Bridal Update + August Shirtmaking

Friends, with all the MPB Day excitement, you may have forgotten about my wedding gown projects.

Here's a brief update:

As you can see up top, Christina's gown now has a very full skirt.  It's a circle, cut in four quarters.  I've also purchased the fabric: a stiff ivory silk taffeta.  It's going to be gorgeous.

Meanwhile, Val and I have also had an additional fitting -- actually more than one.  Here's the back with some of the alterations that were necessary from the original muslin.  The center back is open above the waist.

I started making some samples with the lace we purchased (at Metro Textiles).  On most of the dress the lace will be underlined with a lightweight poly charmeuse.  I experimented with silk organza (immediately below) on the portion above the bust, but while it looked lovely on the dress form, it didn't flatter Val.  (That's the pattern envelope on the right.)

Instead, we're going with full-on lace, with the bust area underlined and the rest left nude.  It looks lovely against Val's skin.

Val's wedding is at the end of the September so it's really time to get cracking on the final garment.  Now that we've got the fit down and our fabric choices made, we're good to go.

I have found some time to make a shirt for Michael.  You'll see the finished product very soon but here's a sneak preview.  My shirting is a very lovely ribbon-print from Mood Fabrics -- very Liberty of London-like, though it isn't true Liberty.

Sleeve placket.

Collar with contrasting inside collar stand.

Finally, I was left with more than 85 patterns after last Saturday's MPB Day pattern swap.  How could anyone have left behind these highly collectible classics?

Fortunately, a friend from FIT expressed interest and was willing to take these treasures off my hands.  I am confident they will be put to good use.

And that's it, readers.  I'll keep you posted on my wedding gowns as things progress.  In the meantime, I hope you're all enjoying these last few weeks of summer.  I know I am.

Have a great day, everybody!