zoom rollover image to zoom
Sewing: Hillary's wedding dress - Love Bernina !
65 kudoz

Hillary's wedding dress - Love Bernina !

Back/side view

Front view
Neckline
Back view
Back/side view

Instructions

Very much inspired by the Jim Hjelm design (Style JH8904), I used Kwik Sew pattern #3516 for the bottom layer & Kwik Sew pattern #3401 as the outer layer (made from the all-over lace). Basically, I 'morphed' the 2 patterns together to try to create the design that my daughter desired.

Difficulty:

Category: Sewing

Type of item: Clothing

For: Women

Style: Romantic, Retro / Vintage, Formal / Bridal, Cute, Classic


Materials

Ivory Dupioni silk, all-over lace, Papyrus Posh lining, ivory netting (for outer bodice stability), Simplicity 1 3/4" Bridal Lace, Champagne poly satin for the bow, 7" Coats & Clark invisible zipper, & Gutermann thread.

What was your inspiration?

My daughter desired the dress design by Jim Hjelm (Style JH8904).

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of how it fit my daughter & how she felt in it as a bride.

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Take your time & do many fittings. :)

 

126 comments

Add your comment:

robinadam1366299 on craftsy.com
Mar 31, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
This dress is beautiful! I'm going to try something similar for my daughter and would love your advice! Since you changed the back of the under dress to go down to a vee, it doesn't seem like it would "stay up" on its own. Does the lace over dress provide the stability to keep it up? Also, how did you finish the neck and armhole edges of the lace --since I believe the actual pattern is lined?
kt.overst1272660 on craftsy.com
Feb 22, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
I am getting married in September and this dress has been a great inspiration! Just wondering where the groomsmen got their vest and pants. We are looking to do something similar because we're getting married on Labor Day Weekend, which tends to be pretty hot here in VA.
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Feb 22, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
Congrats! :) We got the vest & pants at JC Penney's :)
kgirl2001 on craftsy.com
Feb 20, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful dress. My daughter loves Jim helm dresses with the alencon lace and they are pricey. Please share with me what type of lace you used in the dress.
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Feb 22, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
Thanks. :) I actually got the all-over lace on eBay by a private seller. Not sure what's it's really called...I purchased the lace around the neckline at Joann's. :)
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Feb 22, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
Thanks. :) I actually got the all-over lace on eBay by a private seller. Not sure what's it's really called...I purchased the lace around the neckline at Joann's. :)
SewIn2Dis246167 on craftsy.com
Jan 13, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
Hi! I found your dress on Pinterest and knew it was "the one" lol. I bought the two patterns you used and I am making a trial run dress to make sure it will fit. I have two questions for you- did you make any alterations to the patterns? (for example- the lace overlay has many pleats in the back- did you omit them?) and how did you attach the lace in the back? Is it attached to the zipper on the satin underlining or is it separate? Thanks for any help and congratulations on making such a stunning gown!
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Jan 16, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
I'm very honored that you are going to recreate the same one! :) & yes, I made several alterations. I actually made a trial run also. But only after i made adjustments to the pattern. I then made adjustments to that until we got the fit she wanted. I made the overlay as a separate dress & then attached them together at the top of the bodice of the 'under' dress & at the zipper. It's kind of hard to explain. & since it's been 6 months, I kind of for get my exact steps. ;) It was definitely a learn as you go creation. :)
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Jan 16, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
I'm very honored that you are going to recreate the same one! :) & yes, I made several alterations. I actually made a trial run also. But only after i made adjustments to the pattern. I then made adjustments to that until we got the fit she wanted. I made the overlay as a separate dress & then attached them together at the top of the bodice of the 'under' dress & at the zipper. It's kind of hard to explain. & since it's been 6 months, I kind of for get my exact steps. ;) It was definitely a learn as you go creation. :)
meredith.1148713 on craftsy.com
Jan 04, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
This is absolutely gorgeous! You're daughter is so lucky to have such a great mom!
dobahoke962080 on craftsy.com
Sep 23, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
My daughter would like for me to make your beautiful dress for her wedding next summer. How, where did you attach the two dresses together or are they worn separately one on top of the other? I think I should buy a dress form as my daughter lives too far for many fittings.
