Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

Matron of Honor - Summer wedding

ChristineB

My little sister is getting married this summer & has asked me to be her matron of honor. I feel very honored!! Her plan is to buy fabric for me and her bridesmaids, and then we'll choose a sewing pattern & make our own dress (or have it made). That way we'll be all the same but different.

So, I've been looking at patterns. I have some fairly specific modesty requirements - skirt at least to the knee, there must be sleeves, and necklines must not be to low or wide. As personal taste I don't really like very high necklines.

My body type is a pear with a strong shoulder (or hourglass with pear tendencies - take your pick).

What do you guys think of these dresses?

http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=2648 without the little button tab on the front and slightly longer sleeves (but not the ones with cuffs)

http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=2917 but with neither sleeves shown - I'd shorten the longer ones, probably

http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=3831

http://www.butterick.com/item/.....#38;page=1 I'd make this with the surplice bodice without the collar, but with sleeves, kind of a combo of views D&E, not sure what I'd do for the belt/sash

http://www.mccallpattern.com/i.....8;page=all not off the shoulder - this is probably a little too casual, but it would depend on the fabric

http://www.mccallpattern.com/i.....8;page=all either the v or square neck

Angie - do these have prettier sleeves & necklines than the last pattern I posted? I hope so!

The dress will be dark blue, but I'm not 100% sure on the type of fabric. I can probably have some input on that, especially if I've already chosen a pattern.

Any & all comments welcomed (as always)

The latest reply was from ChristineB . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


6 Replies

Posted 11 months ago
san

I like the first Simplicity, Amazing Fit pattern the best of all. I think it would be very flattering on your figure.
The second one seems very heavy at the bottom with the extra fabric in the skirt.
The third, I'm concerned with the gathering under the bustline.
Fourth, I don't care for the collarless style with those very simple sleeves.
Fifth, it looks like you would be stuck with the cap sleeves.
Sixth, could work but I prefer the princess seams on the first pattern to the darts on this one.
How exciting. I can't wait to see the finished dress, and pictures of it along the way.

Posted 11 months ago
Angie (website)

Good going, Christine. Before I offer my suggestions, what type of fabric are you thinking of using?

(Great input from San the seamstress).

Posted 11 months ago
ChristineB

Probably a crepe. Something drapy but not too shiny, I think. The fabric will be bought next week, but my sis is pretty open to suggestions, and crepe is my first choice.

Posted 11 months ago
ChristineB

OH, and thank you for your input, San. You are a much more experienced seamstress than I am, and I value your opinion. You voiced some of the same thoughts I had.

Posted 11 months ago
Angie (website)

Crepe. Hmmm. Quite business-y. Are you sure? If that’s the brides preference then absolutely. Just ironing out details so that I’m accurate with my suggestions! What colour did you have in mind?

Posted 11 months ago
ChristineB

I didn't realize silk crepe was considered business-y in a dress. I hope she doesn't choose anything too stiff or too shiny. Is there another type of fabric you would suggest? I could suggest it to my mom. When they go shopping for fabric I know my mom will have lots of influence because my sis doesn't sew. Unfortunately I can't be there when they go shopping because I'm 5 hours away. Picking fabrics is the hardest part about sewing for me.

Anyway, I'm quite sure the color will be dark blue. Thanks for considering everything & for your input, Angie!

Posted 11 months ago