Wedding Dresses....and more dresses.

Much of my spare time the last two months has been devoted to sewing dresses; specifically a wedding dress and a bridesmaid dress for Abby and Patrick's wedding.
Abby is my daughters freshman roommate and we've long considered her one of our own.  Patrick really is one of our own...he's an actual cousin. Now Abby is officially part of our family and we couldn't be happier.

This is Abby in her wedding dress just after the ceremony.  Doesn't they look happy? They are such a handsome couple.

Abby fell in love with the fabric and fit of a strapless wedding gown, but she wanted more coverage and she wanted sleeves.  The wedding date was set for late October and the weather turns cool by then so she chose 3/4 length sleeves.

This was the dress she purchased.

Abby's mom was able to acquire extra fabric and lace from the designer so I could build Abby a bodice with sleeves.  I took apart the entire dress; bustier, boning, lining, zipper and both fabrics (lace and underlining).  I fabricated a bodice with neckline and sleeves, took up the hem about 3 inches and put it all back together with tiny satin covered buttons up the back.

We added a satin ribbon and quite a while later,  the dress was done.
Abby was happy and I was happy. I was happy I didn't ruin Abby's wedding day with a dress she didn't like.  It's always a risk remaking an entire (already beautiful, I might add) wedding gown.  I will admit I was relieved when I finished and it was what she had envisioned.
It was a win/win situation.

My daughter Rachel arrived home from a 16 day European trip the day before the wedding. I made her a bridesmaid dress rather quickly.  She's the tall blonde to the left of the bride.

I really loved how her blue lace dress turned out.  More photos to come of Rachel's dress.

The send off was a success. 

Congratulations to the new bride and groom.

Knitting on a rainy day.

It's nippy out and it 's raining.  I love a rainy day.  The moisture is so welcome here.

I am up early, working on Little Cotton Rabbits newest pattern the Girl Fox.

I am thinking that the purple tulips look like Easter.  These Fox patterns are the newest addition to Julie's Pattern line.  She designed the bunny patterns I used to make these....

This was the sunset a week before the wedding. Isn't it lovely?  The last days of summer, I think.
And one last look at the Bridal Bouquet...just because they're so lovely.

Fall is my favorite time of year.  I know technically it's not Fall yet, but it's starting to feel like it.  The chill in the air and the leaves starting to turn colors tells me that Fall is not far off.

The Wedding Aftermath

We had a wedding on Saturday.  It looked a bit like this in the early afternoon.

 And it looked like this at 4:30.

We had an outdoor reception planned.  This was creek right after it flooded, but that's a story for tomorrow(when I am more rested).  

Here is the house today.  

When we get a breather, I'll tell you the story of the OUTDOOR/INDOOR wedding reception.  For now, I'm off to clean up the house and put it back together as best I can.  The girls are here and they have been a BIG help.  We couldn't have had this wedding without them. 

At least it smells good around here.  After passing out flowers to just about everyone we still have a houseful.  I am enjoying them because fall is just around the corner and the garden flowers will be gone soon.

Bridal Bouquet

These were delivered today by Kelsie, Brooke's friend and florist extraordinaire. 

Brooke's having her bridal photos taken today.  I love the soft pinks,creams and peaches that Brooke chose and Kelsie has done an amazing job with the small bouquet.  I can't wait to see Brooke and Nate in their wedding finery.

The Little Cotton Bunnies class went well at the Wool Cabin yesterday.  Even though some of the techniques I taught were advanced, I had a great group of knitters and they did well.  They're off to do some knitting homework in the next few weeks before the next class. 

And the needlepoint Christmas stocking from Hades is actually almost finished.

Life is good.

I've been busy and away from the blog.  I'm teaching a bunny class at the Wool Cabin this week.  The darling pattern can be purchased at the Little Cotton Rabbit shop on Etsy.  I'm just making up "parts" for the technique demonstrations.

And no I did not post the same photos from last week.  This is silk pencil skirt #2 and I finally got around to chopping the sleeves on the tops to elbow length.  One skirt left to make and jewelry to purchase for the Bridesmaids.  Until the end of August you will probably find me in the sewing room.  I miss all of you.

Bridesmaids Pencil Skirts

I've been away from the blog for a bit.

This is what I've been doing...

One down, two skirts partially finished.  I just need the final fitting to the girls.  I think the bridesmaids might like these, and maybe even wear the outfit again after the wedding.  Now we need to find some sort of necklace to wear.