Sunday, January 27, 2013

Dress #366 Finale

Well, here it is. My last dress. And yes, it is, in the tradition of the old couture shows, a wedding dress. Fabric, lace, ruffles and pearls in a sophisticated silhouette for my finale. I am both happy and sad that my year is complete. I've enjoyed nearly every moment---admittedly, there were times I didn't want to make a dress. In general, though, once I started, I enjoyed the creative process. What have I learned from this endeavor? 1.) I like fabric, but using paper as fabric was a new pleasure for me. 2.) I found it very difficult to not accept suggestions from others. I like to please, but I wanted this to be entirely my own creativity. 3.) The more you do, the more ideas you have. 4.) Recognition and praise is addicting and terrifying. 5.) It is impossible to me to work neatly. 6.) Waists really make dresses look good! 7.) A little glitz makes me very happy. 8.) Every dress idea produced ideas for other projects. I intend to document those project on this blog as this next year unfolds. 9.) 366 is a lot of little dresses! and 10.) Blogging about a commitment is an excellent motivator.

For all of you who have followed along for the year, thank you. I appreciate all those page views, and if you've made comments, please know that they meant the world to me. Eileen, thank you for sending me the care package of ribbons when I realized I'd left my collection at home. Sandy, thank you for your dialog with  me about how I would display and share them when I finished, and for inviting me to come and speak at your group. Anticipating that presentation will keep me from feeling bereft at the loss of the daily "happy hour." And mostly important, thank you, Jeff, for putting up with the mess, and supporting me 100% all year long. Never did you groan or complain about the money or the effort. Thank you everyone!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Dress #365 Black Roses

This is one of my favorite looks---all the interest in the skirt fabric with a plain black sweater. It is more unexpected than the usual plain black skirt or pants with the fancy top. A very fancy ribbon from the scrapbooking world, black felt for the sweater, and a ribbon belt. The necklace is some chunky embroidery thread that I've had for years.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Dress #364 Bottle Green

The skirt for today's dress is from a water bottle I found on the street in Paris. I think the brand is from Croatia. Lovely bottle. The bodice is a recycled Sprite bottle. Lining is tissue paper, and some gold for the belt.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Dress #362 I Love Paris

Vichy fabric---what in the States is gingham---a tiny Eiffel Tower and crocheted white lace trim. All this makes a very Paris looking dress. I will tell you, however, that I have never seen anything made of gingham here in France. But as the song goes, "Why, oh why do I love Paris? Because my love is here."

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Dress #361 Red and Black Lace

Red top with black lace overlay, and a sheer black skirt. I'll take this over a little black dress any day. Fabric, lace, and ribbon.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Dress #360 Beaded Wool

I just love this gauzy, soft wool fabric I found here. The beaded top makes it a beautiful dress. Sheer wool, beads and a velvet ribbon.