Fleur was getting married on the beach near her parent's home in Holland. She loved 1950's style, and wanted glamourous but comfortable. No underpinnings for this lady! So this is the dress I came up with for her.
Washed Ivory Dupion silk, with a massive tulle petticoat. I put the silk through the washing machine before cutting. That gets all the dressing out, and makes it lovely and soft. I wouldn't do this if I was making something that needed the stiffness, like a tailored jacket, but lovely for this type of garment.
I made a toile first, and then cut from that. I usually drape my patterns, though I can and do draft flat patterns. Just depends on the project.
Putting it together was easy, apart from the flippin' straps.....it took me ages to get them right. They were cut in one piece, and even though I used iron on stabilizer, they still managed to change shape, and it took me three goes to perfect them. (Grrr. Wasting fabric!)
The only part where I used iron-on stabilizer was the underside of the straps. The rest of the bodice is underlined with silk organza, and lined with silk/cotton lawn. It had to be sturdy enough to support and not be see-through, but soft and comfortable at the same time. Who needs restrictive corsetry when they're on the beach?!
showing the petticoat 
The skirt is cut as a full circle (I do love circle skirts) over a layered tulle petticoat.
Don't forget .... always hang the finished garment up (preferably on a dummy) for 24 hours before hemming. Especially if the skirt is cut on the cross.
I love this picture.......
I l
And Fleur loved her dress. Twirly skirt!
Awwww. Another happy bride.
The dress was a pleasure to make and Fleur was a pleasure to work with. We had 3 fittings and she always came on time and brought her heels when I needed her to. (Take note ladies)
I didn't go to the wedding but I did get an extra in the form of a big bottle of fizz to celebrate with.
Yay!
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