Thread: sewing advice-wedding dress-sorry not really dance related

I have to apologize in advance, but I can't seem to get anyone to answer me on sewing forums! I stink.
For those of you who haven't read, I'm going to make my own wedding dress. I can't find a pattern I like, so I want to make my own pattern too. I was going to try to make it this weekend on mock up material (something cheap) to see how it goes. Some questions:I own a serger, sewing machine (that also does embroidery). I am self taught, so I am somewhat clueless as far as terms go.
This is the dress I plan to use as my guide. http://i22.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/e9/de/1ece_1.JPG I can not find a pattern, and usually I work better making my own patterns, so I'm here for advice.
What type of material would work best? I'm hoping to use stretch satin for the top (what do you think of this? SATIN LYCRA 4WAY SHINY STRIPED FABRIC BRIGHT WHITE 10 Y - eBay (item 280221675279 end time May-03-08 11:11:49 PDT)) and non-stretch satin for the poofy bottom (top layer). Do you think this would work? What type of material is used to give the poof? Is that organza? would organza work? I think chiffon would be too "limp"
What style of satin works best on wedding dresses? Baroque? Baroque Satin 44'' - MANY COLORS
I want it to be very shiny and dramatic,r:;
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You're crazy. But I admire you.

Oo, that dress is gorgeous.

I don't think you'd need to use stretch satin, but you certainly could. I don't think I'd use striped satin with all that ruching. I think it would look too busy. As far as the puffy part goes, yes, I think organza would work. You could also look for a pre-made poofy petticoat kind of thing that you could just sew onto the dress under the top part of the bottom instead of creating from scratch.

As far as baroque satin goes, I think it may be too cheap looking for a dress like this and take away from it. Use good bridal satin. It will cost more, but if you work out some of the kinks with a mockup it will be worth it.

Also, adding pre-made appliques would give it shine and sparkle and save you some time. My Jo-Ann's store (and even my Walmart) has nice bridal trims you could add to make it super sparkly.

Hope that helps Jenn.

Baroque satin is really light weight--the kind of thing you would want to make a circle skirt from--but don't think it will hold the shape you want. Look at bridal satin. Organza has body but you would probably either need multiple layers or a layer of something stiffer under the organza to keep that bell shape.

Souzan

I would use a chiffon for the ruched part and matching satin underneath it (without the ruching) to get the look of the dress in the picture. Ruching with a heavier fabric can end up looking bulky and is harder to distribute the ruching evenly.

If you got a chance to look at the bottom of the dress you'd see that it probably had a lining, then a layer with many widths of ruffles made from VERY stiff netting, and the fabric overtop.

Do you live anywhere close to a bridal salon??
I'd suggest popping in and trying on a variety of styles before you start sewing. It really helps because you can see what they look like on *your* body type, and you can peek ay the construction too!!!

Have fun!!
If you get stuck in the construction... feel free to email me and I'll try to walk you through some of it. ;-)

caasi at raqabellydance dot com

This looks like it is bridal satin,. duchess satin or a lighter weight crepe back satin. I personally would not use a lycra fabric with the ruching. it won't hold the shape. Chances are the ruching is over a fitted form.

I agree with the idea of going to a store and browsing!

{{{HUGS}}}

I third trying on some different styles. I used to work at a wedding dress shop and people would often come in thinking they wanted something specific, but when they tried on that "idea," it didn't always look good on them or it might not fit the way they envisioned it. I tried the same dresses on dozens of girls (especially ones on the mannequin in the window) and some loved them, some hated them.
I'm not saying you have to have the whole Kleinfelds experience (they creep me out- have you seen their reality show?), but just try on a bunch of fun things and play around with veils and other accessories. We had a lot of people come in who had no intention of buying stuff (the store where I worked was really pricey- I'm talking $2000+) so don't feel shy. But be aware that some places can really pressure you into making a purchase even if you say you're just looking, so a good out is to say that you have to show your mom/sister/best friend/grandmother/second cousin/random passerby before you can commit and then get the heck out of there.

Originally Posted by caasious

If you got a chance to look at the bottom of the dress you'd see that it probably had a lining, then a layer with many widths of ruffles made from VERY stiff netting, and the fabric overtop.

Yeah, most of the dresses have big nasty tulle petticoats stiffened with horsehair trim (I think) on the edges. Tulle is cheap and scratchy, but if you have a good lining, it shouldn't be too bad.

