A bridesmaid’s dress for Hettie
There’s someone I’d like you to meet. Say hello to my wonderful cousin, Hettie. Hello, Hettie!
Hettie has very kindly agreed to be my bridesmaid in June, and we’re both very excited! Today I started work on the first piece of clothing I’ll ever have made for someone who isn’t me or my other half, Robin. The clothing in question is Hettie’s bridesmaid dress. As Hettie and I live quite a long way apart, I thought I could set up a special page category called Hettie’s Bridesmaid Dress to chronicle the creation of the Dress!
We’re going to design the dress, I’ll make a muslin test dress, and then when we’ve got that one to fit, we’ll make the REAL dress. As Hettie has a touch of the fun 1920s flapper in her personality, we’re looking towards the 1920s for inspiration. But less towards the very narrow line of the early 1920s, and more towards the full skirt of late 1920s evening wear.
Here are some photos that have been really useful so far as inspiration. The first two are taken from the book Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics
I like the sleeves and easy drape of this one:
These next two are taken from The Kyoto Costume Institute’s Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century (Taschen 25th Anniversary)
and the layers and colours of this one:
So, after a bit of research, I came up with three sketches which I emailed for Hettie to look at (I’m not the world’s best artist…):
Any guesses which one Hettie liked the best?
Turns out to be Number 1. So, soon, Hettie is going to have her measurements taken by her friend Rose, and then they’ll be emailed to me. Then, it’s the difficult bit, making the test dress….
[To see all further entries in the saga of Hettie's dress, click here]
This blog is where I ramble on about fashion history, costume, sewing, knitting and anything else that takes my fancy.
The sketches for Hettie’s dress look great. I, too, would have chosen No. 1 or 2. Do you know what colour it will be and what type of material? I wonder what type of shoes Hettie will wear. She must be very excited at being a bridesmaid. Look forward to hearing more about it.
Hi Lindy Hopper! Hettie and I think a very light pink for the dress. And perhaps a kind of mary jane style shoe (maybe in silver) would go well…
We are looking forward to seeing Hettie in her bridesmaid dress at the end. I think Pink and silver adornments would look really nice on Hettie. I’m sure she will look very pretty and grown up. The question is will Hettie’s dog be going to the wedding or will Steve be dog sitting?
dear fiona
I cant wait for the wedding. Before the wedding me and mum and rose to see you in oxford.
Dear fiona
Hettie’s dress looks lovely! I’m sure she’ll look beautiful. Hope you have a brilliant day!
Love from Frances (Sue and Ian’s God daughter) and Hettie! x x x
The material for Hettie’s dress looks beautiful and I expect she is getting very excited about wearing it. I wonder what shoes she will wear with it, maybe ones with a strap across the foot and button on the side, very flapperish.
daer fiona, we love Hettie’s dress, it’s so brilliant!
i hope your work is going well.