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My DIY Wedding Dress Update

My DIY Wedding Dress Update

DIY wedding dress by Madalynne Intimates

The benefit of having a Facebook-less and blog-less fiancé – I can share my DIY wedding dress progress! I finished the 2nd muslin – AKA practice – dress. I used McCall’s 7540 for my 1st muslin and even though it needed a laundry list of alterations, it was a great base pattern. Below are the changes I made from the 1st to the 2nd along iPhone photos comparing the two. I’m am so happy with the way it is turning out and I’m on track to finish with plenty of time to spare!

You can read about why I chose to make my wedding dress here.

1. Drafted a collar.

2. Fit the bodice and upper skirt – took in at the side seam, reshaped the armhole (to show off the tattoos and biceps), and curve the darts (I have a sway back thanks to years of gymnastics).

3. Eliminated horizontal seam on the skirt that was just below the knee. When I did this, I had to add godets to maintain the same sweep and be able to fit the pattern on 54” wide fabric. There are a total of 6 godets!

And those drag lines on the left side near the waist seam is not a fit error. It’s just from me leaning to the side when taking the photo. When I stand straight, they’re not there. 

I have a few fine tunes to make and then I’ll cut out the real fabric! On the final dress, the bodice will be guipure lace from Kelly Faetanini (shown in photos below) lined with sheer tricot. The skirt will be 4-ply silk lined with China silk. There will be an invisible zipper in the back with faux covered buttons and horse hair at the bottom hem so it doesn’t collapse in on itself. The faux buttons will be from my mom’s wedding dress, and I’m also using the fabric from the skirt portion to make a sash/belt.

The bodice will be sheer, and I’m planning on making a Madalynne X Simplicity 8229 underwire bra that will show through. I’ve made the 8229 plenty of times – too many times! – so I don’t need to fit it. I will make the 8229 once I finish sewing the dress.

The #1 question/comment I get – is it hard? Not really. When I worked at a tailor shop as a teenager, developing event dresses was my jam. I was a regular at Rex Fabrics in Miami. It’s not hard – it’s longggggg! I’m used to finishing projects in a day or a week. I can get through 5-10 bras in a day or two. So having a project on my sewing table for months – that’s what I’m not used to!

Stay tuned!

DIY wedding dress by Madalynne Intimates

16 Comments
  • Julia Carvel
    February 16, 2020

    I am a huge fan of lace wedding dresses, and I love the overall silhouette you have chosen for your dress. I can’t wait to see the finished item – it’s going to be truly gorgeous!

  • February 21, 2020

    Wowsa, looks fabu. So very happy for you. Keep up the great work. Much love

  • February 23, 2020

    It looks stunning so far and truly suits your “look”. I too made my own dress, veil, bag, jewelry and bridesmaids skirts! It was quite an undertaking, but 20 years later, my dress (and husband) would still be the one that I would choose again. Best wishes for love, life and success.

  • Veleta Allen
    February 23, 2020

    You are going to look fabulous on your wedding day! Great idea on the godets. Thank you for sharing your journey. Excited for you and the big day.

  • February 23, 2020

    I love seeing the changes you have decided to make to the pattern. Making it your own.

  • February 23, 2020

    Wow, even the practice dress is a beauty on you! Or, you are a beauty in it! Which way is correct? Lol. Just imagining the finished dress on you chokes me up! Wish I would have made my own17 years ago! Cant wait to see your wedding pictures and intimates (before you put them on), hahaha!
    Inspired Follower….

  • February 23, 2020

    If the muslin is this pretty, I can’t even imagine how gorgeous the dress will be!!!

  • February 23, 2020

    Madi, I am so excited for you! I used this pattern as well for my wedding in October, with a few modifications – I drafted long sleeves for it – and I loved the silhouette and got so many compliments! I agree that making your wedding dress is not as hard as it seems, just a PROCESS. But totally worth it! xox

  • Megan Dixon
    February 24, 2020

    It’s really cool to see the progress of making a wedding dress and all your design decisions. It’s looking beautiful already!

  • Judy A Hayes
    February 24, 2020

    So beautiful , its a lovely style for you. Can’t wait to see the finished dress.

  • February 24, 2020

    Maddie Congrats! Love the dress and can’t wait to see it complete. You are going to make a beautiful bride.

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