wedding dress disaster

13

Replies

  • chubbygirl253
    chubbygirl253 Posts: 1,309 Member
    WTF if my soon-to-be MIL buys me a sew-it-yourself gown in pieces I can guarantee you her next Mother's Day gift will be in pieces too. Or maybe a freakin paint by numbers. Get a different dress. One already assembled. Jeez, there is a reason IKEA doesn't do bridal. And good luck with your future MIL she sounds like a piece of work!

    Sorry I'm not trying to be a B but if you buy someone a project to sew for the most important dress of their life when they don't sew it isn't a gift. It's being passive aggressive. It's like buying a scale for someone not on a diet. Or a cookbook for someone who doesn't cook. 9 times out of 10 it's an insult. And who says you'll like the fit once it's sewn together? Even if it's "your size," does that mean every dress in that size is gonna fit well? Hardly. Does she want you to look like crap on your wedding day? Some people are very crafty and talented when it comes to being a seamstress but that takes a lot of practice. I am very crafty but I wouldn't sew my own gown.
  • crimsoncat
    crimsoncat Posts: 457 Member
    I'm going to guess that wedding dresses are super hard to make, even for a seasoned seamstress.

    It depends on the dress really. Some are very easy to do if you know what you're doing. In general, the prettier the dress, the more difficult.
  • nerdyandilikeit
    nerdyandilikeit Posts: 2,185 Member
    Either learn to sew or give it to someone who knows. Do you expect us to teach you in the span of this thread?
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Here's an honest reply from someone who can sew well. Take it to a local tailor. If you honestly don't know anything about sewing there is nothing we can do over the internet to help you with your situation. This shouldn't be your first project. You could look for sewing classes and learn the basics, but only experience will help keep your dress from looking like a disaster.
  • agentscully514
    agentscully514 Posts: 616 Member
    Wow, I am bit disgusted at the comments some of you guys made, just ugly. Did she ask you for your opinion or nasty comments??? No, she was asking for help! So if you are not here to help than take your comments and ugly attitude somewhere else! The OP clearly doesn't know what process goes into sewing, and you can not hold it against her, geeze! Give her some god damn credit, she wants to do something none of you dare to do, these sort of nasty comments are just completely unnecessary.

    "Take it to a seamstress" IS help.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Thank you for this thread, it has really made my day. I can't stop laughing and I genuinely hope this was made as a joke or a troll attempt.
  • When I got married 30 years ago, my loving grandmother bought me my wedding dress (on sale for less than $250) while I was in the middle of the Indian Ocean on a Navy Ship. It was a size 12... I was a size 16 --- I took it to a seamstress and paid $300.00 to have it altered so I could wear it on our special day. (The seamstress also made me a veil to match....)
  • skullshank
    skullshank Posts: 4,323 Member
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  • MyM0wM0w
    MyM0wM0w Posts: 2,008 Member
    As *****y as this response will probably make you...... I second the idea of finding a good seamstress. Give her the pieces and ask her to sit down and either fix it or help you fix it (if being involved in sewing it is that important to you).

    I thought the whole 'bridzilla' thing was a myth..... go figure.
  • sunnyside1213
    sunnyside1213 Posts: 1,205 Member
    I think it is sweet to want to sew your own dress. I made mine from a Vogue pattern (that was a nightmare) but the finished product was awesome.
  • sullykat
    sullykat Posts: 461 Member
    I took fashion design, and me thinks it's a little too complicated to explain here. Take it to a seamstress!
  • crimsoncat
    crimsoncat Posts: 457 Member
    Gosh some of you really need to wind your necks in and stop being so nasty to the poor girl x

    ^^^^ agree completely

    Yes it's hard and so what if she gets halfway through and gives in or makes a stunning dress because she might have a talent.

    I would rather be ambitious and take on new ideas than never say 'yeah why not'

    Every credit to her and some of you (although you won't) should feel ashamed!

    I agree. I don't think that is appropriate nor called for to abuse someone who didn't understand the undertaking it would be to make her own dress. To white knight from my soap box a bit more I would ask everyone to remember that there are PEOPLE on the other side of these avatars. Just because you cannot see them doesn't mean you have free licence to be cruel to them. Many people have been bullied in their lives and know the pain of having other taut you over things you cannot help. I would put it to all involved that we do not want to personify this. We can be better than that on this forum. We all are mature adults and know the "if you have nothing nice to say..." rule. I ask that we please take a moment to remember it and put it into practice.
  • crimsoncat
    crimsoncat Posts: 457 Member
    7ed80db5-0749-40bf-8d8e-0a4404fb0e8a.jpg

    :heart:
  • crimsoncat
    crimsoncat Posts: 457 Member
    Wow, I am bit disgusted at the comments some of you guys made, just ugly. Did she ask you for your opinion or nasty comments??? No, she was asking for help! So if you are not here to help than take your comments and ugly attitude somewhere else! The OP clearly doesn't know what process goes into sewing, and you can not hold it against her, geeze! Give her some god damn credit, she wants to do something none of you dare to do, these sort of nasty comments are just completely unnecessary.

