Subject: Bridal Gown - Velvet Date: 11/9/09 2:44 PM

Hi Everyone!

My wedding is on April 10, 2010! I feel grateful and inspired to have found this website before I begin designing and sewing my bridal gown. Although I love fairytale type gowns, it is a second marriage so I do not want something that is too young. My personal style is something romantic and modern. I like a sheath cut dress with a flared bottom. I originally thought that a mermaid style gown would suit me but when I tried on gowns I discovered that a trumpet style is more flattering for me.

I plan to use Vogue 2842 for the bodice with/or without the vertical pleating. Then Vogue 2931 waist down, altering the flare to start mid thigh, omitting the centre front seam and adding lace along the hem. Now for the challenge – in velvet!!!! A year ago I came across blush velvet and bought the bolt (105cm x 10 m.) It is such a pale shade (pale pinky blush) and is excellent in quality. Never have I stumbled upon this colour and likely never will again. Even though I am an experienced sewer I am a bit nervous about using velvet for such a fitted dress. Of course I will do up a tester in cotton but it still is not the same as the finished look in velvet. I would appreciate opinions about coordinating these styles and the use of velvet.

Another option is Vogue 2842 entirely. It is so elegant.
I love that gown but am not sure if the skirt will be as slimming. I am a size 10 and will be a curvy size 8 after a little dieting! (That translates to size 12-14 in a bridal shop. One would think that the sizing would be 2-3 sizes down, not up, in order to boost morale and encourage sales! lol) A-line skirts do not do a lot for me but I am thinking that this vogue pattern will fit differently... opinion of those who have worn it please.

I do have my heart set on using my blush velvet but this Vogue 2842 pattern requires 150cm width. I could piece the skirt but I think that seams would ruin the look of the dress front. Opinions…options??? How do you think velvet would hang for this style – particularity the pleating? The velvet is very soft to the touch and not stiff. Considering all of this, I am also considering doing the unthinkable - buying more fabric!!! A blush coloured satin.

Thank you, Arlene

Vogue 2842


Vogue 2931

-- Edited on 11/9/09 3:05 PM --

Reply to pink velvet
Date: 11/9/09 5:22 PM

Are you totally set on the style - that is, could you do with a bit less fullness at the dress bottom? I would think that if you made either dress totally out of velvet it would be very heavy and pull on the top a lot.

Also - you have to consider your own skin coloring. If it were me (who is naturally the color of a baby pig), wearing pale-pink-blush, I'd look...ahem...like I was walking down the aisle naked. Of course if you have darker skin and hair, it would be gorgeous.

Edited to be a bit more helpful: I think this Vogue 2964 might work, it has the same basic lines and if you had to you could use a contrast - lace or embroidered satin? - for the bodice and godets, or just the godets.
-- Edited on 11/9/09 5:37 PM --

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Sewing is my therapy!

Reply to Pinkytoo
Date: 11/10/09 12:44 PM

Hi Pinkytoo and thank you for your suggestions.

I am set on Vogue 2842 for the over-bodice and lace sleeves. I love the look and the lace has already been purchased. I definitely want to use lace trim on the skirt bottom (already purchased as well), so I think all of those godets of Vogue 2964 in contrasting fabric would be too busy and if done in velvet – well, that’s a lot of extra seams.

If I decide to stay with this skirt style then I would sew up a tester with the fullness between Vogue 2931 and 2964.

I find the weight of my velvet similar to medium weight satin. It definitely has less weight and a softer drape than a heavy satin. If made in Vogue 2964 then it would fall with that same limpness so I want a style that would be complimented by the fullness and support of some tulle.

My skin has both yellow and pink tones with it being slightly darker than a light complexion . I have worn pale pink tops before and the colour suits me. There would be the white lace sleeve and over-bodice near my face, so I am not worried about that. You did bring up a good point though and I hear what you are saying about the colour not standing out – that is something to think about. I don’t want to blend in with the guests.

Reply to pink velvet
Date: 11/10/09 4:38 PM

Sounds LOVELY. Make sure you read all the reviews here for V2842.

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Sewing is my therapy!

Date: 1/9/11 10:12 AM

Removable trains are simple and easy to make. They can be made of the same fabric as the skirt or an entirely different fabric for a contrast effect. I've done lots of wedding gowns and most of the brides that choose removeable are glad because the gown they wear at the reception is just as beautiful as the one going down the aisle. A bustle can be done beautifully, but it still looks like a bustle- which you may or may not want.

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Sewing: A creative mess is better than tidy idleness. ~Author Unknown