Since we've started blogging about our adventures in design, we thought this would be a very interesting project to include our fans in on. We've dubbed it "Project Bridesmaids". So you guys can see what we do, and what goes into designing and constructing a garment. Read on to see how Jenny brought these dresses to life...
Sketching Out Ideas and Inspiration:
How does a design project begin? With inspiration and ideas. Jenny knew she wanted her three bridesmaids to look classic and elegant, with a hint of glamor and a dash of femininity. Spending countless hours looking through numerous bridal magazines, she researched current trends and dress cuts. She then started sketching out her ideas. Keeping in mind the different body shapes of each bridesmaid, Jenny sketched out ideas that would be potential options for each girl. All of us bridesmaids then met up and talked about which designs we liked best and what kinds of shapes would be the most flattering. That part was fun! When do you ever get to pick out a dress that will be custom made for you!!! We decided that Debby, Jenny's sister, would have a different style of dress to make her stand out as the maid of honor. A sleeveless, fitted, pencil shape dress with sweetheart neckline and sheer top overlay. Myself and Rose would have matching dresses. A sleeveless, pleated, faux wrap, pencil shape dress with a waist cinching sash.
Picking Out the Perfect Fabrics:
After selecting the final dress designs, Jenny's faced with the task of selecting the perfect fabric. She scours every fabric shop in town for something that really speaks to her and says "I am the one". She decides on a luscious silky satin for Tabitha and Rose's dresses, and decides that Debby's dress will use the same satin as the underlay, and selects a lovely vintage lace for the overlay. She chooses fuchsia pink, as her bridal colours are white, pink and gold, and the fuchsia feels fresh and colourful. Perfect for the month of May. I like to describe this fuchsia colour as Marilyn Monroe's, "diamonds are a girls best friend" pink! Tee! He!
Step 1: Making the Pattern
Every piece of clothing starts off with a pattern. A lot of work
goes into making a garment. This is why it usually cost big bucks to
get anything custom made. Jenny first had to meet up with us and take
our measurements. Once she had that information she had to create 3
separtate personalized pattern blocks for each one of us. A basic
pattern block insures that the fit of the garment will be custom made to
whichever measurements you are working with. After making the initial
pattern blocks, it's time to add the design details of the dresses onto
the pattern. This involves calculating, measuring, drafting, cutting,
slashing and folding and taping the pattern in whatever way to get the
design details to translate from a three dimensional idea, to a flat two
dimensional pattern/fabric format. Each dress takes about 3-4 hours in
pattern drafting.
Getting the Fit Just Right, Making a Sample:
Once the pattern drafting is finished the first round it's time to cut and sew a mock up. This is done to test the pattern. Usually we use an old scrappier fabric that is similar to the real fabric as to not waste the "good stuff". In this case it is a rust coloured satin. Rose is the first to get fitted. She looks amazing in her mock up dress! Back to the drafting table for a few slight alterations. A pinch of fabric here and a couple pins here and there, and she will be ready for the bridal runway! The dress will look even more stunning and absolutely goregous in the real fuchsia satin fabric. We all come in and have a fitting with Jenny, just to see how our custom made patterns fit us. Jenny must be a pattern master because magically they all fit pretty good, just a few minor adjustments. She makes the pattern changes and is ready to cut the real deal.
Finals and Finishing Touches:
Laying out each dress separately, Jenny cuts the final version that will become the actual bridesmaid dress. She sews each seam and detail up with extreme care and a steady hand. Steaming and pressing each piece to perfection. The dresses are clean finished, the zippers are put in, and the hems are sewn up. The insides look just as perfect as the outsides of the dress. Each dress takes another 4-5 hours to cut and sew. After a final press with the iron the dresses are ready for their reveal on the big day! What an accomplishment! Not many of us can say that they designed and custom made their own dresses for their bridal party by their own hand. This is why we do what we do. To see the hard work pay off, and see our creative designs come to life.We can't give it all away though. Look for the final wedding photo of the all three dresses to be worn by Jenny's bridesmaids, Debby, Rose and Tabitha, on the Big Day, May 12, 2012.
They will be stunning!
The dresses will be posted on our website http://two-of-hearts-clothing.com/category/whats-new/, and our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/TwoOfHeartsBoutique on May 14th, 2012. This blog posting will also be updated with a photo of the dresses.
Thanks for reading our blog, stay tuned... and congrats Jenny!
PROJECT BRIDESMAIDS UPDATE: May 17th, 2012
A few days late, but as promised, the big unveil! Here is a photo of the bridal party and the lovely bridesmaid dresses that Jenny created for us! Aren't we all gorgeous? Jenny is off now on her well deserved honeymoon in Bali, but upon her return we will be open to talking with our customers regarding special orders for these dresses. So if you are planning a wedding in the near future and are interested in these dresses, let us know! They will be available next spring 2013 collection for sure! | |||||
| "Pretty in Pink" |
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| What a Fabulous Arrangement! |