    "Take it to a seamstress" IS help.

    I believe she meant the comments that went something to the tune of "oh my gosh you're so stupid for buying this without knowing what you're doing LOL". The seamstress comments were very credible especially since many of us do not live nearby and she will likely need a hands-on explanation.
  • RavenhairedWoman
    RavenhairedWoman Posts: 661 Member
    The "pieces" it is in is most likely from the pattern that it was cut out of. So basically if you can find the pattern that it was cut from then you might be able to get it sown back together. As to if it will be the right size or shaped properly for your body, well.. That is a shot in the dark sweets. I'd honestly get someone who knows how to sow to take a look at it. Like a puzzle they might be able to lay it all out and sort out which piece belongs where. You could also take a shot at that if you wanted to.
  • corn63
    corn63 Posts: 1,580 Member
    Wow, I am bit disgusted at the comments some of you guys made, just ugly. Did she ask you for your opinion or nasty comments??? No, she was asking for help! So if you are not here to help than take your comments and ugly attitude somewhere else! The OP clearly doesn't know what process goes into sewing, and you can not hold it against her, geeze! Give her some god damn credit, she wants to do something none of you dare to do, these sort of nasty comments are just completely unnecessary.

    "Take it to a seamstress" IS help.

    I believe she meant the comments that went something to the tune of "oh my gosh you're so stupid for buying this without knowing what you're doing LOL". The seamstress comments were very credible especially since many of us do not live nearby and she will likely need a hands-on explanation.

    Nobody called her stupid.
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Wow, I am bit disgusted at the comments some of you guys made, just ugly. Did she ask you for your opinion or nasty comments??? No, she was asking for help! So if you are not here to help than take your comments and ugly attitude somewhere else! The OP clearly doesn't know what process goes into sewing, and you can not hold it against her, geeze! Give her some god damn credit, she wants to do something none of you dare to do, these sort of nasty comments are just completely unnecessary.

    "Take it to a seamstress" IS help.

    I believe she meant the comments that went something to the tune of "oh my gosh you're so stupid for buying this without knowing what you're doing LOL". The seamstress comments were very credible especially since many of us do not live nearby and she will likely need a hands-on explanation.

    Nobody called her stupid.

    Mind you SOME people may have thought it. Certainly not me, though.
  • TonkaDanteFriend
    TonkaDanteFriend Posts: 70 Member
    Don't worry about all the negativity. Clearly, all you need to do is staple all the pieces together and fashion it into a pseudo-toga. Just make the wedding theme "Ancient Rome". Problem solved.
  • sobriquet84
    sobriquet84 Posts: 607 Member
    Okay, master of the obvious comment...wedding dresses are really complicated. Really really complicated. So your best bet is to find a seamstress/tailor to help you out. Maybe call a dry cleaner or bridal store for referrals (depending on the size of town you live in). This being said, it could get pricey (do you even know what size the dress is?). It could quite possibly be cheaper to purchase a ready made gown.

    for what it would cost to have a professional sew it together and taylor it, she could get a brand new dress.
  • skellyness
    skellyness Posts: 165 Member
    :o
  • sobriquet84
    sobriquet84 Posts: 607 Member
    seriously, if money is the problem, just get a beautiful vintage $50 white dress from etsy or something. one that is actually sewn together.
  • ashlbubba
    ashlbubba Posts: 224 Member
    I have an idea where you can use the fabric !!

    Maybe you could take the large pieces of the skirt/train head over to your local fabric store (joann's maybe) and pick out a nice pattern you like for a smaller dress- like a cocktail dress or something.. that you could wear to your rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid's tea, bridal shower, or even as your going away dress for your honeymoon.

    Then you'll have a pattern to use- it'll be way easier on you than a full gown with no instructions and you can still have a pretty dress you made yourself!

    Good luck!
  • Duct Tape, works wonders.
  • if you have a local sewing machine store that offers classes etc, you could go there and maybe they can help...
    There might be a fee for the persons time, but it's worth a try to ask!
    If not, maybe they rent sewing machine time. (do they do that?) Or a class. I took a sewing class once, it wasn't terribly expensive. That way, if your bag of dress doesn't work out, you have a new skill, and can make some fun stuff anyhow.
    You could always ask a seamstress/alterer how much it would cost. you never know, it might be terribly simple and not expensive. Perhaps your MIL will foot the bill.

    Otherwise, I think that, if the top is assembled, and the bottom is assembled, the trick is to find which is the front and the back of each piece. Turn them both inside out and pin them together about an inch from the edge.

    That's all I got. From there, you need to know how to use the machine to sew it together. Or how to do it by hand if there are a lot of details.

