Dye Samples for Dress #2 with Lace Overlays

Dye Samples for Dress #2

I wanted to see if a marbled/variegated color would be better under the lace and silk net than a solid color. I tried a number of different resist methods (bunching and tying the fabric together, twisting it onto itself, twisting around a pole, tying around a pole, etc.). I found that the twisting and bunching methods seemed to give me the better results.

For the colors, I used an Alphonso Mucha painting for color inspiration. I wanted to capture the sophisticated pastel colors present in the illustration. These colors were also used in the iris embroideries I have been working on, but I felt the natural silk background was too much of a contrast with the colored silk and cotton threads of the embroidery.

More Irises . . . .

Irises for Dress #2!

Iris #2: Stranded cottons. I have found that doing a split stitch outline is actually better than using a plain back stitch outline on the charmeuse. It seems that the split stitch is more stable for the fabric, creates less visible holes and maintains more of the fabrics flexibility than using a back stitch. For this Iris, I am experimenting using long and short stitches and mixing thread colors.

Iris #1: Stranded cottons. Executed in split stitch using lavender, peach, and rose colored cotton threads. I did not use any padding. I changed the direction of the stitching with each section.

Fitting #1 for Duchess Gown

Today I fit Option B muslin for the Duchess Gown. I decided not to fit Option A muslin because I have decided that I prefer the option with the attached full train instead of the option with the detachable full train. Excess on bodice was pinned out and noted. I will compare these fit notes with fit notes on form and will adjust pattern accordingly.

Photos of Duchess Gown Muslin (Option B):



Photos of Petticoat Muslin:

Back of Sample

Orange Blossom with Strawberry Leaves, finished . . .

Detail photos of the finished sample . . .






The finished sample from many different angles.

Orange Blossom with Strawberry Leaves Continued . . .

Orange Blossom with Strawberry Leaves Continued . . .

Padding Process Photos

Newport

I just got back from my trip to Newport. I was able to see the Breakers, the Elms, Rosecliffs, and Marble House. I also had a meeting with one of the curators at the Newport Preservation Society to see Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney's wedding dress (Consuelo's cousin that got married the year after her). It was an amazing trip and I will write up a little summary of my thoughts and reflections. I have posted my photos to my share site. Unfortunately, I was only able to take photos of the exterior of the houses. I was allowed to photograph the wedding dress I viewed though and the curator helped me to photograph the interior construction of the gown.

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