Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Alabama Chanin Beaded Mardi Gras Dress - The Back!

Yesterday I re-beaded the back bodice sections where I left the knots on the outside. It wasn't that hard, but trying to stitch without puckering after the shape's already cut out was a little nerve-wracking. See the shape near the center top where I removed the beads? Now stitch that without stretching it - yikes! This is the first time I felt that the dress was very fragile. I started having nightmares of things ripping when I sit down.


And here she is - minus beading at the bottom where I'll have to cut off the train - boo.


This pattern would make a gorgeous dress for a wedding or something where no one's going to step on the train...or spill vodka on it.


All that's left is to fell the seam (better get the pliers and leather thimble), sew the side seams, and bind the neckline and armholes.


What would you use for binding - the darker fabric, or the lighter? I'm leaning towards the darker, but I'm open to suggestions....and I've been thinking about beading options on the binding - may have to check out the Craftsy projects and Bianca's blog to get some ideas.

11 comments:

Pam said...

Fantastic job! Good luck with the binding -- I always find that to be difficult! I would too vote for the darker binding. What a fabulous dress -- I'm ready for the reveal:)

BeckyW said...

Your dress is absolutely gorgeous!! You must take tons of photos of you wearing it.

I would vote for the darker binding that matches the outer layer of the dress.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Thank you people, and I appreciate your continuing to comment after the gazillion unfinished pictures I've posted - the reveal will have to be something special. I need to start scouting locations....

Sheila said...

Amazingly beautiful and blown away at all the hard work gone into the making of it.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Thank you, Sheila!

Anonymous said...

It looks wonderful!!!! Can't wait to see a "portrait" of you with DH in a tux.

Robbie

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Welcome back! And there will be no tux pic because he has to wear a silly costume the whole time...oh well.

Bianca s said...

Sorry about the late reply, my computer has been down.)

I am blown away by the beauty of your dress! You have done such a wonderful job! Long distance hugs and high fives!

On the binding I suggest the darker that matches the outside of the dress. Are you going to secure it with a beaded stitch or without? Both would be beautiful (I personally, have trouble with beading any, but the parallel stitch).

This is just gorgeous! You will be the bell of the ball.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Hug and high 5 back to you, Bianca! You're the main reason I'm getting it finished in time with your tricks and tips on stitching. I was actually going to use the beaded parallel stitch you used on your blue dress, but I'm a little worried about all the Mardi Gras beads rubbing on the binding beads. I may just have to be selective with the MG beads instead of stacking them up to my chin ;) And I don't know whether to bead the underarm area - yours wasn't, I don't think. Hope to get to that tomorrow - felling the side seams takes FOREVER!

Bianca s said...

Thanks for letting me a part of something so beautiful!

My dress does not have beads on the underarm, I imagine it would be uncomfortable... The parallel stitches were easy to bead, but I think the others are more of a challenge.

Considering the MG beads you will be wearing, I would go with an un-beaded stitch.

I hope you have recovered from the felling! It is a beast!

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Felling is done - phew! I decided to go ahead and bead the binding since I plan to wear this to another black tie event next month, and I rubbed my arms along the dress with no discomfort, so I'm beading the armholes to be consistent.. I've decided they'll bury me in this thing, seriously!