Monday, October 13, 2014

Cherries Jubilee


Here is the finished dress!


I have to say, I am quite proud of this one - which is certainly a relief after all that work! 


I started with two separate patterns from Mrs. Depew Vintage, some gorgeous fabric from my New York trip, and the motivation to make something truly “me.”


The original patterns are solidly based in the 1950s, but what I came up with feels a bit different.


What can I say, I was inspired by the fabric . . . which, let's be honest, really makes the dress.  Thank you, Peter and Mr. Charles James, for the motivation to vacation in New York City, or I would never have found it!


Now that I see the finished dress, I also see my recent inspiration.


I was not even aware how some of it creeped in there, but whatever works, right?!


There is definitely some 1950s in there, a bit of Sleeping Beauty’s pointed bodice, some ballet references because of this book, and definitely some Charles James thrown in there for good measure.


Today I stitched a couple of ribbon hangers on the corselette/petticoat, made a cover, and placed it in the back of the closet.


The next step is doing the same to the dress.  Perhaps putting this project completely to bed will narrow my focus so I can move onto the next!  Because, to be honest, I am feeling a bit adrift at the moment . . . and exhausted!



Dress: Made by me, Mrs. Depew
Corselette/Petticoat:  Made by me, Vogue 7698
Purse:  Made by me, Vogue 625
Petticoat:  Purchased
Necklace:  Vintage Dress Clip
Ring:  Grandfather’s class ring
Shoes:  Miss L Fire "Bel-Aire"
Stockings:  Nordstrom
Velvet Flower:  Made by me

31 comments:

  1. Congratulations, applause and respect, pretty lady. You have done a great job! You look really great in this garment, it is a wonderful dress..

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a marvel! It would never occurred to me to use a cherry print with the styling you chose, yet it is so wonderful! Your closet must be STUFFED with dynamite clothing. Congrats on a couture garment - thanks for taking me along for the ride!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a lovely dress, and it looks so good on. It looks very light and a tad sexy! I would never be able to put together something so intricate, but I will keep working at it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just beautiful, Laura Mae! What a triumph!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. A grand dress with remarkable workmanship. Congratulations. It is easy to understand why you are so exhausted. But then again, you have a priceless piece of art in your closet now. Rest and recoup.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, my--this is absolutely stunning! A piece of art! I'm sure you made a grand entrance! thank you for sharing all the details of the construction--the whole is so much more than the sum of its parts.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It is completely 100% gorgeous. You've done an amazing job and I've enjoyed following your whole process.

    ReplyDelete
  8. How many women can both make and then carry off a gown like this? NOT MANY!!!! Congratulations on a superb accomplishment!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It really is the most stunning dress! You wear it beautifully and that smile says it all. So lovely to see one of these Depew patterns sewn in real life.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've had this up all morning and still can't quite work out the words for this dress - it's absolutely stunning, congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So beautiful! The sheen on that fabric is incredible, and the work you put into this dress really shows. You totally deserve a little break after all that, I'm not surprised you're a bit adrift!

    ReplyDelete
  12. so gorgeous and I love all your solutions to design problems that you have detailed.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amazing! I've loved watching all the construction building up to the great reveal! Beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can understand that you are exhausted after all that work. But the dress looks amazing and so do you in it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd say this is Cherries JubilATION! This dress on you is pure elegance and a stunning success. Thank you for sharing its creation with us.

    ReplyDelete
  16. As always, I'm blown away by your attention to detail. Charles James had nothing on you, girl!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful! Congratulations on a stellar achievement!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Are you getting billing at this event? We can't be the only people who want to see you in your latest creation.

    Laura Mae, you outdid yourself, AGAIN! Not only is this dress party-stopping gorgeous, but all the required admiration has left me too tired to rant.

    ReplyDelete
  19. You are a vision. Such a beautiful dress.

    ReplyDelete
  20. The dress is truly stunning -- and it has so many beautiful angles. Next time you're in NYC, bring it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. It is absolutely beautiful! You did such a lovely job :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. It is really quite exquisite! I love seeing your garment constructions and then the final product. It makes you appreciate the finished garment so much more :). And those shoes are just the thing for it!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Do you ever wear you gala gowns more than once? Just curious! This is my fave besides the Ceil.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Stunning! You look like Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men). Are you sure you're not her, moonlighting as an incredible sewist?

    ReplyDelete
  25. The dress is just stunning! So happy that it was perfect for the event and that you enjoyed the sewing journey.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Laura - this gown is nothing short of awesome, stunning, breath-taking, gorgeous and definitely different! You are a star in hour field! Happy New Year and happy sewing!

    ReplyDelete