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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Dress That Wouldn't Be

My husband stood up in a wedding this weekend.  I was SUPPOSED to attend with him, but the flu bug that laid my kids low kept me at home.  I probably should have had a premonition that something like that would happen, because the dress that I made for the event was quite intent on NOT being made.
Many months ago when Aaron was asked to be in the wedding, I started the search for a dress to wear.  It takes me a while, okay?  Eventually I found a pattern I liked, but I still wasn't sure, so I polled a bunch of my sisters and friends.  They gave it the thumbs up - along with some helpful suggestions for colors and such.  However, the next problem popped up immediately: fabric.  I couldn't find any that I liked.  So I waited, and searched the internet, and waited some more.  Obviously fabric would appear if I waited long enough, right?  I was just about ready to give up on that theory when I finally found a print I really liked.  Problem number two was thankfully taken care of.  With the fabric in hand, the next step actually progressed rather quickly.  I got the pattern all laid out and the pieces cut.  I threaded up my machine and then read the instructions.  Uh-oh.  This pattern turned out to be a LOT more complicated then I thought.  My only option was to pack the whole thing up for about a month and hope that when I unpacked it again it would have miraculously sewn itself.  So that's what I did.

It didn't work.

By this time, the deadline was starting to loom a little, so I got myself all psyched up to guts it out and go for the glory.  Huh, whatever.  I wimped out instead and made a practice from scraps I had.  Isn't it gorgeous?
My mom, who came over to help me make some alterations, suggested that I give the practice version to Brynnie for a dress-up dress since it's over-the-top gaudiness seemed right up the little fashionista's alley.  Isn't she a thoughtful grammie?
With the details of the pattern sorted out, it was finally time to sew the actual garment.  I had to call on my mom one more time, to teach me how to using piping and also loan me her sewing machine which has an adjustable zipper foot (my machine does not, worse luck).  In case you were wondering, I am officially a fan of piping.
After months of dawdling and waiting, I was all set to finish that stupid dress on Sunday night - a full six days before the wedding.  That would have been too easy for this project, though.  Instead, I ran out of thread and had to wait until Monday morning to go to Evan's and get a spool of the right color.  At long last, on Monday evening, it was done.  I liked it, it fit, it didn't fall apart, and I still had several days before the wedding to bask in my triumph.
But, as you already know, my kids got the flu on Tuesday and I didn't go to the wedding.  

Sigh.

Better luck next time.





8 comments:

Jamie said...

Looks great! I used piping for the first time on the girls' Easter dresses...why didn't I try it sooner?!

~ Tandis ~ said...

If only dresses could be made by hot-gluing, since they can't be, I will never make one. You're way beyond me! You did a fantastic job. I can't wait to see you wear this.

Dana said...

Jamie - it really adds something, doesn't it? And it was much easier then I expected...assuming you have a zipper foot attachment.
Tandis - you could do it, if you really wanted to.....Don't sell yourself short.

Anonymous said...

It is SO cute, Dana! Sorry you didn't get to wear it. I wore a dress to a Christmas party once that wasn't hemmed. I just cut it neatly on the bottom and wore it. Actually, it was a red plaid jumper back in the days when they were SO popular. Yes, uh huh, they were too in style! Anyway, made one for all the girls, a bow tie for Daniel and just HAD to wear it. Showed up late and with unhemmed dress. Yep, I get the passion.

Hubby needs to take you to dinner, Gramma said she'd babysit. :)

Jessica said...

Oh yes, Mindy, I will! I've been through the flu with them, after all. What could be more wonderful than an evening with HEALTHY grandchildren while their HEALTHY parents go out for dinner? Providing I'm still healthy, that is.

Unknown said...

Sorry you missed the wedding, but what a cute dress. You did a great job on it. I love the simplicity and retro feel. Darling!

Aaron said...

In honor of not seeing a dress wasted, I will make the personal sacrifice of taking my attractive wife out for dinner at a venue appropriate for its debut - I WILL SUFFER TO ANY LENGTHS FOR MY WIFE'S HAPPINESS....

KC Coake said...

Wow, what a saga and so sad that you finally made it through all of that and didn't get to wear it to the wedding. Hopefully you can find some other occasion for which to wear it. Thanks so much for linking up at the Real Family Fun link party! Hope to see you next week.
KC