| one-of-a-kind custom designs for weddings, dress-up, and fun by Laurie Tavan, who is sew cute |
- about Laurie
Assembling the Purple Wedding Gown
First, put on the corset. (Note: this corset by Couture Costumes & Corsetry)
This corset does not close completely - the gap in the back should look like this for the gown to fit properly over it.
Next, find the bustle, and hold it such that the tied tapes go over the head and ride behind the butt, so that the boned section with the tiered eyelet is in the back.
The tapes should rest as in this image.
The bustle should look like this from the side. Adjust the eyelet tiers to lie flat.
The petticoat is attached with the bustled section in back.
Tie the rear set of ties in front first.
Then tie the front set of ties in the back.
Fluff the bustled fabric in back so that it looks pretty.
The apron is fully pleated in the front, and closes in the back with an asymmetric skrit hook.
Carefully and slowly lower the apron over the head. It's tight, but it does fit.
Lower the pleated apron into place over the petticoat.
The skirt hook in the back of the apron is NOT centered. It should be located to the right of center as shown in the above picture.
Primp the apron to look pretty as shown above.
Next, clip the train in place by drawing the straps around from the back to the front and securing them.
The pleated ruffle goes over the ties of the train.
The pleated ruffle fastens on the side as shown.
Next, put the bodice on, tugging it down and smooth in the back.
Spread the bottom lace ruffle smooth and out, and draw the top lace ruffle inwards.
Make sure that the inner lace ruffle stands up at the back of the neck, and neither ruffle gets stuck behind the neck.
Close the front hook and eye closures from the bottom and work upwards.
Tuck the top lace ruffle underneath the front bow.
The arm puffs should be pulled and fluffed full.
For eating, the arm puffs can be stuffed back into the sleeves.