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Sep 23, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
I attached them at the very top of the inner bodice (as if one dress) once I got them both at the design we wanted. Does that make sense? :) Feel free to message me off the site if you would like in case you need more details.
dobahoke962080 on craftsy.com
Sep 30, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much Laura, I'll be in touch as things progress.
smcneil42952300 on craftsy.com
Sep 18, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
I am getting married within the next year and a half and have had my eye on the Jim Helm (Style JH8904) dress since I began looking for gowns. It is absolutely beautiful, and your rendition is stunning. Would I be able to take your patterns to a seamstress and have her make the same dress based off of the patterns above? How much do you think this would cost?
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Sep 18, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
I would think she could but that would depend on her I suppose. :) I will admit it was a challenge & I have been sewing for over 30 years. I'm not sure about the cost. That might depend on how she charges & what area of the country you live in (cost of living). With materials, this cost me under $200, but that was with getting stuff on sale & the all over lace was purchased on eBay for a really good price. :) I'm sorry I can't give you more specifics. & I didn't log my time spent. & I of course did not charge my daughter. ;)
LadyTap on craftsy.com
Sep 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow. This is absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous gown. Your daughter must have been so proud to wear such an exquisite garment, made specifically for her by her Mom. Beautiful!!
littletulip on craftsy.com
Sep 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is a very unique and wonderful piece of work. What a gift, made with your own hands and love, to give to your daughter for her wedding day. Gorgeous!
Dee Damico on craftsy.com
Sep 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow beautiful.
mariesund752087 on craftsy.com
Sep 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Really lovely!
mdd4444 on craftsy.com
Sep 05, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
SIMPLY STUNNING!! You are a talented seamstress!! Elegant and tasteful!!
Sewing-Princess on craftsy.com
Sep 04, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful dress on a beautiful daughter! I find lace a great but hard to pull off fabric...the pattern choice and your daughter are the perfect match for it. Well done to you...must have been an hard project
JaneSewToRelax on craftsy.com
Sep 02, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
An amazing dress on a beautiful bride. Mom gets a ten for her talent and daughter gets a ten for her beauty! All your hard work paid off..."Say Yes To The Dress" can take some lessons in good taste from you!
OmaTrisha on craftsy.com
Sep 01, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is a beautiful dress! You did a wonderful job. With all the low-cut, revealing gowns shown on TV shows these days, this is a welcome change. What a lovely bride!!!
LavenderDay on craftsy.com
Aug 29, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow! Amazing! You sure put a ton of love into this dress. Your daughter looks so beautiful, the dress fits perfectly. I love a modest neckline and an open back, it's gorgeous dress. What a blessing to have such a talented, devoted mother. The dress is precious keepsake, no doubt. Wishing the happy couple a lifetime of joy!
njmekapud582169 on craftsy.com
Aug 26, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Your daughter looks absolutley stunning in her wedding gown. The gown fits perfectly, A very classy and exquisite bride.
corinne128 on craftsy.com
Aug 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Gorgeous!!!
Pennyflame on craftsy.com
Aug 24, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This dress and Bride looks amazing and what a wonderful dress well made .
sew2design on craftsy.com
Aug 19, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
The gown and your daughter are gorgeous.
Linda Cdn Rock on craftsy.com
Aug 19, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
I have to agree with the posts here. This gown is absolutely beautiful, well constructed and wonderfully fitted. The attention to detail is evident. I have a daughter getting married next year and she is also wearing lace but alas I am not making the dress. The stress level would have been too high! LOL. Absolutely wonderful job, thank you so much for entering and sharing this special event and excellent craftsmanship. Reminds why I love to sew.
Brenners on craftsy.com
Aug 14, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Stunning dress and beautifully fit. Congrats on your wedding!
RStaffieri on craftsy.com
Aug 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is very nice! Wonderful wedding dress! Beautiful fit!
Leona Grosskopf on craftsy.com
Aug 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Love this one best!
Terry Borger on craftsy.com
Aug 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This dress should have been the over all winner, not a runner up. What were the judges thinking?
