I had designed the skirt so I knew I needed exactly five yards of fabric. I found a silk dupioni that would do. It wasn't quite right though. It had the same glow and almost the same shade as the silk but...it wasn't perfect. I purchased it anyway just in case. As the wedding approached, I gave up--there were plenty of other wedding details I needed to work out.
One day, I had a day off and decided to explore a fabric warehouse far to the north of me. I went on this little fieldtrip with no swatches, no plans and no idea what I'd find--my wedding dress was the last thing on my mind at this point. I meadered through a building the size of Costco and while poking through some Calvin Klein end-of-bolt stuff out of the corner of my eye I spotted a satin in a stunning topaz color (topaz is my birthstone).
It doesn't look like five yards. There might be enough. You forget your swatches
I took it up to the cutting counter where they measured exactly five yards. When I got to the register, my tab was $17.00. I promised them there was a mistake but no; I took the end of the bolt, which discounted it further.
I'm thinking I must have done something really good to have such great karma that day.
I wasn't a very experienced seamstress when I made this dress, just a little too stupid and a lot too fearless. My sewing skills have improved vastly since then but they are by no means professional. I'm sloppy and I leave loose ends all over and avoid hand sewing the same way my cat avoids the vacuum. But I love it.
And I get to say "I made my wedding dress."
It's really very pretty. But … the important question is, did you feel like a princess?
ReplyDeleteWOW. I am in AWE. Beautiful beautiful dress.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteThat really is lovely, and whatever you say about your lack of skill at the time, I am floored. But don't we get any pictures of you in the dress? From the actual wedding? I mean, I'd love to see the full ensemble, with hair done and all.
ReplyDeleteThats fantastic!!! You must of been such a proud bride!!!
ReplyDeletexxx