The Mysterious Colour of Dusty Rose

A young lady wanted a bridesmaid's dress making up, the main specifications being that, 'It would be modest, yet fashionable with the right length and colour, & that it fits her well.' The right colour was named as "Dusty Rose" and although the lassie is a student, she liked the idea of having a bespoke silk gown, so I scoured my suppliers for suitable silk. Fortunately, as she is quite petite, I knew I would be able to cut the dress from far less fabric than the pattern advised, so reducing the cost.  After much searching, (and realising what a nebulous name for a colour it was,) I asked her if she could be more specific about the hue. She was able to send me a colour sample she had received from the Bride, which turned out to be quite different from the results of my search. Armed with the sample, I was able to find some lovely crepe backed satin silk from Beckford Silk which went by the name of "Crushed Raspberry!"

Whilst I was at the shop, I found a beautiful end of roll piece of matching Jacquard woven silk. This provided a lovely contrast for the bodice and sleeves.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the best lighting to show off the jacquard woven roses. But this is quite a good colour rendition of the mysteriously-hued fabric. 

The final task was to find a lace to make a mantilla to go with the outfit. Again, after much searching a lace was found, hiding under the name of "Dusky Pink" which seemed to provide a good match. 

Whatever the colour is, the bridesmaid looked stunning, and received many compliments on her attire!

Cool Summer Frocks

A few of the latest items hot off the sewing machine -

A lightweight cotton dress that has made it to its destination in the USA, where I hope they're having warmer weather than we are here in the coldest August I can remember!

The lady who commissioned this frock sent me 3 photos of widely differing designs, and fortunately was very happy with the dress I finally came up with combining elements of them. The dress is made from a cotton poplin, with glass buttons.

I was asked to make some bridesmaids dresses quite a few months ago, but because of the lockdown and other restrictions on Church services, it seemed as though the wedding would be postponed until next year. Fortunately, I did not have too much on, as the new date was brought forward to September, so I was able to get the dresses made in time. The skirts and puffed sleeves are of cotton lawn and the bodice and sashes are of crepe silk, a rather zany colour combination chosen by the bride!

It was interesting when I was photographing them out doors, to see my garden colours reflecting those of the dresses - there was even a blue morning glory peeping out at the top right!