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Aug 13, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Unfortunately for me, the contest rules were that whoever had the most 'hearts' was the Grand Prize winner. All the rallying of friends, friends of friends, & family on FaceBook, etc. did not garner me more votes than the winner. :(
covergirl on craftsy.com
Aug 14, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Even as a late entry into the contest myself, I too think that out of the other dresses, this dress should have been the winner hands down, but alas, as the contest rules stated, the one with the most hearts wins the prize. Everyday I would notice the climb in votes for the runner up, it was astounding. I to, tried rallying friends and family via facebook and email, but was unsuccessful in catching up in votes. Some people were put off by thinking they had to registrar a membership to craftsy, but for those who asked how to vote, did log in with facebook. I too agree that this is a beautiful dress and know the design that you were going for as my daughter also looked at other Hjelm designs. I also appreciate the time and hard work it is to research and decide on commercial patterns that will give the look that we want.
OmaTrisha on craftsy.com
Sep 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
In a contest, there are winners and losers. Regardless of who wins, someone will be upset that another person didn't win. The judges followed the rules set by the contest, and the winner got the most hearts. What really matters most is that the bride and her mother were happy with the design.
Brenda Langhans on craftsy.com
Aug 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
breathtakingly beautiful!
Redthreadart on craftsy.com
Aug 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Breathtakingly elegant! I can see this was a labor of love--perfect in every way.
thenchuff on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Agreed, this is way better than the winner and the other runners up. It looks expensive and professional and fits perfectly. Good job.
patriciasews101 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This dress is beautiful and well made I don't know why it was not first because you did deserve it. Awesome job Mom. Daughter is beautiful and dressed forher wedding .
twoslysnc711519 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is the hands-down winner. Elegant, well made, fits, just screams special day, special woman. Mom, you should be thrilled with your efforts and I'm sure your daughter will remember your love and talents always. Can't say enough good things.
joeandjosiep@hotmail.com on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is another beautiful dress...each dress was beautiful in its own way..i have 3 daughters and I made each of their dresses plus the bridesmaids.It was a labor of love and the bridesmaids dresses were my gift to each girl
netspence776302 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This dress is gorgeous!
pixifairy27 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful work! I absolutly agree that your design should have won!
pixifairy27 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful work! I absolutly agree that your design should have won!
woolygully on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
I will be sewing a lace wedding dress in the next few months, any special tips in working with the lace? p.s. the dress is gorgeous!
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
I'm traveling right now, but I'll see if I can think of anything & let you know. :)
Rebecca Ednie on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
And so much prettier than the average ill-fitting, boobs falling out strapless dress everyone seems to choose. They think it's unique because the bottoms are different but the tops are all the same and especially bigger girls need more support and some arm coverage. They could learn a lot about flattering a figure from you and a proper fit. BTW, I am by no means implying that she needs arm coverage. Just bemoaning the lack of uniqueness in the industry even when the figure demands another style for fit.
Rebecca Ednie on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
You totally should have won the contest. The other dress that won is boring and doesn't fit nearly as well. What were they thinking?? At least you won something...
Looseknitter on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful dress and bride. The design fits her perfectly and the materials used are exquisite. You should have won hands down!
spoild7 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
i agree this should have won, gorgeous
spoild7 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Gorgeous, should have one, no question. LOVE LOVE LOVE
dlocean on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow, beautifully crafted! I will look to you for inspiration when our dughter is ready to get married. Congratulations to all of you!
gaillouise531 on craftsy.com
Aug 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful! Truly a gem! And she looks amazing! I'm thrilled for both of you!
DeniseRK on craftsy.com
Aug 11, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is gorgeous, you are an inspiration as always....
