Monday, November 09, 2009

The Dress That Could Have Been: It's Called the "Laura"

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So my darling friend Laura (otherwise known as Yolanda) challenged me to enter the Shabby Apple dress design contest. It was just one of those things I just KNEW I had to do, not because I had a great idea, not because I am a dress designer, not because I don't know how to sew particularly well, not because I even felt like making a dress... it was like the surf lesson, and the reality show audition: it was just something I had to prove to myself.

So I slaved away, and spent about $145 dollars to make two dresses. The first one looked like this:

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...so I took a different tack.

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I made all that scalloped trim, you know.

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I like pretty details.

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The main fabric is an apple green eyelet with a buttercup yellow lining.

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The hem of the underskirt has stars!

Fiona supervised the entire process.

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After reading over the contest instructions numerous times, I neglected to note the actual due date. I thought it was tomorrow... it was a week ago. So who knows why I felt so inspired to do this. But I am glad I did. And in honor of the one who threw down the creative gauntlet, it is affectionately called "the Laura."

21 comments:

Suzie Petunia said...

Waverly and I would like to each order one. We love it! You are so talented. Poor Shabby Apple. They're missing out.

Lucky Mommy said...

I would order one too. That is absolutely beautiful. Stunning. I can't sew straight lines and am apple green with envy at those gorgeous details! Star trim? Who knew such things were possible! I think Sacramento must be the style dearth of the nation.

Emma Jo said...

Amazing. I think you should submit it anyway. It is that cool. Tim Gunn, eat your heart out.

Theresa said...

love it. too bad you missed the deadline. :( did you ever come up with a solution to the fact that it gets stuck on the wearer? :) or was that a different dress? I'm really awed at how masterful your sewing skills you and my sister are pros...

momofbeegees said...

You are AMAZING!!!

michaelstubbs said...

Looks great even without an award pinned to it.

Beth said...

Gorgeous!

mo said...

I feel a new career coming on...seriously. I could see a whole line of designer Carrie dresses. Would you name one after me?

JP said...

You are amazing. That dress is amazing.

I kinda wish I could commission one. :)

Unknown said...

Jealous anyone?!!

Anonymous said...

I want one too! When are you taking orders!

J said...

I love the details and I love the name. You have a fabulous style all of your own.

the wrath of khandrea said...

i can't even wrap my mind around what you've done here.

seriously. and i was proud of my pillow case in home ec, circa 1989.

Amy Lynn said...

Oh, I must, must, must have it. And I'll take that other one that was sitting up in your sewing room as well...well, on second thought...I need a dress that I can pull over my big Oscarson noggin all by myself.

I think you should enter the dress. Or start your own dress company...I'll take one of everything.

Heather and Eric said...

AMAZING! I love the dress. Sign me up for one, too!

kacy faulconer said...

I love.

Abby said...

My heart is broken that you missed the deadline. Please keep at this. Somehow. You must.

Trish said...

Oh, how I wish I could sew. Adorable!

Wendy said...

Carrie - You're just awesome. :) What a beaut-y-ful dress. You must find another contest and enter it. I love all those details. You're such a talented lady.

Paul said...

Carrie,
Take it from a former assistant buyer in the Famous-Barr Moderate Dress Department, you are incredible...like your mom!

Rynell said...

I love all the pretty details. I'm in awe. My sewing skills include only moderately straight seams.