FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
‘Wardian Waves
Outline the story …
I pulled the Oregon Coast, a natural site, for my inspiration on this lingerie-style ensemble. I winged most of the design, using The American Dressmaker to draft the patterns and obtain the shapes I wanted. I chose to maintain a simple blue to match the ocean on a nice day with white lace seafoam and a tan binding at the hem of the skirt to be the homage to sand. Oregon is my home, but the coast here is where I belong.
Outline the construction…
To get the motion of the garment I wanted, I used almost exclusively handkerchief weight linen. This allowed the dress to move with the wind in ways similar to the surface water. I started with a roll of linen and a roll of paper and taught myself to draft by creating the support garments for this gown first, working entirely from a dressmaking guide allowed me to work through and learn the drafting process before reaching my outer garments. Once I had completed the base skirt and shirtwaist for the outside of the outfit, I dyed the whole thing blue and added the lace and bindings to complete the look. The lace is mostly appliqued on the outside, barring the sleeve split, assembled before attaching the sleeves to the shirtwaist.
This looks like it would feel wonderful to wear! I love how you’ve riffed on the lingerie gown but made it Ocean-y by making the lace asymmetrical!
This is such a delightful summery dress! Hope it will accompany you on many trips to the seaside
I love the way the skirt lace echoes the froth of waves. Well done! .