Oh Yes!
Well, I decided that I should take myself off to Hansons, the wonderful fabric warehouse in Sturminster Newton today and drove through the cloudbursts and buffeting winds to get there - I had forgotten how far away it was. Still, it really was worth the trip.
At first I went through the patterns and found one that I really liked and they even had my size. Then it was a hunt through the many bolts of fabric. Luckily, they group colours together, so it meant that it was easy to compare the differing shades.
The pattern I have selected is empire line with a floaty over-skirt and sleeves, so I had to find two fabrics that went well together. At first I couldn't find what I wanted, but the staff there were incredibly helpful and eventually they found the perfect compliment to the main fabric I had chosen.
For the bodice and underskirt I have a pure shot silk in the most gorgeous, imperial purple and the sleeves and overskirt are in a slightly softer colour in georgette that's all floaty and delicate. I purchased some amethyst and clear crystal beads, tiny, delicate ones, to sew on to the dress and I'm feeling really optimistic.
Just to make the trip worthwhile, I found cords for the Handfasting and now have gold, silver and purple and just need to plait those together and fix the ends - I shall probably try whipping them as they will be passed around for people to tie Handfasting wish ribbons to, so they need to be sturdily fixed. Goodness, all that's left now, apart from getting a smart new besom (mine is really manky) is to get on and start sewing. How exciting.
I think I might sacrifice an old sheet and make the bodice part up in old cotton fabric, just to be certain it's a good fit - chopping pure silk up on a wish and a prayer seems a bit frightening and the bill at the fabric shop checkout was... considerable.
Time for a steadying cup of tea and then I shall open the pattern and try to work out what goes where - wish me luck!
posted by The Shepton Witch @ 16:47
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4 Comments:
Wishing you all the luck you required.
Just a thought: Should you consider purchasing a new besom? If you have pagan/witchy guests attending, they may bring one as a "gift".
Oh, I really hope you are willing to share a few pictures of the finished dress. It sounds absolutely gorgeous!
It's a thought AC, though I suspect they won't. If people have asked about presents, we have pointed them at kiva.org and suggested that they sponsor someone for $25 as we're both old enough to have all the tea towels and toasters we need!
Somehow, it would seem greedy and ungracious to ask for gifts, so this seemed like a better solution to us (though I wouldn't be offended is someone turned up with a midnight blue 911 wrapped in a big bow).
Fox, our photographer has promised us a cd of pictures so there should be a good one of the dress and I shall post it here.
all best wishes, the dress sounds fabulous and your post reminded me of many hours spent browsing (and spending) in Hansons - their fame has spread even this far.
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