The Sew-Along theme in my Facebook group for August was based on my Wedding Dress pattern and I’m so excited to share these photos because they are absolutely gorgeous and the alterations are amazing!!!! Warning, this is a very long blog post because I had so much trouble narrowing down the photos.
Cynthia had so many entries in the Sew-Along that I lost count – and every single one was so different.
‘This one is made from my wedding dress and veil from 1975. A lot work taking my dress apart, but I truly enjoy the outcome. I guess you can say I adore this pattern. Thank you, Rosie, for creating it. You got me hooked. But I love it.’
How special is this dress!
The second dress has been made into a cocktail dress by adding lace overlay on the bodice and the back of the skirt. The red and black is stunning.
Next, we have these dresses by Debra. In the first photo you can see that she has removed the gathers from the skirt by taking 1 ¾ inches (approx. 4.5cm) from both side seams which has given the dress a slimline look.
For the second dress, Debra added the puff sleeves from my Blouse pattern and made the cuffs much wider to create a ‘Juliet Sleeve’. Using the contrasting fabric on the skirt and the sleeve cuff has given this dress a totally different look.
You’re so clever Debra, I love them both.
These next two dresses are made using my sleeveless version of the Wedding Dress pattern.
Natalie has used a beautiful bright red satin and added an overlay on the skirt. She decided to not add the petticoat to give a simpler look but stunning look.
Irene has used a soft pink satin and an overlay of white sheer with silver dots of both the bodice and the skirt. The petticoat gives more fullness to the skirt. So pretty in pink.
Monica also had lots of entries in the Sew-Along and has swapped out the veil for some amazing fascinators, hats and headbands. By varying the fabric, the length of the dress, making it with sleeves or without sleeves and adding lace to some, she has created five very different and beautiful dresses. Monica has also resized the pattern to fit all the different dolls. Awesome job Monica!
These two bridesmaids are soooo pretty.
Jill has used a tiny floral print in soft tones. She has shortened the sleeves on her dress and added lace to the hem of the sleeves and the skirt. Jill reduced the wedding dress pattern to 96% to fit her Journey Girl doll.
Rina has opted for the sleeveless version and added a lace overlay on the bodice, although it is difficult to see in this photo. Then a simple pink ribbon bow to highlight the centre of the flowers is the perfect finishing touch.
Beautiful job Jill and Rina!
Making a ‘trial dress’ is a great idea when making a pattern for the first time and I have to say, Pat, this dress (the one on the left) has turned out perfectly.
‘This is my first try with the wedding dress pattern with a fabric I did not care much for. Now that it is made into this beautiful pattern, I think it worked out very well, and I like it.’
Pat then decided she would like to swap the circle skirt for a pleated skirt and wow, this has completely changed the dress! This looks very smart and was a very clever idea Pat.
The following dresses have been made by Tina who used to sew lots of fancy dance costumes.
For the first dress she used some left over dance fabric and then added shiny crystals to the centre of each flower and I have to say, this is one STUNNING dress! The centre photo is the wedding dress pattern with lace overlay on the bodice, sleeves and skirt – a beautiful bride! Then every bride needs a bridesmaid, so Tina made the sleeveless version in a pretty peach colour, shortened the skirt and added lace overlay on the bodice only.
Three VERY different dresses made from the same pattern. Amazing!
Originally Susan was going to make the dress as per the pattern with black lace overlay on the bodice and sleeves too, but when she was about the stitch up the side seam of the bodice, she placed it on her doll with the skirt and decided it was a little too heavy and old fashioned to be the prom dress she was hoping for. Her solution was to alter the bodice and use the lace for little cap sleeves and I have to say WOW! This has transformed this dress into a stunning Prom dress!
And finally, we have this gorgeous black satin evening gown by Wendy. She simply used the sleeveless option and added some tulle across the shoulders at the back, across the front and secured with a button in front. Such a clever idea to add some extra glam!
As you can see there were some truly amazing creations in the August Sew-Along and they were all made from my Wedding Dress pattern. I’m so proud of all the creative ladies in my Facebook group and I hope they have inspired you to get creative and mix up your patterns with different fabrics and slight modifications.
If you would like to try my Wedding Dress pattern you can find the 18” American Girl size here and the 18 ½” Cabbage Patch size pattern is here.
Happy sewing
