First off, a really big thank you for continuing to support me at Project Run and Play. I made it through Special Occasion week and am working this week on my “Signature Look” for the final project – be sure to stop in Friday to see what I’ve made!
I’m hoping to squeeze in a couple things before Friday. To start, I wanted to share pictures of Olivia’s gown that she wore for Grace’s princess party (Are you tired of the Princess Party yet?? A couple more things, including a fabulous giveaway, okay?)
Olivia’s dress was made using three full yards of a stretchy, bouncy satin. I have no specific information on this fabric – I picked it up in a flurry of sewing and party planning right after Christmas. Those two weeks between Christmas and Grace’s birthday party were CRAZY!! I sewed and photographed Addie’s entire ensemble for the first week of Project Run and Play (that was the brown silk dress), little Oliver’s entire boy look, three princess gowns for Grace’s party, AND did all the decorations and baking for the party. Again, CRAZY!! So when it was two days until party and Olivia’s dress still wasn’t done, I ran to Joann’s and bought a pile of several different pink synthetics, ran home, and this dress is what I ended the night with.
It is HEAVY and TWIRLY!!
The bodice is basically a lined tube, cut a couple inches smaller than her chest since there is so much stretch in the satin. The floorlength skirt is very full and tightly gathered, then stitched to the tube bodice. The hem of the skirt is finished with a very ruffly ruffle. I finally bought a ruffling foot for my sewing machine and it definitely made this hemline ruffle a million times quicker to do!!
The flower on the bodice that wraps over into a single strap makes this dress extra special. I’ll do a tutorial at some point – remind me if you find yourself waiting too long! It’s basically a long ruffle, wound around and stitched down into a flower spiral. Then I added a few singed petals and a thrifted pearl earring to the center to finish it. Olivia was begging for the dress to be strapless, but 1) it was too heavy, and 2) her daddy was having a heart attack over his little girl wearing something so “grown up.” The flower strap helped on the first front, but probably not much on the second.
Nevertheless, this princess is definitely happy with her fancy dress and loved dressing up for her sister’s birthday party.
Lanie says
OH, my goodness. That is such a sophisticated gorgeous gown for the biggest sis! I’m imagining prom dresses and wedding dresses in your future…very very distant future. Sorry, didn’t mean to get all carried away and stress you out, but those girls are set for a good wardrobe. They never have to worry about not finding just the right thing to wear, you could just whip up whatever their hearts imagine. 😉
Hands down one of my favorite things you’ve done thus far.
My name is Rita says
That is a beautiful gown! Great job!
BizzyMom says
You do beautiful really, really well!!
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
No I’m not tired of the princess party. I love it! Olivia’s dress is pretty amazing, especially for being made in one day! You are one amazing & talented woman. Your girls are lucky to have you as their Mama. I’m guessing their was LOTS of coffee consumed during the sewing, crafting & baking frenzy.
cestMoi Sandy says
Hi Stef! Congrats girl with the purchase of your most favorite foot in the house. Your Ruffler.
I have one too and love mine. Never will your thread break and starting all over with gathering. John even suggested that I should get another (I have had times… right in the middle of custom orders that my foot broke – sounds funny huh?) Well… I guess this time I will listen to my Dear. and get another foot.
Last and definitely not least…. You did so great on all your garments… I can’t believe the driving last minute and coming home with the fabric 2 days before it was due… That is the LOVE of a Mom.
Hugs
Sandy
Lissa (Bellenza) says
Amazing sewing skills, creativity, and just plain stamina to get through all those occasions with such fabulous results!
My Sunny Porch says
…and was still conscious to blog about it! hats off!
toots2u says
Another gorgeous dress!! Looking forward to seeing your Run and Play signature outfit!! Your previous outfits have been amazing!!
The Sewing Dork says
Oh my, I would have loved for you to be my seamstress/momma when I was a little girl!
Tanya says
So pretty! And how gorgeous are your children!
Interior Design says
Very beautiful. I love the design. It is such an inspiration. The girls are so pretty too.
princess says
Small bits of content which are explained in details, helps me understand the topic, thank you!
Princess Party Planner