To start off, and set the scene, I love the 1920's and really wanted a dress that would reflect that period in time. McCalls 6948 fit the bill perfectly and I chose to make view 'A' (top right) with the cape sleeves and dipped, rear hemline. I remember that the pattern size was a 16 and I made a few adjustments from there - no FBA or swayback or anything like that as I did not even know these adjustments existed. Nonetheless, I was happy with the fit.
I used a lot of fabric with this dress - there were many layers! There is an simple 'V' neck sheath, under-layer of charmeuse, then an over layer of charmeuse, chiffon and embroidered lace. Under all of that I added another charmeuse 'lining' as I did not want any seams touching me - I wanted luxury! I am glad that I had the extra layer as when it came to having the photos taken it was getting a little chilly!
I bought some gorgeous beaded lace for the outer layer and yards and yards of different beaded & lace trimming for all the raw edges. I don't think I turned under and hemmed any edges! The pattern calls for 11yds of fabric in total, and I know that I bought at least twice that amount just in case!! The pieces for the skirt are very full and a lot of fabric was used-up there. This is a dropped waist style with the bodice being beaded lace and the skirt being chiffon, Where they both joined I added a beaded trim (some of the trim was taken from the beaded lace itself as it had a finished selvedge). There were also tassels, beading around the neckline and beaded motifs - I didn't go for understated, but as the design itself was pretty simple, these little touches finished it off beautifully.
The little capelet is a single layer of chiffon with a lace edging and is soft and 'flippy' echoing the skirt of the dress.
It was a comfortable dress to wear - no boning or worrying if the top would fall down (strapless wedding dresses are great for other people!) and I didn't even get any food or drink down it!
It was not a difficult dress to make and I gave myself plenty of time - I actually made my two bridesmaids dresses out of chiffon as well - they were so cute, and are now grown up young ladies! Their dresses had invisible zips - I can't get the hang of lapped zippers - and had detachable overskirts and arm warmers that made them look little like 'Little Bo Peep's. I can't remember the pattern, but again, it was a very simple one.
And to finish off, this is probably my favorite wedding photo - the mountains in the background are the Three Sisters in Canmore in the Canadian Rockies, and this sums up the majesty and beauty of this land we call home.
I would certainly consider this to be my greatest sewing achievement, even though now I would probably do some things differently - FBA/swayback adjustments, French seams etc., but ignorance was bliss, and this was/and still is my dream dress. So, how about you - what would your greatest sewing achievement be?
