2 May 2010

Better Late Than...Whatever, You Get the Idea

Procrastinate?  Me?  No.  Never.  Maybe.

Okay, I did say I was going to make this dress ages ago.  And then, it went into the "it's-next-in-line" pile and then it went into the "soon-to-be-made" pile and then I forgot about it.
 
So, for those of you that require a refresher on my plans (What?  You don't hang on my every word and memorize all my lofty goals for the future?  What kind of crappy blog readers are you?  Sheesh.), here goes:

Two years ago, I fell madly and passionately in love with a dress that I found on Vintageous.  Cast your gaze upon its fabulousness over to the left.  If it hadn't been so big in the bust, I would have snatched it up right then and there.  But, alas it was not meant to be.  So, I dabbed away the tears and formulated a plan:

Must.knockoff.dress.Must.knockoff.dress.Must.knockoff.dress...

The search for two similar (read: identical) fabrics ensued.  My quest was arduous and all-consuming.  I looked far and wide for lime green and avocado silk chiffon to no avail.  Tired and weary, I finally conceded failure.

Then, as if sent from heaven, I found them (cue angels singing) - the perfect fabrics.  Back in the day when Denver Fabrics was still Denver Fabrics (and not just a weird doppelganger of Fashion Fabrics Club), I received a sale email from them.  Intrigued, I went to have a look-see at their fabric offerings and the rest, as they say, is history.

I purchased the two gorgeous silk chiffons on the right and my hopes for the project were renewed.

Unfortunately, this dress requires some sort of lining, because see-through silk + Shannon = police record.  Well, trying to find lining fabrics in the appropriate shades was a major pain in the ass my next challenge.

I started to feel like that Ahab dude in Moby Dick and this dress was my white whale.  I kept sneaking up on it, sure that it would be mine, only to be thwarted yet again.  (Don't worry, I'm pretty sure this project won't ultimately lead to my death...I hope...I mean, I'm not some crazy obsessed person...I'm way more stable than that...!...Ishmael, hold me.)

However, as it turns out, patience was my friend.  Slowly, over time, I was able to locate and purchase two silk charmeuses (charmeusi?) in the perfect matching shades from Fabric Mart.  But, by the time I had collected all my materials, I no longer needed a formal dress.  Drat!

Until now.  It's Prom season, baby!  And I am chaperone extraordinaire.  So, I have to put this little lovely together by Friday, May 14th.  That gives me just less than two weeks.  Wish me luck.

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see your version of the dress! It is beautiful!
Kristen

cidell said...

LUCK!! That dress is awesome.

wendy said...

That's a beautiful color combination! I can't wait to see it. :-) I will be silly and say that I'm happy you're making it so we can vicariously follow along, because as GORGEOUS as that dress is, I have sworn off chiffon and charmeuse for now. I swear I get grey hairs just thinking about them!! But I can't wait to see yours, and I wish you sharp needles and much patience- I'm sure it will be stunning.

Faye Lewis said...

Oh Shannon, how absolutely gorgeous that is going to be. I know you will look like a million in it - because you always do.

Anonymous said...

Please make this so I can come and borrow it. ;-) Best of luck! I'm looking forward to seeing it!

A Peppermint Penguin said...

Wishing you good luck, bonne chance, buona fortuna and lang may yer lum reek.

Those greens are so fabulous. I can see you in that dress already, you will look even more fabulous. I'd never in a million months of Sundays, try to make that dress or try to wear it - so thanks for sharing!

Gaunyerselhen.
AJ

Anonymous said...

That dress is gorgeous! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I don't think Ahab's obsession was contagious,but beauty of the dress is. As soon as I saw it I wanted it too. But I have my own white whales so I will live vicariously through you. LOVE IT. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT!!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I know that you are more than equal to the task of turning fabric into this fine dress. Please share the process with us cause you know we all are sitting here at rapt attention waiting upon your every move! :)

mermaids said...

you can do it and it will be gorgeous! students are trying to convince me to go to prom because our prom is on my birthday.

Sewellen said...

Wow, that is so stunning! Great color combos for us redheads...I can't wait to see yours!

Stacy said...

Fabulous dress and fabulous color combo! "Charmeusi"...giggle.

tumblina said...

There's always a mental hurdle when something has lain fallow for so long, but I'm inspired all over again by the original - I'm hoping the gorgeousness gets you through the next couple of weeks without (much of) a hitch!!

Mary Beth said...

Hilarious post! Love the back bodice of the intended KO (knockoff). Gees, it's wonderful when all the elements finally finally come together. Sweet Sewing, Shannon!

Reethi said...

Good luck! That's an amazing looking dress, I can't wait to see what you do with it.

Gorgeous Things said...

You'll do it! That will be so fabulous on you!!!!

Susan Fogel said...

Can teachers be prom queen? You may just be elected!
It is gorgeous, the colors are luscious and the silhouette is stunning.
Can't wait to see the finished dress.

Unknown said...

Good luck and have fun making your vision come true! I'm sure it will be stunning!

Rose said...

I believe that you'll be going to the prom in a stunning two-toned green dress! The picture of the dress looks like it was made for you. Well, it looks ready for an exact knockoff. My fingers are on the computer keys waiting to read about your progress.

Nancy K said...

LOL If anyone can do it, you can! It's gorgeous and so perfect for you!

Anonymous said...

Good luck. I think that dress is gorgeous. Can't wait to see your splendiferous version!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this could be uh-mazing. In love with the colors. Good luck!

ReaderRita said...

That is going to be stunning!
Can't wait to see it and hear the story of how it went together!
Gorgeous-ity!

Ann Made Studio said...

Perfect dress for prom!

You can so do it :) Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

I'm sending you good luck, but I know you will have it done on time and it will be gorgeous.

Vicki said...

I can see it on you already! Good luck :)

MushyWear said...

I think you can do it too! The colors will look great on you! Good luck, can't wait to see it.

Diana said...

You can do it Shannon. I can't wait to se it!!!

laura said...

I do love green, and I really hope you make that dress! I have a slutty pair of green platform sandals and I really need to find something to go with them!
Back when I was a banquet manager, the club I worked at allowed a high school to hold it's prom on our premises. We didn't have any problems but I remember spending a lot of time in the bathroom with a very emotional girl whose date couldn't come that night because he was in jail!

Carolyn said...

WOW!!!! What a stunning combination of colours! I can't wait to see your dress. It will be beautiful!

Eugenia said...

That is going to be some gorgeous dress - your fabrics are perfect!!

Becky said...

Good luck! And great inspiration. I can't wait to see the results!

Rachelle said...

That dress is FAB.U.LOUS!!!

Can't wait to see your take on it!

amber said...

Oh man, I'm sending you all the good vibes I can muster. Just remember Tim Gunn's fabulous motto "make it work" if you hit any snags. ;) Can't wait to see the final product!

Tesla said...

OMG! You are going to be gorgeous in this dress. I can hardly wait to see the pics!

Nancy Winningham said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love it.

melissa said...

oh WOW! that dress is just gorgeous!! I can't wait to see your version!

Household removals Australia said...

Beautiful dress! The color and the design is perfect. I really love it!

Kitty Couture said...

Amazing dress. Have fun recreating it!

Tany said...

OMG! I can't wait for this fabulousness to come to life!

LakshmiRP said...

Awesome color combo. Can't wait to see action shot. Good luck

Stephanie said...

This is gorgeous! It looks like a good twirling dress too!