Awaits on craftsy.com
Aug 11, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is my favorite! I wish I'd seen it in time to vote. Your daughter, and her dress, are so lovely!
Amanda on craftsy.com
Aug 11, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Gosh! What stunning work! Beautiful!
leximay24878588 on craftsy.com
Aug 10, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
voted!
Iluvmyduc878431 on craftsy.com
Aug 10, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is gorgeous!
drhoadsy878463 on craftsy.com
Aug 10, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful, I hope you win.
cstearns on craftsy.com
Aug 10, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful!
scott635829451 on craftsy.com
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Laura, still the most beautiful and elegant of all...:))) Hillary is simply stunningly lovely!! love u, sis
webber24877787 on craftsy.com
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
great job. you should be proud of your work. she makes a beautiful bride.
robin8181877167 on craftsy.com
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Gorgeous!
miriam__f876996 on craftsy.com
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
very beautiful :) voted
M. Fioretti on craftsy.com
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
I voted. Good luck. Beautiful dress.
Thessniki on craftsy.com
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
What a great idea to use several patterns to create the one dress. Very lovely dress, and an even lovelier bride :)
stephen.f868869 on craftsy.com
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
awsome job
rthibaut876563 on craftsy.com
Aug 08, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
You did such a wonderful job it is exactly what I wanted and couldn't find at the time of our wedding. My mom was not so involved in my wedding your daughter is very luck.
taylor.ru874813 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This wedding dress is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Mjamesjee874578 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
How about some sewing lessons?
Mjamesjee874578 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Crystal is my daughter. It is a very great dress you did very good
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
What is your daughter's last name? I know a couple Crystals. ;)
mrsrich4l874494 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Very beautiful dress,She looks very pretty
shortyj63874584 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
That dress is absolutely beautiful. I made my own wedding dress but did not come half as close to beautiful as you did. She is a beautiful bride also!!
danijburn874172 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
what a beautiful dress!
andee8.mi874158 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
So elegant. Fantastic work!
lori1907874144 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Love the dress. WHEN I am going to need one I will be coming to your aid.
ctroudt873786 on craftsy.com
Aug 07, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Exquisite!!
cindyschu872350 on craftsy.com
Aug 05, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
A stunning dress! Hope you win!
Chrissyluvchanel@hotmail.com on craftsy.com
Aug 05, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Your daughter is GORGEOUS!!!! There really aren't any words to describe how beautifully her dress turned out. It is piece of art and what a MASTERPIECE it is..( again your daughter is stunning ) ! Great job MOM!!
rebeccalf871020 on craftsy.com
Aug 05, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow! Beautiful : )
Jenny Smith SCS on craftsy.com
Aug 05, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
What an accomplisment- So GORGEOUS!
Lena Fooks on craftsy.com
Aug 05, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Most exquisite... bravo to the seamstress and gorgeous bride!!!
Dorene Vandermeer on craftsy.com
Dorene Vandermeer
Craftsy Instructor
Aug 05, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Amazing work, fits like a glove! Congratulations:)
Jenya on craftsy.com
Aug 02, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Oh what a beautiful dress! So feminine and elegant :) I just love lace :) Gorgeous bride, gorgeous dress :) COngrats :)
linpiration on craftsy.com
Aug 01, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Very very cool but where are the coats? Oh, this is 2012......sorry. Love it!
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Aug 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thanks! :) My daughter & the whole party for very glad for no coats since it turned out to be the hottest day of the year that day.. ;0
pcampbell on craftsy.com
Aug 01, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
wow!
Purplequilt on craftsy.com
Jul 31, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Stunning. I think I can sew until I see projects like this . You are very talented
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Jul 31, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Just takes lots of practice & patience. :)
judy863053 on craftsy.com
Jul 30, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
You are so talented. The dress was absolutely beautiful You have my vote.
