In any case, I finally have some pictures of the grad dress I made in 2009 for Carmen. She looks stunning! This dress was fun to make, with the fancy back. The straps are braided fabric which come together to make one braid down the back. From the meeting point in the middle of the back there are several strings of beads coming down to the waistline, a detail which I had never done before, but which turned out great. This dress was certainly unique from anything anyone else was wearing for graduation! (Carmen is the one on the right, obviously)

This was such a fun dress to make! I did it while I was waiting to go into labour, so it was nice to have a distraction, and something productive to do. It turned out great, and she looked beautiful.

I looove this skirt, for it’s print, cut, and fat red ribbon belt. Such a nice big bow! The darkness of the skirt needed a little flash, so I paired it with this turquoise t-shirt knit halter, which seems to vibrate with brightness next to the red ties.

The fat neckline on this tunic was created using the biggest cotton upholstery piping I could find. Paired with an asymmetrical hem and the tulip sleeves, it reminds me of futuristic style. The slouchy red tights have shiny gold buttons down the leg to spiff them up.

The somewhat simple design of the dress is a fine backdrop for this sweet bad ass applique! The skull fabric is a scrap from the same cotton print I used to make my husband some boxer shorts (a few posts back).  I had also planned on using a nice gold chain as spaghetti straps to add a little bling to the dress, but could find none at any stores! Ah well, it works fine without.

I like using fabrics which are similar in colour but differ in finish. Monochromatic contrast! In this case, I used a shiny, lightweight satin for the ruched front panel, straps, and bubble skirt, and a heavier, matte, double knit fabric for the body of the dress. The silhouette of this design accentuates a woman’s lovely curves.

Well, not really a dress, but skirt and top with a cummerbund. Another of my very favourite outfits, made from a polyester apron from the thrift store. I love the white ruffled edges, the massive spiral button on the back, and the contrasting texture of the satin velvet cummerbund.

More puffy sleeves! The big shoulder look of the 80’s is here for a comeback, accentuating Kate’s little waistline. The skirt has a hidden pocket in the front pleat, cause I love secret pockets.

I love fabrics with so many different colours woven in. You can only really see them all up close, but they have a nice stripey tiger effect from far away as well.

The thumbholes in the sleeve are a wonderful detail, which I use often. I hate when sleeves are too short, but when they hang over your hands, it impedes your ability to function. Keep those opposable thumbs free!