FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Flower fairy
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Model: Angela Jeanne
Outline the story …
A little Irish fairy decided to make a dress like a flower to enjoy in the summer; a beautiful dress in which she sang and danced around the lakes and the woods of Kerry.
My daughter, (the fairy) wanted a dress for her Celtic wedding on Valencia island's cliffs, and since there was this competition I thought that I could do both in one, especially with the natural world theme, it was perfect. We wanted something diaphane and flower-like, as well as romantic and a bit sexy (thus the open back and deep decolté).
We searched on Pinterest to help with the design, then I draw some ideas and choose the best one together. We also took into account the fact that she wants to wear this dress more than once, so it had to be a fairy dress but wearable in many circumstances.
Outline the construction…
For the lining, we chose a lovely creme Crêpe, a soft tulle embroidered with gold flowers for the main fabric, and a creme ribbon for the dress's hem.
Since it was my 3rd project and I had to draft it; something I have never done before; it was quite a challenge.
I first made a moke-up for the skirt using a 4m rectangle of fabric and gathered it into a waistband, it worked, so I gathered the fabric and lining together. For the closure at the back, I put hooks and eyes with a plaquette as explained in the Authentic Victorian dressmaking techniques book. Only the main seams are machined, everything else I did by hand.
Then I had to do the bust part of the dress, I tried to drape it but it didn't work, I found the answer in the Keystone book: darts under the breast. I did 6 mock-ups before doing the real one... For the shoulder straps, I used a white cotton braid and had to add a horizontal one in the back to keep it tight against the breasts.
Then I made a waistband and attached it to the skirt and the bust part.
Finally, I put the ribbon by hand around the hem of the dress. All the seams are flat-felled by hand.
I too have ADHD, it’s no laughing matter! The challenges we face are monumental! You have been able to win your battles and get the job done! This is beautiful and I am so proud of you for challenging yourself and producing this gorgeous garment! Lovely!
Thank you so much, yes it was a big challenge. Glad you like it ^^
Your daughter looks so ethereal in that dress! I can’t believe this is only your third project – it’s so well done!
Thank you very much, it was quite difficult for a 3rd project. But weirdly enough I managed and now I am doing a simple shirt and making a mess…
What a lovely dress! I love how versatile it is, combining fantasy with timeless high fashion!
Thank you, I am glad you like it, and yes I love fantasy so it transpires into what I make. ^^