debbie_sn862783 on craftsy.com
Jul 30, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
its a beautiful dress. you do such excellent work
getoffutt862642 on craftsy.com
Jul 30, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Laura your so talented. Awesome dress.
shellbell862539 on craftsy.com
Jul 30, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful!
Popsi on craftsy.com
Jul 30, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Amazing! Laura, I hope you win!
nanafayed861838 on craftsy.com
Jul 29, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Stunning dress! Awesome job Laura.
boysmom8861673 on craftsy.com
Jul 29, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful gown for a beautiful woman! You did an awesome job!
Wendy123 on craftsy.com
Jul 29, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
What an AMAZING dress! It fits your daughter perfectly and the style is breathtaking:) I just purchased a Bernina yesterday, so I hope that some of your sewing magic (even a little tiny speck) will rub off on the rest of us. Thanks for sharing.
lillielaf852334 on craftsy.com
Jul 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful!!!
Jeanette MacPha on craftsy.com
Jul 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
She looks like an Angel! Exquisite job Laura!
willowmoo851977 on craftsy.com
Jul 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Very pretty! I love lace gowns.
papaheims851925 on craftsy.com
Jul 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful in every way
semprerah848774 on craftsy.com
Jul 23, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow, the dress is absolutely beautiful! How special that you could do this for her! As I am no good with needle and thread I was wondering what a "real" seamstress might charge for a comparable dress, given patterns? I am a bride to be and just figuring out what to do for the dress. Any advice would be more than welcome!
tototootsie on craftsy.com
Jul 28, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
i would make this dress or any other dress of your choice, i actually have a very beautiful vouge pattern that i made for mt niece's wedding georgina.clinton@googlemail.com
tototootsie on craftsy.com
Jul 28, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
If you email me I will send you aphoto of the vouge pattern i am talking about.
tototootsie on craftsy.com
Aug 22, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Sorry I havwn't got back to you with the wedding dress pattern, although i am a dressmaker, not suren how to show you a picture of the dress I was talking about, will need to get a friend to take a picture on her camera, and post it to you, or if you come up with something similar to the one, that we are talking about. it was a mixture of two different patterns , I am sure, will have to back and see what they were, let me know if you have any Ideas, yourself. Georgina Clinton
littlesergrgirl on craftsy.com
Jul 22, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
What a lovely creation! Thanks for sharing the project.
ibl30842212 on craftsy.com
Jul 21, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Both the bride and the dress are absolutely stunning....
shovel124833508 on craftsy.com
Jul 15, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Just beautiful Laura. I voted for it.
ReenieB on craftsy.com
Jul 15, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful bride in a beautiful dress
JoybyRobin on craftsy.com
Jul 14, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Lovely!
lindaav on craftsy.com
Jul 14, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
peekaboos802861 on craftsy.com
Jul 14, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Stunning !
heathercr830515 on craftsy.com
Jul 14, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Absolutely stunning! Elegance & style perfected! Great job Laura!
Scheri Manson on craftsy.com
Jul 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
What a beautiful bride. The dress is perfection.
slrechk on craftsy.com
Jul 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
beautiful dress- and bride- great job!
JCAVELLO712563 on craftsy.com
Jul 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
B E A U T I F U L!!!!!!
Ipanema on craftsy.com
Jul 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Positively exquisite dress. What a lovely bride!
virginiay829445 on craftsy.com
Jul 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow so beautifful! I am inspired to make my wedding dress
bridgetva829334 on craftsy.com
Jul 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
I have just joined Craftsy after seeing this dress on pinterest, it is my dream dress! Well done.
coastroad829072 on craftsy.com
Jul 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Laura as always incredibly beautiful intricate work , masterful technique, you have!! :)
Laura Robinette on craftsy.com
Jul 13, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thanks!!!! :)
saraxman2828760 on craftsy.com
Jul 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wonderful job Laura!
sewsewbus828807 on craftsy.com
Jul 12, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Exquisite gown. Wish I could of been there
Mesewlot on craftsy.com
Jul 17, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Gorgeous gown!