Sequins and Lace Meet in the Middle

Behold the work that added up to the first two samples...

I'll start off by saying that it was intimidating to start this new project. It will be a huge project in the end and getting it to start off just right feels like a task too big to take on. However I learned that in order to do something great you have to be willing to make mistakes. Maybe I could be doing things better, cleaner, and more professional. But I need to start somewhere and the best thing is to just begin.

It was a new experience right from the start, to drape something so boxy. I am a more structured, corset based, designer. This 1920s style of boxy silhouette that just slips on is very foreign to me. We draped shift dresses in my first semester of college but that was a whopping 8 years ago. The slip dress that will eventually go underneath is more my speed but the outer shell was a new beast.

I first really studied the chevron-esque style of the stripes. The way the pattern locks together creates dozens of sharp angles that get more complicated with seam allowance and sewing techniques. I got the general idea of the way it patterned out, but in retrospect I got the math all wrong. I only needed about half the amount of zig zags which would've given me a lot less work.

I created the first sample out of a cotton I have a large amount of, and then moved on to the more realistic fabrics for the second sample. The first sample actually turned in two samples once I fixed the pattern for the real fabrics. Still not yet perfect, I will have to make one more blue "pattern" sample for the final look.

For both samples, once I cut out the stripes, I did a zig zag stitch to attach to each other. I don't think this will work out for the final piece. The final fabrics of striped sequins and the geometric lace will have to line up perfectly and I predict a hand sewing technique. Talk about hours of work. I absolutely loved the look of the lace and sequins in the second sample. I can barely wait to get the fabrics in and see the real colors and textures. It made me think of a gorgeous look this would make in bridal fabrics.

The real hurdles to finish this look will be finding the right laces, getting the angles to fit together perfectly, recreating the delicate feel of the dress, and making the silhouette is just right. Here is to making a dress fit for Gatsby.