride texted me pictures of what she really wanted - a two piece, off the shoulder 'boho' style dress.  This sweet bride had a style all her own and I was determined to make something that showcased that. Now that we knew where we were headed, I created a new pattern and a few days later, she was back in my sewing room - this time, smiling and more relaxed in her two piece, loose fitting "dress to be."  Seeing her in the pattern, I knew this was it but more importantly, she knew it was the one.


New Inspiration:

Inspiration Dress #2

Inspiration Dress #3

The idea was to combine the "likes" of these three inspiration dresses - the tulle skirt of dress #1, the waistband and bodice shape of dress #2 with the off the shoulder detail dress #3.  Looking at all three inspiration dresses, there were parts of each the bride liked and I wanted to create a dress that encompassed as much of those details as I could.

The muslin pattern:

For the skirt, I used Butterick pattern #4131- I liked the shape of the skirt and length of the train.  For the bodice, I used Simplicity pattern #8599, altering the sleeve length.

 

The fabric: Blush with a hint of ivory

Tulle for skirt - Eggnog (ivory) & Rosewater (blush)
https://www.joann.com/casa-collection-solid-tulle-fabric-57/zprd_16057598a.html

I know the difference in the two colors of tulle is subtle, very subtle.  Mixing eggnog (ivory) and rosewater (blush) tulle gave more softer look. This may just have been from my view, but having three layers of eggnog made the overskirt look more ivory than blush, adding just that one layer of rosewater (blush) made a difference to me.

Mystique Nu Satin - Blush
https://www.voguefabricsstore.com/mystique-satin-nu-blush-sr-mystisat-nublsh.html

Putting the bodice and skirt together:

Pinning the front bodice, the shape is coming together.

View of the back side of the bodice. Not sure how I wanted
to close the back - zipper or loops and button.

One sleeve attached with just the front skirt
pinned.

Both sleeves have been added to the bodice. The back
of the skirt was coming together nicely.

Satin underskirt is complete.

First layer of eggnog (ivory) tulle,
can hardly tell it's there.

Second layer of tulle (rosewater, blush),
starting to take some shape.

Third layer of tulle, eggnog (ivory.)

Adding pockets...

Pinning on the pockets.

Pockets completed.

Finished skirt.

Final details:

Checking the length of the bodice, hits
right at the waistband.

Ivory loops and blush satin covered buttons
added to bodice back.

I loved the journey of this dress.  Thank you Logan for not being afraid to change your mind, for telling me what you wanted all along the way.  Congratulations!

Photography by Lauren Janiak

Photography by Lauren Janiak