Upcycled Wedding Dress ~ Part 5



This has been such a fun project.

I was sort of thinking I was close to being done

but as I was looking at the dress on the mannequin

I decided it probably had more life to it.

 

First, however, it's getting the equipment ready for work.

When I was a kid my Mom, Grandmothers, & Aunts would gather to quilt around

the quilt frame that was almost always set up in our basement . 

It was a large frame that belonged to my Grandma Johannes & made by Grandpa.

Grandma J had tacked a doubled over piece of fabric all along the length of each strip of wood.  The bottom, batting & top of the quilt was pinned to this fabric.

 

As a child, I remember having to thread needles & line them up

along the edge of the quilting frame.  As the quilters worked across the quilt

they never had to stop to thread a needle.  They would just pull another needle

with thread & continue on.

 

At the time, I thought it was a speed thing.

NOW... I know it's an eyesight thing.

Those tiny little holes in needles are hard to see!

 

So... I've employed my own system.

Here's William.

Threading my sewing machine.

Yep ~ I can't thread the darn needle except by accident

or if I wear my new bifocals.

 

Good Grief ~!





 



 

I had the other half of the skirt (that I used earlier for a hooded cape).

But, hey, since I have another half I might as well make another cape, right?

 

So, this will be a short cape.

With a tulle collar to match the hem.

And beaded fringe since I had almost the exact amount left over.

 

It's a sign!



Working on the neckline of the cape.

Close up of the beaded fringe being sewn on.
This was sewn on after the tulle & the casing for the drawn string around the neck.

 

Here's a picture of the casting loose.

It looks great if it's pulled up tight & around the neck too.

 

Here's a view of the back of the cape.

I think this is better being shorter?

 

Yes?

 

I like it because it's above the tulle' hem.

 

I feel like I need to add a shoulder strap...

 

A SNAKE STRAP.

 

With lots of bugs & insects hovering over the shoulder.

 

What can I say??

 

It's still winter in Alaska & I'm salivating for spring.

 

Can't wait to get the worm compost going.

 

Upcycled Wedding Dress Part 4 ~

The devil is in the details.

The base of the wedding dress is pretty much completed.

It's been cut, re-sewn, painted, dyed, & manipulated in many ways.

So, now comes the fun part of embellishment.

Beading & leaf action on the bodice.

A little beading trim.

A cape is always a fun accessory.

This was recycled from part of the skirt & has an iridescence purple lining.

Cokie Robert is always close bye her boy.

I had some of the leaf fabric left over so I added a hood.

I always love a hood for a bit of mystery.

Here's my reluctant son modeling the hood.

William, you're a good sport!

 (I agreed to not show his face modeling the hood)

I think an extra scoop of ice cream is in your future!

One of those days...

Ever have one of those days?

 

 

It's been a bit challenging today but I'm looking forward

to a Mom & Son evening.

 

There's a light beautiful snow coming down,

chicken soup on the stove & a bottle of wine in the fridge.

 

Things are looking up!