FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Butterflies and Cherry Blossoms
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Outline the story …
I took my inspiration from cherry blossoms and butterflies. I decided on butterflies because I kept finding these photos of different butterflies when I first researched this year’s theme. I found something so ethereal and light about them and specifically there was a gif I found of a group of butterflies flying away from a tree. I loved the movement and that inspired my design for the dress, something free flowing with sleeves to give me wings. Cherry Blossoms were my second inspiration because for me the blooming of cherry blossoms was the real sign that spring has begun. I grew up in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) specifically in Maryland. The National Cherry Blossom Festival was always a huge event, so I wanted to include an inspiration that held some personal meaning. I hope everyone feels that spring is right around the corner when they see this dress.
Outline the construction…
Base pattern was McCall’s M7622, specifically the F pattern because it had the neckline I would need in order to eventually incorporate the collar I wanted. After a few mockups I realized I had to incorporate a dart from my bust apex up to into my underarm to get rid of some extra fabric and help the bust fit. The dart did help but the issue is I was using three chiffon fabrics and putting in darts did not seem like the right decision. So, I looked up dart manipulation and found a tutorial on https://inthefolds.com/q-a-series/2021/removing-a-dart-from-a-bodice. I moved the fullness from the underarm to the bottom of the hem of the front piece.
I made the detached sleeves using a circle skirt calculator, https://www.easycalculation.com/other/circle-skirt-calculator.php. I used ¾ circle skirt pattern. The arm band was a simple rectangle that I added elastic to. The dress and sleeves were finished with a rolled hem on the serger.
I made a collar piece using McCall’s Cosplay by McCall pattern, Carpathia variation C. I adjusted the construction by having all the pieces sew together instead of having the four lace-up sections that it normally does. The original back piece and turn the side back piece into the new back piece as the collar was too big on me when I completed the mockups.
I crocheted the cherry blossom flowers using a pattern by HandcraftsbySmith on Esty. The butterfly patterns were from IrishCrochetPattern and 1AnniePotterPresents. The pieces were dyed by me using Rit fabric dye.
The dress looks so elegant! I especially love the cherry blossoms on the front. I also grew up in the DC area and this reminded me home.
The crocheted cherry blossoms are so light and yet hold their own. Absolutely beautiful
I am a DC native, myself!! I can certainly relate to your inspiration! Such a gorgeous garment!