Here are some photos of a lovely dress I made. A simple shape but made from gorgeous navy and black lace.
The skirt was made from Poly chiffon that I can source from a wholesale supplier. The quality is amazing, better than what I have seen at retail.
When my Aunty Marg went through her fabric stash and told me I could take what I liked I don’t think she expected this. A black and Ivory stripe taffeta that was so old I could tear it with a pin carefully pleated and sculpted into this amazing dress.
I used this dress for the finale of the parade. It worked beautifully with the black sequin bridesmaids. I also had a strapless sequin dress I borrowed back from its owner to use for the maid of honour.
The floral crowns were all made by Jill at the Little Bouquet in Merimbula. A tiny little comb held the veil in place and the crown sat over the top. I loved that they were so lush and dramatic, the perfect complement to a dramatic dress.
I can’t thank enough the models who helped out with the bridal show. Our 3 lovely bridesmaids in matching sequins were such a wonderful addition to the event.
I am going to gush about this fabric for a moment. I have worked with these small sequins before and never tire of them. The sequins are sewn onto a stretch base making these dresses quite quick and simple to make. The fabric itself isn’t cheap (unless you want black) but with the reduced time they take to make can actually work out to be an economical choice. Not just for bridesmaids as I have seen these sequins in a bridal pearly white, silver and soft rosey gold. The dresses are also indestructible and need no ironing, perfect for a destination wedding. I carried these 3 black dresses to the expo in a woolies bag.
Hair for the show was all done by the team at Trendsetter hair. Makeup by Lisa Garner.
The final way that tulle excells is by making the most amazing ruffles. No need to hem the edge leaves them light and frothy.
Cute ruffles below and also a lovely sleeve.
A wonderful technique using the ruffles vertically, narrower at the top edge and fuller at the hem.
Tulle wont hold a permanent pleat like some synthetic fabrics will but they can be put through the machine and will pleat beautifully if you only want to wear them once
I don’t love the below dress but I do quite like the idea. Ruffles of tulle used between placed lace to give softness and texture. The ruffles on the dress below I think are a little too long but it is still very inspiring.
This dress is not made of tulle but a skirt of cascading ruffles like this could be made easily. This skirt is so effective because the lines of the ruffles don’t follow the usual direction around the skirt.
Simple but effective rows of tulle ruffles on a separate skirt.
The rest of my obsession with tulle here and here
Tie dye has been reborn. The Japanese art of Shibori with its fine crinkles and deep Indigo is far more sophisticated than the tie dye of school craft and hippy music festivals.
The dress below and above are amazing examples of dyeing techniques used on a finished dress to create complex details. I think the thing that appeals to me the most is the danger involved at the moment when you take the lovely silk dress and place it in the dye, hoping for the best.
These dresses are made using a dye technique applied to the fabric before making. Less risky but still lovely.
This Eli Saab dress would be my inspiration, perhaps more sheer panels in the skirt and in an amazing cobalt blue.