Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Elisabeth's New Dress......



I was so happy to finally finish this dress for Sweet Elisabeth. I saw a ready-to-wear dress with these similar lines several months back. I wasn't aware of any patterns that were drafted to make a bishop like this....so I had to draft my own. Basically it is a bishop with a box pleat in the center front. I spent a long time agonizing over what to embroider on the pleat. Finally I decided on an "E" for Elisabeth, of course. I could not even find an "E" that was what I wanted so I free-handed that too.

The rest of the bishop dress is pretty normal except....I made this one "seamless" hoping the microcheck would not create such a moire effect...no such luck there either. I had never made a "seamless" bishop but rather always sewed the sleeves in before running it through the pleater. I think I'll stick with sewing the sleeves in from here on out. It did not make the pleating, smocking, or construction much more difficult...but I really had to "think" about it more than I like. I found myself constantly comparing the three bishop patterns that I have. I'll stick with my "tried and true" from here on out.


The final test came when Elisabeth tried it on when it was all finished. I always worry about a bishop accidentally having a "turtle neck effect." I usually block a bishop before I smock and after I smock and so far...I've never had a problem. And the best part....Elisabeth loves it and does not want to ever take it off. I call that success....until bedtime tonight!!!!

7 comments:

The dB family said...

It is darling! I love the embroidered initial in the middle!

Thank you for the "scoop" on Sally Clarkson's books. I intend to read several more of hers in the not to distant future I hope. She is such an encouragement. I will also be sure to check out her blog. Did you know that her daughter has a book (or even books??) out too? It is called Journeys of Faithfulness. I am reading it with the girls.

Anonymous said...

Excellent job! The dress is darling! :))

Chickie said...

I love the box pleat bishop! SB had one in Issue 91, 2003 that I've used several times, most recently on a Christening Gown. I love Elisabeth's dress. Great job, Mom!

Cindy said...

Thanks Deborah. I have heard of the Journeys of Faithfulness...but I have not read them. I will check into them. Thanks!

Cheryl....thanks!!

Kelley...thanks!! Someone else mentioned that SB to me. I, of course, don't have it or I wouldn't have drafted my own. Maybe I'll look for it at the next M. Pullen Market.

Dk's Wife said...

It is adorable! You do fabulous work!

Cindy said...

Thanks Kay!!!

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