Commencement Dress: The Design

This month a chapter that seemed like it would never close, turned over its final page. After two and a half years of long nights writing papers, sewing french seams and hand-beading at 2 o'clock in the morning, studying countless inspiring designers, having the privilege of being taught by dedicated, and talented professors that open up your mind to new ideas as a whole world blossoms before you with endless possibility for creativity and artistry-- these years filled with moments of sheer exhaustion when I felt I couldn't work one more hour, but somehow managed to get through...and moments of inspiration when I did not want to stop creating. It was two and half years of getting to learn what I love, designing. But, goodness, did it try me so much more than I could have imagined, and how wonderful it is to say I've graduated.

{All inspiration photos found on Pinterest}

 

Since, it is the close of a season in my life, and a moment I have been dreaming and working towards, I wanted to have a special dress to wear for the occasion. I've seen in several old films, from the 30s and 40s, that women would wear white or ivory for their graduation, and perhaps it is the old-fashioned in me (or it could just be my obsession with white), that I really wanted to incorporate that tradition in my design.  Above are some of my inspiration photos, but the one I was most drawn to was the 1930s vintage pattern, with the sweet collar, and illusion neckline.  Because of that I really wanted to have elements that were taken from that time period.  

Initially, I planned on drafting my own pattern, but life rather got in the way, and I knew that I wouldn't have the time, so after sifting through my boxes of patterns (and realizing I might have a bit of a problem with pattern hoarding-- but that's for another day), sketching up several designs, and going back and forth between them, I finally decided on the one sketched below, since it seemed best suited to the chiffon fabric I planned on using.  I did not realize then, how much it resembled the 1930s pattern in my original inspiration. I guess those details really stuck with me.

At first I wanted the sheer element to be lace, but couldn't find anything that I liked, so I went with a silky chiffon that was an ivory with a bit of pink undertone, with the plan to add some lace around the sweetheart neckline of the under-bodice. The design has a six gored skirt, which closes at the side seam with an invisible zipper. 
However, like most projects, there were a few detours that came along, but I'll write more about the process in the next post.

 

The Dress that took Two Summers to Make

{My design: hand illustrated}

Hello there!  Since it is nearly the end of August, and soon my head will be filled with all sorts of autumnal dreaming, I thought I should actually post this sewing project before summer is technically gone (I say technically, because were I live summer may insist on staying til October, not matter how unwelcome it is).

As the title suggests, this dress took a while to make.  I started on it about three summers ago, had quite a few hiccups with the design, and pretty soon it was autumn and I had no motivation to finish it until the next summer.  The dress is based on this Vintage Vogue pattern, with several alterations.

Firstly, I didn't like the angular shape of the bottom of the bodice, so I simply made that into a slightly curved seam (as my drawing shows).  Secondly, I wanted more volume in the skirt, so I entirely ignored those pattern pieces, and just used a rectangle to make a pleated dirndl skirt.

However, once I cut everything out and began sewing, I had to make a few more alterations (since I didn't bother to make a mock up-- which is a test fit made of muslin). I found that the midriff panels did not shape to my body, so I had to add darts to the front. Once I sewed the gathers for the bust, I hand tacked them down, otherwise there was just too much volume. So after several hours, and many Netflix shows later, I had the bodice finished. At this point, I decided I did not want to mess with making buttonholes, so I altered the back pieces to accommodate an invisible zipper.
The last adjustments I made, were adding bust cups to the lining, and little bows to the straps. Then, all the seams were bound up with a Hong Kong finish.  

The dress is made of a vibrant 100% cotton chintz, which is a bit more colorful than what I usually wear, but I think it's perfect for a fun summer dress that makes me smile every time I see it. For that it has become a staple for this time of year, and has traveled with me on several summer adventures.

O u t f i t     D e t a i l s
Hat - Target
Belt- Forever 21
Shoes - Kohls (Croft & Barrow)
Dress - Made by me
Bolero - Bealls

 

Beginning

H e l l o,

For several years now I have always had starting a blog on the back of my mind— but ever seemed to find a reason not to jump in and just create.  Beginning something new has the curious habit of placing doubts in our heads which sometimes keep us tethered to what we know, and the fear of not succeeding or being inexperienced at something is often the reason we just stay put.  But if life is a blank canvas, then I think any brushstrokes of paint are far more beautiful than a stark white sheet, even if there are splatters and smudges—and often those mistakes make it more endearing.

This year, I made a goal to do things that scare me a bit—like starting something new.  To let go of waiting for all the perfect conditions to begin, and to embrace mistakes rather than being afraid of them. I know that starting a blog is not really a thing that scares most people, but being an introvert, putting oneself out there can be a bit intimidating. 
But, I’ve decided to put away all my nonsensical excuses, and just start.  Maybe I don’t have a fancy camera, or all the technical skills, but I am passionate about what I do and as kitschy as that may sound I think that’s really enough. 
So, hello there, I hope I can inspire you to create and find joy in the little things.

{ O u t f i t }

> Shirtwaist dress - made by me

> Floral Pillbox Hat - made by me

> Gloves - vintage

> Wicker Purse - thrifted

> Shoes - Payless 

P.S. This photoshoot was definitely a lesson in letting go of perfectionism—everything that could go wrong went wrong.  But, I was able to salvage some pictures.