Oy. Hello again. Well, 2012 was kind of a bust for sewing and blogging, huh? Since last I posted, I think I completed three sewing projects, one of which was a dress for my niece’s first birthday (Ugh, she didn’t even say thank you! What is point of sewing for people who aren’t old enough to verbally express gratitude and indebtedness??) and another of which was a hat for my mother (who, I will grudgingly admit, did say thank you.) Seriously, what a shitty, shitty 2012 track record. No time to sew is somewhat excusable, but no time for selfishness… well that’s just shameful.
The third project I managed to complete is the lovely vintage pattern Butterick 9927, a lovely early 60’s cocktail dress with a boat neck, short kimono sleeves, and a tulip skirt with deep box pleats. I sewed this up about a month ago but hadn’t gotten around posting about it until now. I had purchased this pattern more than a year ago off of Etsy and stashed it away with my vintage evening gown pattern hoard. I don’t have a picture of my copy of the pattern so here’s one from the Vintage Patterns wiki:
After such a long sewing drought this dress may seem a rather impractical choice, but as it turns out, it did fill a rather critical gap in my wardrobe:
And lest you be fooled by the Christmas tree, no, this is not a poorly chosen Christmas party dress, but rather the dress that I made for the ceremony in which I assumed legal ownership of my wonderful Dan. This is the only full-length shot I have of the dress, and that attention whore of a tree just happened to photo bomb the shot. Look at it, creeping up behind us, trying to steal my thunder! And before you accuse the Selfish Seamstress of being anti-Christmas, let me just say that the menorah and kinara also wanted to grab the spotlight from me.
I made the dress on something of a whim. Six days before I was scheduled to take legal possession of Dan, it occurred to me that I didn’t have a dress appropriate for the occasion. I had bought a pale blue vintage chiffon dress from the 1950s off of eBay a few weeks earlier, and was disappointed to find that the dress although beautiful, just didn’t work on me. Every time I put it on and looked in the mirror, I felt like mutton dressed as embryo. Also the embryo was wearing someone else’s nightgown in a shade of blue that didn’t flatter the embryo’s skin tone and with a cut that created the illusion of oddly wide embryo hips. So just a few days shy of the wedding, I decided that I’d put my rusty sewing skills to the test. I dug madly through my pattern stash and unearthed Butterick 9927. I decided that with its short sleeves and modest boat neck, it would be very fitting for our super tiny, super informal winter morning (no spaghetti straps, thank you very much!) wedding at the New York City Marriage Bureau just a few days before Christmas. Interesting fact: although this is commonly referred to as getting married at “City Hall”, the Marriage Bureau is actually in a different building at the Office of the City Clerk:
My little nephew loved hugging the puffy skirt of the dress- he was hugging me around the knees all day. He’s too young to know that YOU DO NOT HUG THE SELFISH SEAMSTRESS EVER.
Another fun fact- inside the Office of the City Clerk there is a giant photograph of City Hall in front of which you can take photos of yourselves so it looks like you got married at City Hall:
Okay, but enough about the boring wedding stuff and onto the important sewing details! After deciding that having a dress to wear would be a good idea, I made a quick trip to the ridiculously overpriced only-game-in-town fabric store, picked up ivory silk shantung for the dress and some stiff cotton organdy for underlining, and sat down for 12 intense hours of sewing.
I had to do a couple of iterations of bodice muslins because my pattern is for a 32″ bust, and Selfish is perhaps 29″ on a good day. I’m pretty sure I took out more than 3″ of extra room too. It turned out that it wasn’t so easy to resize because with this kind of kimono sleeve, if you make significant changes to the bust, it has weird effects on the angle of the sleeve, and can create some strange resulting bubbles of fabric right in front of the shoulder. I pondered this for a long time and ultimately managed to get a decent fit through trial and error, though it’s still not obvious to me what the “correct” way of doing this fit alteration would be.
The pattern calls for skirt “stiffening” and I’m not sure what stiffening is (was?) and how it differs from interfacing. I hadn’t run across the term before but from the pattern instructions, it seemed like it was intended to be used in the same fashion as interfacing. The cotton organdy was perfect and gave the skirt plenty of shape and volume. I did tuck a not-too-poofy vintage petticoat underneath anyway, as the tulip skirt with this pattern can gape in the front. The organdy also really helped to define and shape the box pleats, one of my favorite features of the dress:
The pattern calls for a facing at the neckline, but I opted to line the bodice instead using some remnants of nude Bemberg I had from another project. Considering the New York winter weather, I figured an extra layer of fabric would be a good idea. Also, although this was a quickie project for a low-key event, somehow leaving a bodice unlined with exposed seam allowances on the inside seemed to be setting the bar pretty low even for an informal wedding dress. Although the pattern didn’t call for it, I underlined the bodice with the organdy too to give it a little more body. Here’s a good view of the boat neckline, another thing I love about this pattern:
In this picture, Dan is about to feed me cake. Although it may appear that we are engaging in a wedding-specific ritural, that’s not actually what’s going on here. This is actually a daily service that Dan is expected to provide for me. I don’t think I’ve lifted my own cake fork for the last 5 years. Usually I just yell, “DAN, CAKE!” while lying on the couch and he whips one up and feeds it to me. It’s awesome. The last two pictures are from the tiny reception we had with our families and I think the dress worked well for this also, even though it was in the evening. I could have gone with something a little more splashy and bare I suppose, but two dresses for such a casual, small affair seemed like overkill.
