Well, a lot has transpired since I left you looking at the back of Ellowyne’s Christmas dress. If you thought it took me a long time to decide on which fabric to use, just wait till you hear what else happened… it truly should give those of you out there who think “us seamstresses just fly through our sewing with the greatest of ease” – HOPE!!!
Okay, here’s what happened. I debated about how I wanted the front to look and thought about criss crossed ribbons, or an all lace panel, but in the end I decided on just a piece of lace at the bodice area. I had a piece that I thought would work, so I shirred it up and tried it, but it was too thick at the sides, so I had to take it off. (Sorry, I don’t have any pictures of it, as I was trying to hurry…)
I then tried a piece of lace that I thought might work, but it looked too “holey” and wasn’t quite what I had in mind.
So off it came! Then I tried another piece of lace that was more of a rayon lace and I decided it would work. It had a point to it and drew your eye down like a stomacher would. I decided the gold beads on the silk ribbon didn’t work so I took that out.
After a little work on it I realized it was crooked at the top….UGH! So that had to be fixed. I finally got it straightened out and decided it needed a lot more embellishing….HOURS of beading… I spilled my glass beads on the floor and was running short, and yep, you guessed it… Down on my hands and knees retrieving every last gold bead I could find.
I had to remove the lace at the bottom because when I adjusted the front panel, it was uneven… Double UGH!
So let’s move on to the finished dress, shall we? But first… There was so much static electricity in the air, Ellowyne’s hair was really flyaway! I finally got a dryer sheet and smoothed over her hair to calm it down…
Okay…NOW the big reveal…
The heavy beading was an afterthought, so the stitches do show on the inside…if it matters to you.
Well, I hope you like it. You can find it on eBay…just click on the picture at the right side bar or the eBay icon.
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, Jeanne, poor you! It’s beautiful, but I’m not sure after all that you think it was worth the effort?
The bodice embroidery, beading, and lace is wonderful and the lace edged tiers on the skirt are so very pretty. Ellowyne is definitely ready for any kind of holiday party.
Hi Cindy,
Well, I can certainly say I learned a lot. I think the next dress from this pattern will go faster. Ellowyne certainly thinks it was worth it… I’ll see at the end of the auction, I guess!
Blessings, Jeanne
It turned out just gorgeous! Sorry to hear of all the trials you went through to make it.
Thank you Christine,
That’s just the way it goes with some sewing projects!
Blessings, Jeanne
Nice work! You have lots of patience to re do and make it right.. I think that’s the secret that shows up in a lovely finished product.
Thank you Kathie,
I don’t think it’s so much “patience” as it is just sheer determination to get it right! Thanks so much Kathie.
Blessings, Jeanne
Ellowyne’s dress is so pretty. I love the lace sleeves and the bodice is just beautiful. The embroidery and beading just makes this dress.
Thank you Regina,
I’m happy with how it turned out and I’m not intimidated with the pattern either… In fact, I’d like to give it another try real soon with a few changes…
Thanks for your comments.
Blessings, Jeanne
It is gorgeous and your effort paid off.
Judi
Thank you Judi,
Now if I could just get a bid on it… I could breathe a sigh of relief…
blessings, Jeanne
I am shocked!!! When I saw your choice of fabric I thought “blah”… But this finished dress is so beautiful and not “blah” at all… it is just perfect!!! The colors are perfect for this Ellowyne too… I love it!!!
HI Kath,
Thanks for being honest… I’m glad you were surprised and I’m glad you approve now!
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne,
I’m just now getting around to seeing the finished product, and oh, it is a beauty! I love the pattern of the material! It is festive without being too Christmasy, so it can be used for more than just the holidays. Love the delicate lace sleeves and the beadwork, too! It’s nice to know that real professional sewers have mishaps just like I do! I’ve always had you up there on a pedestal, but I guess you are human after all!
HI Linda,
Yep, I’m about as human as human can be! It’s good to get knocked off of those pedestals every once in a while!
So glad you liked the finished dress. I like that it’s not too Christmasy too!
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne