The $7 dress

Oh, the angst this dress caused me!! I wanted to make my own dress to wear to my sister's wedding. I spent a good deal of time pouring over patterns before deciding on Simplicity 3503. Then I agonised over fabrics for about a week. I haven't made many garments for myself and I'm not good with knowing what colours and style suit me.


So... after carefully measuring I started the dress and finished fairly quickly. I tried it on a lot before finishing, but somehow it ended up with problems. Like it was way too big. The neckline was too low and gaping. It was extremely long. And the waistband was completely wrong. Then the worst part - the style made me look about 6 months pregnant!!!




I was determined not to give up. So I did something that really surprised me. I put the instructions and pattern away. I said a prayer. I took the dress apart and started again. Don't ask me what I did - I cut, sewed, gathered, put in darts and somehow it all came together for a perfect fit!


Now here is the cool part. The fabric was off the Spotlight clearance table. At $2 a metre the dress worked out to roughly $7! (Not including the pattern cost)

I received many, many positive and flattering comments at the wedding. My husband gazed at me all night long. He is still gazing at me 4 days later. It was great to feel "pretty" again, it's been a long time!


I couldn't mention the wedding without showing my gorgeous sister being presented by Dad. She was so happy and beautiful. Marriage is a truly beautiful gift.

Disclaimer: The shots of me were taken by my 10 year old "photographer". He needs practice!


5 comments:

Marie said...

Well done on fixing the dress. You looks fabulous (love that you DH is so into you)

Tas said...

Heh, heh, I thought the hazy look waa for atmosphere. Fabulous, fabulous. Love the fabric and the style...and your hubby for gazing at you. Awwww!

zofia said...

Oh Kel, it's beautiful! Go you! Hurray for having faith in your abilities.
Your sister looks gorgeous too ;)

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

You look great, fabulous work on that fabric, what a find!! Wedding looked delightful, love Posie

Therese said...

what a great job. Usually when something doesn't work out for me, I pack it all up and leave it.

Congratulations to your sister and her new husband. May they have many happy years together.

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