May 08, 2013

Experimenting with lace + the 'w' word




THE 'W' WORD
I have recently spent a little time researching and thinking about my 'w' dress (I get a little sick of hearing the wedding word so I will refer to it as 'w'). One major problem I am having with my research is that I have cast these huge self inflicted expectations upon myself. I feel like I should be making my ultimate  dress... this is where my predicament begins. I would love to applique and even embroider the fabric, but I just know that this is impossible. Time restraints teamed with a tiny budget is what will dictate the outcome of the dress. So I just have to get over this 'ultimate' thing and see the dress as being the 'ultimate dress... for this period in my life with time and budget constraints'.
So I am still experimenting with fabric manipulation techniques whilst clamping down on this 'ultimate' expectation.

THE LACE TOP - COLETTE LAUREL PATTERN
Rather then sewing from my own self drafted patterns I have began to sew from published clothing patterns again. My sewing skills are in need of some work, so this is my solution, and of course looking up sewing blogs. I didn't realise how many sewing blogs are out there now. A heap of good info! 

The Colette 'Laurel' pattern was a nice basic pattern to use for creating this simple silhouette. Perfect for experimenting with appliqueing. 
Whilst 'w' dress fabric shopping, I found a few different types of lace to muck around with. This particular lace is a guippure lace. It's a great one for appliqueing as it is easy to cut out. I entered this top in the Colette Laurel pattern competition (along with a crab print dress, but I will show that one off later) which you can find here.

SEWING THE SKIRT
Whilst visiting Hamburg the other month, we popped into Kleidermarkt. My favourite second hand store in Hamburg! I headed straight for the reduced items and found this sweet skirt. When I got it home I realised that the waist was tiny! So after calculating the best way to increase the waist measurement, I got cutting (this is always the scary part).  It actually worked out... except for the fact that when I sit down it looks as though a large bulge is coming from the stomach area. I suppose I just can't sit down. Problem solved:) 


 
TUTORIAL FOR APPLIQUE LACE
is on its way!






48 comments:

  1. Yeh. The word "wedding" is a shit one. All is looking good so far mee moo! Dont stress out too much, all will work out!

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    1. Too right, still have to get onto your dress

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  2. Lovely! but I'm not sure if the skirt is the ideal. Love your hairstyle, fits so good in you! Vintage!
    vanity-street.com

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    Replies
    1. Ha ha, the skirt certainly has some problems. A lesson learnt

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  3. These photos are beautiful and very enchanting! I love your look! :)

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

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    1. Thanks, we always gravitate to the nature for our photos. Thanks for the lovely feedback

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  4. Love the lace top. It's beautiful and very artsy!

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    1. Thanks! I am getting more artsy by the day:)

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  5. So special! :)

    http://dsmithereens.blogspot.com

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  6. This lace top is absolutely breathtaking and your crab print dress is so funky and well-fitting! I hope you win in one of the comp's categories!!!

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    1. Thanks! I love my crab dress. I only JUST finished it in time for the contest closing. Felt like I was on project runway or something. ha ha.

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  7. Amazing lace top! Looks so perfect on you:) thanks for visiting and keep in touch!

    xx pauline
    classycroissant.blogspot.com

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  8. Amazing photos and outfit! Im totally in love with your lace top <3

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  9. I'm a big fan of Kleidermarkt too, it's great to dig through their assortment!
    Your outfit is so so cute, the top is simply wonderful :)

    Spark&Bark

    xx

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  10. Amazing lace top!

    http://www.thegaragestarlets.com/

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  11. beautiful bolg! love lovely outfit!

    http://yourdulde.blogspot.com/

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  12. haha i was like 'what is this W word?' Yea.... getting a bit disillusioned about weddings as well

    -liv
    http://chocolivlovelaugh.blogspot.kr

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  13. The top is beautiful and if your "w" dress is anything like it, it will be stunning!

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    1. Thanks for the encouraging words... I just have to make it now:)

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  14. The lace/tulle things you are making are incredible! Very well thought out.

    Also, I have read/been told that you should never make your own wedding dress only because it will never be perfect (no matter how good you are!) Have someone else make it because you shouldn't be concerned about your dress on your wedding day. :)

    It's all a matter of opinion though!

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    Replies
    1. thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately I don't really have the funds to pay others. Our 'w' is DIY all the way!

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  15. the top is gorgeous! reminds me of my 'w' dress :)

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  16. That lace top is perfection, so light and dreamy.

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    1. Thanks! It is hand sewn so perhaps helps the 'light' feeling.

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  17. Wow You look so cute,dear!
    I really like your style <3
    Wish you a beautiful day!

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  18. Hello,
    I would like to invite you to join my new giveaway and win a new pair of ssunglasses from Firmoo.com.
    http://victoria-coeurdor.blogspot.be/2013/05/firmoo-sunglasses-giveaway.html
    Feel free to join! :)

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  19. beautiful photos and such a romantic outfit <3
    xoxo
    LS

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  20. So lovely and feminine! Love that skirt and the lace! Hugs from Cali! xx The Golden Girls

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  21. UM HOLY SHIT. TOO much gorgeousness. I love this outfit so effing much. DUDE...I am newly engaged and having the same problem! I am freaking over the dress...so much pressure to make it like, beyond epic. Weddings in general are too much pressure, I am kinda trippin. LOve your blog...following you now.
    xoxo Britt

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  22. Nice pics =))

    sissihope.blogspot.com

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  23. such a lovely top, love it so much

    onecurator.blogspot.com

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  24. I love the top and its even more amazing that you made it! the lace is stunning and you look great.

    www.pinsneedlesfashion.com

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  25. You're making your own w dress?? That's a lot of pressure on you! I have to give you props on that decision. And for making this outfit!! In my eyes, anyone who can sew is a miracle worker.:D

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  26. That outfit is amazing and I LOVE your hair. congratulations and good luck on your dress!

    Tori
    http://thepolishededg3.blogspot.com.au

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  27. You do such a good job at pairing things together. You've created such a pretty ensemble.
    I just adore the vichy part of it so much! you're very pretty!

    xx

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  28. I am in love with that top! You did such an excellent job!

    Hugs,
    :The Hearabouts

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  29. Amazing post, your sence of style is outstanding!
    Thank you for beaing such an inspirational person!!!
    Ann
    http://somethingsworthtrying.blogspot.com/

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  30. cute look! love this top

    xoxo
    http://mademoizelle-eloise.blogspot.be/

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  31. great!! love love the mix of pastel colors,, great styling!
    tnx so much for stopping by at my spot, wanna follow? let me know! =)
    http://mancinasspot.blogspot.com/

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  32. Wow, this is so nice! I adore the top, it's wonderful! You have such a beautiful blog, really inspiring! Following you now x

    www.linnaedesign.blogspot.com

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