In the end, I loved my simple, hastily executed dress (and our simple, hastily executed wedding!) The pattern and cut were perfect for the occasion, I loved the crumply, rustling shantung bolstered with stiff organdy, and most of all, it was comfortable!
We’ll see if 2013 brings more time for sewing. I already picked up leaf green silk georgette and matching leaf green silk chiffon while in New York to make yet another wedding dress, this time for my sister who is getting married in the summer! And before you readers tsk tsk at me for taking on yet another S.W.A.G. project, let me point out that it’s a fair trade, considering what my sister just made for me:
Three gorgeous tiers of chocolate buttermilk cake with mocha buttercream, decorated with handmade sugar snowflakes, no two alike. It was honestly the best cake that I have ever tasted. It was so beautiful that I couldn’t stand to look while cutting it!
Happy 2013, everyone- I hope you get plenty of selfish sewing time for yourselves! (Actually, I hope I get plenty of selfish sewing time for myself- who cares what you get! Hahahah!)
236 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 11, 2013 at 9:44 am
sew2pro
I’m hard-hearted and almost as selfish as you but I have been moved to tears ! Congratulations, hope you’ll be extremely happy forever! What a wonderfully written post and such a surprise.
And considering, you’re excused for not blogging
January 11, 2013 at 9:45 am
Gorgeous Things
Felicitations, congratulations and I hope you have many many years of selfish happiness together!!!!!!!!
January 11, 2013 at 9:47 am
Shams
You look gorgeous. Many congratulations!!!
January 11, 2013 at 9:49 am
Amy
Ahhhh!!! Congratulations!!!!!
January 11, 2013 at 9:52 am
Julie
What a beautiful dress and very many congratulations
January 11, 2013 at 9:52 am
Erika
You look beautiful, best wishes to you both! Glad to see you back
January 11, 2013 at 9:55 am
June
Wow, so wonderful!!! Congratulations!!! As soon as I saw the Christmas-tree-photo-bomb, I thought – oh! They got married! Yaaay!
(I know you don’t know me, but I’m happy for you anyway.)
And that cake is amazing. Seriously! Great job, Sister of Selfish!
January 11, 2013 at 9:58 am
Janey
Oh my god, no wonder you’ve been quiet, secretly planning a wedding! Congratulations, but in my own selfish way, I’m glad that’s over because hopefully it means you’ll be sewing more and posting more on this blog ;)
p.s. I’m gonna see if the ‘CAKE!’ demand works on my own hubby.
January 11, 2013 at 9:59 am
becki/chitwood@live.com
You look absolutely stunning and perfectly you! Congratulations. It looks like you had a perfect day, thank you for sharing iwth us.
January 11, 2013 at 10:04 am
Susan Menta
Welcome back!! So nice to see a new post from you, and way to come back with a bang. Perfect dress for a wedding like this. You guys look very happy. Lookig forward to a more selfish 2013.
January 11, 2013 at 10:04 am
meagangracie
Gorgeous dress for a fitting occasion. Woo-hoo!
January 11, 2013 at 10:06 am
Weaverbec
Congratulations! And a beautiful dress. As always your sewing skills are amazing. I wish you hapiness in your marriage forever!
January 11, 2013 at 10:07 am
Karin
Congratulations! The dress looks perfect, as do the pictures of the day.
January 11, 2013 at 10:08 am
missparayim
Congratulations!! Your dress is beautiful, and that cake is so pretty.
I hope you get some more selfish sewing done in 2013.
January 11, 2013 at 10:09 am
Anna
This is my new favorite blog, you look fabulous, congratulations, you are a sewing ninja and I am in awe that you would even try to make your own wedding dress. And I am jealous that my own sister never tried to make me a cake. Ok she was the flower girl in my wedding but hey.
I just tried the “CAKE, SPOUSE” thing and it did not work. I’m jealous.
January 11, 2013 at 10:13 am
kristinm100
What a wonderful post! You look gorgeous, Dan looks gorgeous, the cake looks gorgeous. Great way to move into 2013.
