Sea of Love Dress

I first saw this dress on Pinterest and kept it on my list just in case an event should come up that I could wear it to. 

Well, Mr. D and I were invited to a wedding and I thought, oh, I've got the perfect dress inspiration.  It was too warm to wear  the long sleeve version, so my version had to be for the summer and I didn't want to wear a strapless dress, so I changed things up a little.  I looked at many patterns to try and figure out which would work best for me but in the end I went with McCall 6466 for the bodice.

 I had to do a bit of lengthening to make it work, but it worked out. The pattern I used had a midriff piece that I did not use so I actually used it to help me add length to the bodice.   I decided not to make the bodice as long as my inspiration picture because I didn't like the look with the sheer fabric, and lets face it, gravity has been working against me lately and I haven't had time to work it off. 

I used  Vogue 2902 for the skirt.

I wanted to go as vintage as possible as the vintage patterns tend to have a much fuller skirt than most of the patterns that are out there today.  The only problem I had was when I went to do my second panel of sheer fabric, the fabric that I chose was not wide enough for me to cut a second panel piece.  Hence, that is why I only have one sheer panel in the dress.  To give the skirt the voluminous full look, I made a short underskirt of tulle and netting.

To finish off the neckline and armhole areas I used bias binding.  I wasn't sure about it at first, but loved the look in the end. 

I purchased the sheer fabric from Joanns and the dress fabric is a satin fabric that picked up at Jomar.  Overall I'm very happy with how this dress turned out, and I got mad compliments at the wedding.  A good time was had by all and I was able to get my dance on.  Next up is Mr. D's matching shirt that I made. 

I think I may be in trouble here as he loved it so much he wants more of them.  I hope you all had a great weekend with lots of crafting.  I know I did as I only finished everything about 15 minutes before I had to run and get changed for the wedding.  There is nothing like working up to the last minute.

Alice & Olivia Matron Of Honor Dress Final Reveal

My friend Ms. K's sister got married last Friday and she sent me these photos over the weekend so you all could see the final reveal of the dress I altered for her sister's wedding.

This alteration turned out better than I thought it would, and everyone thought she looked glamorous.  I just wanted the bride to be happy and she was.

Here's Ms. K with her boys.

I first posted about this dress here.

Enjoy your weekend.  More good stuff to post.

Going Natural and McCall 6554

For sometime now I have been having issues with my hair due to all the stress and changes in my life whether it was work or dealing with the situation concerning my mother.  I even went to a dermatologist and it helped a little but then my hair would break off in other spots that were not treated.  A couple of months ago on a Wednesday night I came home and decided to cut all of my hair off.  I went into the bathroom and took a pair of scissors to it.  I then called my hairdresser up afterwards and let her know what I did.  Let's just say the conversation was very interesting.

I am now 2 months in and I'm liking the natural look.  I just wish my fro was bigger, but I'm glad to report that  it is now healthy and looks a lot better.  Time will tell (between December and February) if going natural solved my problem.  My hair tends to break-off during those months. 

In sewing news I have wanted a maxi skirt for a long time and have had this fabric sitting for a few months now.  I contemplated making a maxi dress out of it, but I wanted a solid cream at the top and the stripes at the bottom.  I could not find a solid cream to match close enough so I decided to make it a skirt.  The pattern I used was McCall 6654. 

I think quite a few people have used this pattern in blogland. 

It is literally three pieces (front, back and waistband) and the easist of skirts to put together.  I had mine sown up in a little over an hour, if that.  I paired with with a tank top and shear tank top to go over the top which I purchased from Body Central. 

 I plan on trying to draft a copy of this tank because I like it so much.