    It wasn't that much money, it was a nice gift, and a kind thought. Don't stress too much about it if you can't do it. Something will come up that's just right for you. You could always use the fabric later for other matching projects, like a wedding album cover or a little purse (you know the kind that ties up and is a little bag? or some nice throw pillow covers. That way MIL will always see them.
  • Ok, I'm sure this advice is the same that everyone else has said already, but here I go anyway...
    I have been sewing for 10 years. I have been through classes to learn how to draft my own designs. I have sewn many things, from simple curtains to tight-fitting corsets and elaborate costumes. Just this year I made my own wedding gown. My TENTH year of sewing. Having made it myself, it did add a very special touch to the day. The people on here who've said this is not the project to learn to sew on... they're right! This took months. You know that saying "blood, sweat and tears"? Well, blood, sweat and tears went into making my gown, literally. The blood was minimal, just sewing pin pokes but I ruined a button lol. The sweat? It was hot in my sewing room! But seriously, I had a lot of frustrating times, in which I cried, partly because I felt stupid for thinking I was ready to take on such a project! I spent $450 on fabric and notions, so there was no turning back.
    My advice, this was $7. This amount is not worth the stress! Somebody else suggested using the fabric for napkins or something. What about the ring pillow? That's a project that can help you get started if you really want to learn to sew. I'm sure your future MIL will understand. Maybe you can add your own touch by designing your gown and having someone with experience of this nature create it for you? Planning a wedding is stressful in itself, without having the mission to make your gown. The less stress, the more enjoyable the planning process will be. :smile:
  • Stevie0018
    Stevie0018 Posts: 21 Member
    lol ppl can be so mean (MFP smartasses)

    My advice:
    1)If you've never sewn, don't start with your wedding dress. Getting married is SO stressful. You don't want to add to the mix by getting frustrated with the dress everyone is going to see you in.
    2) If you did decide to sew this yourself or have a seamstress do it, it would probably (most gaurantee) will cost you the same if not more then if you were to just BUY a dress.
    3) You can find affordable wedding dresses online (don't do Ebay, google 'affordable wedding dresses' & see what comes up. I've found GORGOUS dresses for under $100). If you go this route make sure you order in time for the big day & take your measurments correctly. If you don't trust online look for local private buisnesses. That's how I found my dress for $140. There's always David's Bridal, they are pretty affordable too.
    3) As for your mother-in-law to be, you have 2 options. You can lie. Tell her all the parts weren't in the bag or that you it took to a steamstress for help & it was too expensive. Or you can tell her the truth and tell her you don't mean to hurt her feelings but would love for her to go with you to find a dress. Either way if she is a real sensitive woman she will probably be a little hurt so I suggest honesty is always best.

    Good luck & Congrats! (p.s. I'm getting married in 3 weeks so I understand the pressure)
  • thank you everyone who have taken up for me i truly appreciate it, as for you who continue to leave rude marks well "take your own words and shove them!!" i will no longer post anything on here .. thinking about deleting my profile! this is suppose to be a site for people to inspire others, to encourage them, and help motivate them to reach their goals.. i realize its for weight loss and thats why im on this site.. but there is a forum for "chit chat and fun" which is why i posted it there. its not a damn bulling site... and to those who actually cared.. no there was no instruction, yes i love the fabric is beautiful.. i will figure it out my self tho.. and to the lady that said if the dress doesnt work out i can always make it a **** tail dress.. that is an excellent idea! thank you
  • ShreddedTweet
    ShreddedTweet Posts: 1,326 Member
    Oh God, this is a disaster waiting to happen...Is your MIL a sadist, does she want you to look a hot mess on your wedding day? Tell her you tried and ditch the random bag of fabric! This is your special day, do you want to look like a 10 year old's Home Economics class project? Best of luck
  • LolasEpicJourney
    LolasEpicJourney Posts: 1,010 Member
    Okay, master of the obvious comment...wedding dresses are really complicated. Really really complicated. So your best bet is to find a seamstress/tailor to help you out. Maybe call a dry cleaner or bridal store for referrals (depending on the size of town you live in). This being said, it could get pricey (do you even know what size the dress is?). It could quite possibly be cheaper to purchase a ready made gown.

    This.

    Good for you for wanting to make your own dress. Wedding dresses can be very complicated and some seamstresses wont even go near them (my mother for instance)
    Its hard to give advice over the internet for sure. I only read down through the first page of this thread so I appologize if Im not much help.
    Do you have any friends that know how to sew? Maybe they could look at it and help you piece it together. When I have a sewing problem I take it to my mother for help
  • bahacca
    bahacca Posts: 878 Member
    I really hope you either take classes and learn to sew so your project will turn out great or hire a professional to complete it for you.
    Fabric has SOOO many uses-if the idea of doing the dress is out of reach now or if it is in the wrong size, a cocktail dress or blouse would be really pretty. Even a nice simple tank top made of silk to wear to dinner or work would be super cute.
    If you are afraid your future MIL will be hurt you didn't use the fabric, cut strips of it and have your bouquet wrapped in it. Use it to make a headband, line the tulle of your veil with it, even cut out your new initials and sew it into the underside of your dress with it. Another cool idea would be to actually make SILK flowers out of it for your bouquet, booteniers for your hubby, corsage for MIL, etc.
    Save the fabric to sew the trim of a baby blanket when you have your first baby. Possibilities are endless for the fabric:-)