Long awaited result

I knew from the get go that the task of actually finishing my own dress would probably overwhelm any and all attempts to document the process. And I was right. The dress was finished over four months ago and the wedding day itself unfolded beautifully. The dress process itself was interrupted by a move, which resulted in some hasting stitching before I left Spring Green, some frustration over having to reset the zipper twice (invisibly zipper on the left side, prick stitched by hand), probably due to Wisconsin's infamous cheese curds, and rash decision to hack off the straps (with their unforgiving armseye) and piece on a more flattering shoulder line out of the leftover embroidered chiffon.

When the fit and redesigning was down, I sat down to about ten hours of tedious beading for a little flourish along the neckline. Hundreds of seed beads and about two dozen Swarovski crystals in delicate entwining vines...

Beautiful. Subtle. And slightly annoying. But the end detail paid off.

The hems finished beautifully with a handkerchief edge, courtesy of the surger my aunt purchased for me (ironically...as a wedding gift).

And the day off...it fit like a glove.

However, now this blogs originally intent has been fulfilled. What's to be done with this tiny lot occupying the internet?

My new position at the Guthrie answers that. Costume crafts, millinery and dye. I was fortunate to have several people introduce me to these art forms, but was never formally trained for a position that requires so much depth. most of the knowledge was gleaned from hands on experinces, a watchful eye, and the heavy consumption of every related book I could get my hands on.

So know, I offer this blog up as a reference of sorts for all those interested in like minded pursuits.

Hopefully I can maintain an schedule of updates a little more regular than you've previously experienced.