recap part 3: bridesmaids’ dresses

You might remember from this post that I made the bridesmaids’ dresses as well as the flower girl dresses.  I wanted them to be easy to fit as none of the 5 ladies wearing the dresses lived close to me.  They also needed to be affordable, and I wanted them to be able to wear them again.  I’m not sure if the girls have worn them again, but at least it’s an option!

I made my friend Kelley’s dress first because she is the closest to my size (I mean, people ask if we’re sisters all the time.  Or cousins.  Or once, if she’s my mom.  That person was really confused.)  It was easiest to fit it to myself, her body double, then alter it for the other two girls.  All I really needed was a measurement around above the chest, the strap length, and center front length.  The pattern (I would get it out if I wasn’t glued to my sofa right now) consisted of 3 pieces and some measurements on how big to make the circle for the dress body.

Picture comments:  1.  Here it is on me after I made it but before it was hemmed.

2.  various views of the bridesmaids, plus the bride and groom.

3.  the flower girls.  These were the hardest because I did not give them enough room to grow, and couldn’t fit them in person very well.  As you can see both dresses are a little small- the straps especially are riding up.  I was able to hem them right before the wedding so the length is alright.

4.  the bridal party… in disguise.  I didn’t ask anyone if they minded being on this blog but figured since no one really reads it, they will allow it.

5.  me and 3 of my favorite ladies in the world.

I like how the dresses turned out.  Everyone was comfortable, everyone matched in a roundabout way, and we didn’t have to spend tons of money.  I actually want to make one for myself now that I’m expecting my first child… how lovely to be able to wear something for the next 6 months without worrying about fit.  We’ll see if I get around to it though; I have such a huge project backlog that we’ll be lucky to finish the little person’s room before probably he/maybe she comes.  I’ll be writing more very soon!