January 11, 2013 at 10:13 am
Kyra
Mazal Tov Selfish @ Dan
May you have a home filled with peace & blessing always
January 11, 2013 at 10:14 am
Rose in SV/LO
What a great excuse to make a dress! I send felicitations to you both and I wish you many years of happiness!
January 11, 2013 at 10:16 am
jadestar
Welcome back! A fab surprise to come upon your update in my blogfeed. Hopefully you will get more sewing time in 2013.
Last but not least congratulation! May you have many wonderful years together. I had such a smile on my face reading your post. I loved the simplicity of your dress. You looked lovely. X
January 11, 2013 at 10:26 am
BeccaA
Congratulations! You are beautiful in your lovely dress. The cake is awesome, too.
January 11, 2013 at 10:29 am
woolcat
That dress is to die for, and congratulations on acquiring your very own cake slave for life!!
January 11, 2013 at 10:31 am
Sharenda B
Congrats Selfish :)
January 11, 2013 at 10:32 am
Angela
:)
January 11, 2013 at 10:33 am
BMGM
Congratulations.
BTW, was the dress stiffener applied like horsehair braid to the hem?
January 11, 2013 at 10:35 am
Amanda S.
Congratulations! Love the dress! I had a white suit when I got married, thinking that I wanted something I could wear again. Not that it’s been worn since. Where does one wear a white suit? But I can see this dress with a pair of black pumps and a few accessories and not looking bridal at all.
February 6, 2013 at 3:42 am
Fiona
You could always dye it into a colour you are more likely to wear again :-)
January 11, 2013 at 10:39 am
Almatinka
Congratulations! Let life (in the form of Dan) bring you “cake” every day!!! :-)
January 11, 2013 at 10:42 am
Sandra
Mazel Tov and welcome back! You have been missed!
January 11, 2013 at 10:43 am
Theresa
Congratulations. I wondered what had happened to your prolific blog, now I know. Many, many happy years to you both!
January 11, 2013 at 10:43 am
Maureen
You look beautiful!!!! Congratulations
January 11, 2013 at 10:45 am
Elizabeth
Congratulations!!!! Beautiful dress. We missed you. Selfishly.
January 11, 2013 at 10:48 am
Miss Celie
I’ve been waiting for this post ever since you told us you were getting married. Congratulations and thanks for catching us up!
January 11, 2013 at 10:57 am
Juliet
Congratulations and best wishes for a very happy marriage (cake-feeding to order has to help?) Everyone loves your posts so may I selfishly suggest more in 2013?
January 11, 2013 at 11:00 am
Samina
Congratulations to you both! The dress is lovely & suits you perfectly.
January 11, 2013 at 11:01 am
joelle
Oh congratulations!! The dress is totally perfect, on you, and for the occasion. Good to read you , too :)
January 11, 2013 at 11:05 am
Rosesred
Congratulations! If I thought I had any chance of succes, I’d steal both dress and wedding, as it seems like the informal, wonderful party you had was filled with love and laughter.
January 11, 2013 at 11:07 am
Rosie
Congratulations! You are missed!! Lovely dress!
January 11, 2013 at 11:11 am
Sandra
Congratulations. Lovely dress, great photos
January 11, 2013 at 11:15 am
Susan LaGassa
Oh my, you are hysterical! Thanks for the laughs, and you and your dress are enchanting!!
January 11, 2013 at 11:15 am
Sarah
Welcome back and heartfelt congratulations! Your dress is beautiful and you both look so radiant.
January 11, 2013 at 11:17 am
yoshimi
Congratulations!!! Your wonderful story make me smile! You look beautiful in your wedding dress, I love the cake too. SUPER.
January 11, 2013 at 11:18 am
thelandofka
Congratulations on your wedding and the beautiful, well-executed, last minute dress! You are a fetching couple and you do need to make your sister a dress after she made you that cake. I think you owe her one for that one.
Here’s to more sewing in 2013! More selfish sewing, anyways. For both of us. I have been sewing way to much for my own offspring. I think mama needs a few new things, too.
January 11, 2013 at 11:18 am
Toby Wollin
Ah, yes, the very sneaky ‘holiday symbol’ photo bombers… always around and about. I love your dress!! Actually, you are a very lucky Selfish One because if it was even in the neighborhood of fitting me, I would have been there in a flash (with or without Dan and his magic cake fork). However, NOW I will be on the eagle-eyed lookout for the pattern. I think it would look wonderful in almost anything – lightweight wool, brocade, jacquard, anything with some good body.
