Sunday, August 11, 2013

Simplicity 1595 "bridal gown"

Myra asks for a different dress up dress on a near daily basis. I can't keep up with all the princesses. But one dress that she asks for consistently is a "bride" dress, so I thought her 5th birthday would be just the time for an over the top fancy gown for her dress up box.
This picture makes my heart stop, a little. She's so lovely, but I am definitely not ready to face the possibility of her being an actual bride some day.
The pattern is Simplicity 1595. I was going to use my usual peasant dress, Simplicity 2377, but I had loaned it out, so since Hancock was having a Simplicity sale, I thought I'd just run over and get a spare copy. I use that pattern all the time. Naturally, they were out. So, after a little grumbling, I flipped through the pattern catalog to see what else was available.
I think it was for the best though, as this pattern was much more suited to a fancy dress! The long sleeve ruffle and the midriff band gave me more opportunities for embellishment. I added some hotfix gemstones to the midriff band, for a little extra bling.
She approves of the bling.
I also really like the shape that the midriff band and sash give to the dress. The upper bodice is gathered into the midriff band, which gives the appearance of a waist. It's very shapely.
There is a tie sash in back that pulls in the waist even more. The I made it a size larger than her measurements and a bit long, so that she would be able to wear it a while, but the sash keeps it looking fitted.
The fabrics I used are a polyester satin backed shantung and nylon Chantilly lace, both from the bridal section at Joann. I used the satin side of the main fabric on the inside, so I didn't need a lining. I constructed the dress using the shantung as an underlining for the lace in the bodice, skirt and upper sleeves. I used the lace alone for the sleeve and skirt ruffles and the shantung along (with bling!) for the midriff panel and sash.
Myra loves her bride gown, and she's very happy with the bouquet we made together. Thanks to Gillian for the suggestion!

19 comments:

Sarahbelle said...

Angel Bride.

S-O-O-O-O-O beautiful!!!

ladykatza said...

In typical Katza family fashion I think "awww, that's beautiful! You could paint her blue and give her a long black wig and she could be the a Corpse Bride. Or maybe Carrie..."

Don't ever let me play dress up with other people's kids.

But in all seriousness, you are a great Mom for making such a lovely dress for her. She looks super happy and I can totally understand the heart stopping bit.

Cindy said...

Awww! She's adorable in her bridal gown.:) Happy Birthday, Myra!

Gillian said...

Hehehe - she looks so proud of her new dress! And these pics are totally going to surface at her real wedding in 20 years or so! ;) Fitting that I'm the one who suggested a bouquet, because I actually forgot to carry my own at my wedding! Didn't even think of it until later, when my bridesmaids mentioned that they'd forgotten their too! :P Oh well!

Kyle said...

...especially that one of her in that standard "looking away" bridal pose...I agree with Gillian that the pic will be on display at her wedding!

Anonymous said...

She's so pretty. I agree with Gillian; I can almost hear a collective "awwww" from her wedding guests when these pictures get shown at that (very) future event.

The Hojnackes said...

It's so fun and beautiful!

prttynpnk said...

Ohhhhh!!

tanyamaile said...

So very cute!

Sara said...

Wow, very lovely dress. I really like the bare feet and ankles with the lace "veil". I could see some adult brides being inspired by that detail.

Jo said...

This is so, so wonderful! What a loving Mom you are to make the dress AND the bouquet with her!

Beth said...

Hope she feels as beautiful as she is. Smart of you to make it with room to grow & the flowers are a nice touch.

Suzanne said...

So fun! I'm sure it'll get lots and lots of play :) My girls have an old lace curtain that I added a neck tie too - this is much more "realistic"!

Amy Stanton said...

Your daughter is one lucky girl! She looks beautiful in her new gown.

Heather B said...

So cute and I love that she got a little bouquet for the photo shoot. Way to go mom.

June said...

You are a great mommy!

Marjie said...

I thought it was an angel dress, and she was perhaps in a church pageant. It's really pretty. Myra is lucky to have such a great Mommy, making her dress-up clothes and everything else.

And some day she'll be a beautiful bride. You'll be amazed how fast time flies. This year, kindergarten. Before you know it, medical school. It'll make you cry.

Zoƫ said...

The dress is adorable! Loving all the lace :)

The Slapdash Sewist said...

This looks like a hit! What a fabulous birthday gift. I am sure this will get a lot of wear over the years.