I didn’t just dress Clare and Stella for the wedding – I dressed myself as well!  I decided on Vogue 1798 after seeing Sharon’s stunning jacquard version. The pattern is from Rachel Comey’s 2020 collection.

The brocade came from The Cloth Shop (I noticed the other day that there is still some available) as did the bemsilk lining. I don’t normally go for such an intricately detailed ‘print’ but when the ‘print’ is woven in to the fabric it appeals much more! I really liked the colours that were included, with the deep green, browns, cream, some silver and touches of mint. And yes, you have seen the fabric before – it’s what I used for Stella’s bustier top! Matchy matchy!

So, to the details. As per the pattern description: Misses’ very loose-fitting, lined midi length shift dress has V-neckline, puffy sleeves with elastic hem, back tie closure, side seam pockets, front slit & metallic trim at the hem. It’s one of the relatively few Vogue patterns that has the ‘figure flattery’ symbol of suiting a rectangular shape.

I have a few photos taken in natural light before we headed off on holiday. The weight of the fabric, plus the fact that it is fully lined, made it slightly weather appropriate. The recommended fabrics are actually taffeta, poplin or silk twill – brocade is definitely none of those, and this fabric is definitely medium weight rather than light. Nevertheless, it seemed to work out. And the fabric really made those voluminous sleeves even more voluminous!

The dress wasn’t actually all that difficult to make. There’s not all that many pieces, but the sleeve piece is massive. You also need to pay attention to the markings on the sleeve piece in order to fold the large pleats at the shoulder cap correctly.  Don’t skip the markings! There is elastic inside the sleeve hem the keeps the puff gathered.  The sleeve lining is shorter than the sleeve piece, so acts as a stay to keep it folded to the inside.

The back has some gentle gathering into a waist seam, which gives a little more sitting room. The V neckline at both front and back along with the straight lines of the body mean that the dress doesn’t need closures; it just slips over the head. The back neckline ties are definitely needed though. The weight of those sleeves would pull them straight off your shoulders otherwise!  I wore a regular bra under the dress, which would have showed if the back neckline was any deeper.

I made little rosebud type things to finish the tie ends by following a tutorial I found on the Dica de Costura Instagram account. Making them in this fabric was a definite struggle, but I got there.

My dress actually packed really well and didn’t need ironing despite being squished into a bag along with everyone else’s wedding outfits!  I reckon that we all looked pretty great.

As expected at a wedding, the people that looked the best were the bride and groom! I thought that some of you would like to see the bride’s stunning dress. Just perfect for her, with exquisite lace detailing.

Michael and Jessica met in Melbourne when she moved from America to study medicine – about twelve years ago!  This wedding has been a long time coming.  It was a truly joyous occasion, and we are so thrilled that we were able to be there to celebrate with them and all our new American extended family!