Oh my goodness I must be mad!
Not only have I agreed to make a wedding dress for a friend of a friend for her wedding in Italy in mid-September, but I've agreed to do it using a Marfy pattern.
The bride had a definite idea in mind - this bridesmaids dress from Dessy, but didn't want it in satin, which is the only fabric they supply it in.
Having searched all the big 4 pattern catalogues the bride hadn't found anything she liked, and I suddenly remembered Marfy, so I suggested she look there. She immediately found something she liked the look of.
I don't know if you've heard of Marfy. They're an Italian company (actually quite fitting for a wedding in Italy) and their patterns are advertised as being advanced.
I took the liberty of ordering a pattern for myself as well, and they both arrived this morning, which is pretty good as it was Tuesday or Wednesday when I ordered them.
This is the one I got for myself - the top in this outfit.
There are literally NO instructions, apart from a very few comments printed on the pattern itself.
No facings, no seam allowances or hems included. That's it!
At the moment I'm actually too scared to unfold the dress pattern, although it doesn't look as if it can be that hard - can it? I've made plenty of shift dresses, it's really only a shift dress with an added drape to the front - isn't it?
I shall cheer myself up by thinking of the gorgeous fabric I ordered the other day. 2 yards of Paris map printed cotton that I got from Etsy.
I'm going to make a dress with it, I just have to decide which pattern to use. I want a simple shape, kind of shift dress like, but with a defined waist so it can be belted. Any suggestions?
Hi Judith, I'm not doing the wedding dress totally self-lessly, as I am being paid for it (I hope!). It is a great pattern, although I'm nervous about it, I am excited to try it as well.
I've always been so curious about those Marfy patterns - I wonder who their target audience is? It seems that most home sewers would prefer to have the instructions included. I'll be very interested to hear about your experience with these patterns!
Love your Paris fabric too!
I'll certainly give you my honest opinion on the patterns (and the sewing without instructions) Gail.
I have total faith- especially after the beautiful mother of the groom outfit you made!
Thank you. I'll certainly share my progress.
What a beautiful dress and I like your top as well. It sounds scary not to have any handholding (sewing instructions) along the way, but I am sure you will be fine. I can't wait to see the finished garments and your thoughts on Marfy patterns.
Thank you. I actually unfolded the dress pattern earlier, and other than the draped overlay for the skirt, it is just a straightforward shift dress, so hopefully all will be fine!
I've admired Marfy designs for a while but the lack of instruction makes them intimidating for me. I'm sure you'll be fine though!
Good luck - looking forward to seeing them made up.
How sweet of you, to take on this job.. I would be terrified...not having any instruction.. Best wishes and happy sewing.
Sam, make sure you make a muslin first - I am sure you know that. Test the pattern thoroughly so you know how it goes together. Then do a calico for the bride. Do not skip any stages at the beginning. I've made wedding dresses for people, and I used to sometimes do a number of muslins to get the gown right before I started. Make yourself a time line, and stay calm even when the bride isn't.
I would not have thought of testing the pattern first and then doing a muslin for the bride separately. I was planning on doing this as one step!
I've had a look at the pattern now, and it is basically a shift dress, with the front drape held by a seam under the bust, and the right side seam. The only part that concerns me slightly is that I think I need to underline the bodice with silk organza, but there's no bodice seam on the back - it's just one piece. I'm going to try making it with a seam on the back as well so that I can just underline the top, as I think she wants the skirt to flow rather than be stiff.
What lovely patterns. I'm sure you'll do a fabulous job Sam, even without instructions. What fabric has the bride chosen?
She hasn't chosen the fabric yet Jacq! I think she's getting samples of a silk double crepe and a couple of silk satin backed crepes.