As many of you know, I am a crocheter, not a seamstress.  I do not enjoy sewing on a sewing machine at all!  The thought of getting it out of the closet and threading the bobbin and the machine itself, is too much for me.  I’d rather pick up a hook and a skein of yarn, and I’m off.   So when I decided to make my own dress for my Cousins 1920 themed wedding, I knew it would be painful.  But I felt like I didn’t really have a choice because I couldn’t find an appropriate dress that I liked (or that fit).

So off to my local Joann’s I went on Super Bowl Sunday, I knew it would be empty.  The wonderful lady in the fabric department helped me find a pattern and some fabric.  She was so helpful and patient with me.   I needed a super easy pattern without a zipper, and I added the ruffle from a pattern I found in my sewing box which I’ve had since middle school.    I started on my dress the weekend before the wedding and it took me three days to sew it up.  It is a miracle that I finished it in time.  Stopping and starting, procrastinating all along.  I finally had it ready and then started accessorizing it.

 

My daughter and I went shopping many, many times looking for dresses.  We went to thrift stores all the way to Nordstrom’s.  Every place we went, she found another dress and I became more depressed about not finding one at all.  We did have a lot of fun at one of the vintage shops though, here are some of the photos…

I had two shoes and two jewelry ensembles to pick from, pearls and off-white shoes or crystals with silver shoes.  I felt more comfortable in the silver shoes and they were easier to walk in.  The crystal necklaces belong to my good friend Gloria who let me borrow them for the occasion.  They belonged to her Grandmother and were very heavy and beautiful.

I then made a crocheted hand bag and hair clip to go with my outfit.  The crochet purse is white with silver thread and beads in a kiss lock frame.  I sewed beads to the frame because I didn’t like seeing the holes and the thread.  I’m really happy with the way it turned out.  It fit everything I needed for the day.   I didn’t end up wearing the hair clip after all.  Sometimes less is more.

So I thought I was ready, and then the mink stole that I was planning to wear was too dark for my outfit.  It was my Grandma Millie’s mink and I’ve had it tucked away for many years.  It is very beautiful and soft, but it just didn’t “feel” right when I had it all on together.  I think it was too much for me and I felt way over the top with it all on.

So, off I went on Friday to a new store I found last month that is a consignment shop for high-end women’s clothes.  The owner says most of the clothes are only worn once and then brought in for resale.  It’s a perfect shop for me because I try to recycle everything.   I ended up finding the perfect silver sweater for my outfit there, and only $10, can’t beat that!  But the most exciting thing about visiting her shop was when I mentioned my crochet business, The Purple Poncho, she said she’s heard of me!  Wow, I was in shock.  She said there was a lady shopping in her store recently who was talking about The Purple Poncho and my handmade items with her and the other shoppers.  I couldn’t wait to tell my son that I felt like I was famous!  He keeps saying that I am, but it was amazing to actually hear someone say, I’ve heard of you!   Isn’t it amazing how things just work out?  I went from totally worried about finding a dress to super excited to go once I finished it and we all had the best time.

Here are some more photos from the wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Hope you enjoy your day,

Carolyn