So I'm going to try to make my wedding dress - you were all so damn positive in my last post that I almost feel like I don't have a choice. I mean how could I resist all that joy. That said, I'm being practical and making it easy on myself as I've never done anything like this before. But more about that in a minute. 

So in spite of all your enthusiasm, let's talk about the fears....

1. I have never worked with lace and I generally don't work with slippery fabrics. So frankly I'm expecting it to be a little annoying and unenjoyable. That said I'm excited about it. It feels creative and challenging, and we all know that creative and challenging is fun.

2. My other fear is how to make a dress without getting overwhelmed by choice OR by perfectionism. I don't need this to be perfect, I really don't. I do need it to be beautiful. But the overwhelming thing is that there are a million versions of what beautiful could be. How do you choose just one? Any help on this one would be appreciated. 

So here is my plan.

1. Go lace shopping at Tessuti in Sydney. Wait. Tick! I did this today for a couple of hours. Yay! So fun. I purchased a few things to play with.* 

2.  Make a muslin of the top part of the dress in an inexpensive fabric to see about fit and shape. I'm thinking of using the Elisalex bodice or maybe trying to make something a little bit less fitted ala Laure De Sagazan. I may be a little obsessed with her tag #lauredesagazan on instagram. That lace top and simple plain skirt thing, kills me.

2a. If I get stuck with the fit then go see a clever dressmaker. This was a suggestion in the wonderful comments on my last post. So helpful.

3. Make the bodice up in one of the pretty lace fabrics I purchased. I purchased two, and a few samples because I got stuck choosing. Have you ever been to Tessuti in Surrey Hills? Oh my it's pretty. 

4. Make the skirt part in a linen or chambray to test for shape. Base the pattern shape off one of my favourite skirts. Make a pattern.

5. Make the skirt out of a plain fabric (like Laure's frocks).

6. Make a lining for the lace? - or maybe don't and just purchase a featureless bustier type undergarment? I think this will depend on how the whole thing looks. 

7. If I hate what I have made by May then go and have something made, or purchase off the rack. This is called the get-out-clause and it makes me happy.

You guys were so helpful last time if you have an opinion about my process - that I need to add, rearrange or subtract a step - then step up and be opinionated in the comments! 

Gee this will be fun!

Felicia

*Someone asked me on the last post whether this process was going to fall under Stash Less and my answer is absolutely NOT! I have nothing that could be considered useful for wedding dress making so I get to give myself a free pass :). - Edited for clarity!!