Originally Posted by jenlindseys

I have to apologize in advance, but I can't seem to get anyone to answer me on sewing forums! I stink.
For those of you who haven't read, I'm going to make my own wedding dress. I can't find a pattern I like, so I want to make my own pattern too. I was going to try to make it this weekend on mock up material (something cheap) to see how it goes. Some questions:I own a serger, sewing machine (that also does embroidery). I am self taught, so I am somewhat clueless as far as terms go.
This is the dress I plan to use as my guide. http://i22.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/e9/de/1ece_1.JPG I can not find a pattern, and usually I work better making my own patterns, so I'm here for advice.
What type of material would work best? I'm hoping to use stretch satin for the top (what do you think of this? SATIN LYCRA 4WAY SHINY STRIPED FABRIC BRIGHT WHITE 10 Y - eBay (item 280221675279 end time May-03-08 11:11:49 PDT)) and non-stretch satin for the poofy bottom (top layer). Do you think this would work? What type of material is used to give the poof? Is that organza? would organza work? I think chiffon would be too "limp"
What style of satin works best on wedding dresses? Baroque? Baroque Satin 44'' - MANY COLORS
I want it to be very shiny and dramatic,r:;
_________________

Jenlindseys, it really worries me when you say you are self taught. How much experience do you have in pattern drafting? If you have not already drafted many dress patterns by yourself, you are not going to like the results you get. The design of this dress is quite an advanced project. It's clearly lined, interlined, and boned. You will definitely need to have sewn the dress successfully in muslin before you can even consider which fabrics would be the best.

For any other project I would say "Go for it!" but a wedding dress is a special dress you need at a very specific time -- a time when you are already under a lot of stress. Please be kind to yourself and don't overload yourself with this project for your special day.

If you are determined, go buy yourself a copy of Vogue V2929:
VoguePatterns - V2929 - MISSES' DRESS - 2929

If nothing else it would give you something to start with.

haha, thank you ladies! I haven't been around for a few days, sorry for the delay. I have been to some bridal shops and plan to go to more.
I know this is the style dress I want (mermaid) and it is the best looking style of dress on my body, so I am happy.
I plan to buy a crinoline slip to go underneath for the poof and use lace as an overlay over more satin (to hide the slip). I realize I only need poof a certain distance below my waist, so the slip will require some alterations- but will still be easier than starting from scratch.
I am buying a wedding dress making book so I can read and study more before I start to sew. I am not all about chiffon rouching because chiffon is really hard to work with for that, but I really do think it would be pretty. Just above my skill level (and will be less sparklie). I realize this is going to be a challenging experience for me, but I really want to venture it and I will. My date is set to June 27th, 2009 so I have over a year to work with it. I have close family friends whom are professional seamstress and will get guidance and help from them if necessary. The goal isn't to save money....though that would be nice, I'm doing it for the full purpose of sentimental value. I have already had a lot of fun (in the last week and a half) researching, studying, and coming up with my own design, which is very similar to the picture. I am really excited to get started on it, but have realized that I need to step back and learn more.
I understand and realize why some of you are concerned, but I know that I am completely capable of doing this. I am an intelligent woman with an amazing drive and if you knew me personally I don't think anyone would be worried. If there is anything I really want for my wedding, it is to have made my own dress. I appreciate all of the help and suggestions! It really is nice to hear some of the other ideas and specially educating me on baroque satin. I am not going for cheap so the cost of bridal satin isn't a concern...but I thought it might be too stiff and heavy. Now I know!
I will update you with progress.
I plan to practice making the dress with other materials before I cute/sew anything important to me!
Stretch satin is where I am going to start, but I don't necessarily think it is going to work either. It will be easier to design and work with, so I want to practice on that.
Thanks again!

i used to own a bridal shop. would look at italian / matte satin. good wieght, soft sheen

Gorgeous dress..... I always believe in this saying, "Where there is a will, there IS a way!!!" so Jenlindseys..you go on and make your fabulous dress!! It will turn out exactly how you want it cuz your making it! Good luck! and congratulations...

Hey Jen, I have been trying to pm you but your box is full! Pm me when you get it cleared out.
Thanks,
Rahil

Personally I would use what Hancocks sells as Windsor satin (I have always known it as crepe back satin). It is worlds easier to sew and work with than standard slippery satin, and it has more body and strength.

awesome thanks...
I decided to try to work with chiffon over satin....to allow more rouching and less pregnant look with the rouching. I will update any progress!