I was thrilled when Jessica asked me if I would make Cambria's blessing dress. She had a pattern in mind and some ideas of what she wanted, so with the help of my iPhone's Facetime application, I went to JoAnn's and got just what Jessica wanted.
It started like this:
A blessing dress Jessica had seen on Pinterest and fallen in love with. This one is made from dotted swiss, a fabric Jessica wanted, but I could not find any locally.
She selected a vintage pattern, asking that I make the slip and the short sleeved dress without the embroidery. I misunderstood her and actually had cut out long sleeves; fortunately I discovered my mistake before it was too late!
(Ashley made the same vintage pattern for Whitney's blessing dress!)
The pattern package was STUFFED with different pattern pieces and sizes. It took a while to sort it all out and find the right ones for Cambria's dress.
The slip pieces all cut out and ready to be stitched.
The slip (minus the double bands of ribbon I added later to make it a little more special.)
Sewing anything, big or small, means you need room to spread out. I even used the shelves of my collection to hold some of the ribbon and notions I needed.
All the machine sewing is done on the dress. Now the hand sewn button loops, ribbons on the sleeves, and button decorations need to be added. I love the tucks down the front and back of the bodice!
Narrow ribbon embellishments, one in a solid white, the other with a sheer center. I liked the sheer best, but thought maybe a wider ribbon might look better, so it was back to JoAnn's!
It does! And Jessica asked that I add two buttons to the front of the dress - a detail that I think makes it even prettier. I used a partially sheer ribbon and will trim the bows' ribbon endings after Jessica sees the dress in person and lets me know just how long she'd like them to be.
The back detail of the dress - again it has the tucking and two pearl button and loop closures.
Here's a picture of Cambria in her blessing gown!