January 11, 2013 at 11:18 am
Milena
Oh, welcome back, I’ve missed your posts! Congratulations on the wedding thing, it is a big deal to have it over with.. May you guys be very very happy together! I love the dress (thanks for the details on the “stiffening”) and the anti-stress-about-the- wedding attitude. That’s the spirit :)
January 11, 2013 at 11:21 am
Samantha
Congratulations!!
You are hilarious.
January 11, 2013 at 11:22 am
Phoebe
Congratulations! That is such a beautiful dress, I’m so impressed.
January 11, 2013 at 11:23 am
Sheila in Brussels
Congrats and WTH*! Why did we have to wait so long for a new post! Soooo selfish!
PS love the dress and All the best
*Some of us of a certain generation are more comfortable with WTH (heck) than WTF. although we would love the confidence to say ijust that !!)
January 11, 2013 at 11:24 am
Jenny
Every bit of this post is awesome. I think the very best seamstresses in the world are those who sew their own wedding dresses. So there you go.
Best wishes to you! Hope to see you more in 2013!
January 11, 2013 at 11:32 am
CarmencitaB
I wish you a very happy and very long ownership, enough of that &§!(%$¨ planned obsolescence already!
January 11, 2013 at 11:32 am
Trisha
Congratulations!!! LOVE this picture of you and Dan jumping in front of “City Hall.” Your jumping pose is very similar to your profile pic!
January 11, 2013 at 11:33 am
saro
Congratulations, so glad you’re back!! Lovely dress. Hope that Dan is taking cake-making lessons from your sister. :)
January 11, 2013 at 11:35 am
fififightsfabric
Congratulations. You look gorgeous. What a cool wedding! So classy. That dress is amazing. X
January 11, 2013 at 11:36 am
Michelle jadaa
The dress is perfect and congratulations:)
January 11, 2013 at 11:38 am
Harriet
First of all, no one could ever steal your thunder! I’m so happy for all of us who have been dutifully checking our email for an update from the Selfish Seamstress, and at last it has come with wonderful news and pictures!
Congradulation to you both.
January 11, 2013 at 11:39 am
Jenny
Congratulations! Your dress is beautiful and looks perfect for you. Hope to see more of your creations this year. :-)
January 11, 2013 at 11:42 am
Sewing Princess
Congratulations on a great jump! You both look great. Enjoy and hope for more posts if you have time
January 11, 2013 at 11:48 am
Merche
Congratulations! For being a simple and hastly executed wedding, everything looked beautiful, from the dress to the cake. And I missed reading your posts and your wonderful sense of humor.
January 11, 2013 at 11:52 am
darxyanne
Congratulations!! Your dress is beautiful, and all the photos are great– what a treat to get to see them.
As for how to edit the bust when you are taking out several inches, if you have any chance to take a class w/ Cynthia Guffey and learn her techniques for how to fit a pattern, she is (to my mind) the best thing to happen to pattern fitting ever. She also teaches corrections for upper back curve and shoulder slope, and both of those adjustments go a long way toward fixing those bubbles of fabric in the front of the armscye that you mention.
Best wishes for a long and glorious permanent ownership of your man! :)
January 11, 2013 at 11:55 am
CGCouture
Congratulations! May you have many happy years together! :-) Gorgeous dress, this looks like a classic that maybe you’ll pass down to your future daughter(s). :-)
January 11, 2013 at 11:56 am
Pella
Congratulations! The dress is perfect, the cake is superb.
January 11, 2013 at 11:59 am
Susan
Congratulations, Elaine and Dan! It looks like it was such a cozy and fun event. Your dress and the cake were both beautiful.
January 11, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Gail
I was so excited to see a post from you on my reader this morning, and then to discover that not only did you make that gorgeous dress, but you also got married in it! Yay you!!! Congratulations on both accounts. Looks like the perfect wedding – and that cake is stunning too!
January 11, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Janine Whisler
Perfection! I am really looking forward to see what you are making for your sis, it sounds amazing. From the comments above and the fact that so many people missed you, I think it’s time for you to finally get busy sewing and blogging again. Or is that just me being selfish?
January 11, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Angela
Glad to hear from you again, you looked beautiful!
January 11, 2013 at 12:08 pm
JacqC
I cheered when I saw a new post pop up! Congratulations, wishing you much happiness :)
January 11, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Ellen
Beautiful dress, beautiful cake, beautiful you! Congratulations!
January 11, 2013 at 12:15 pm
arenee
Congratulations. So great to hear from you. May you have many wonderful years of Dan ownership and lots of time to sew (for yourself, of course)!
January 11, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Alli
Talk about burying the lede… congratulations! You two look so happy, and your dress is gorgeous! :)
January 11, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Janice
Congratulations Selfish!! Your dress is beautiful (of course, but you knew that!) What a treat to see your post in my reader this morning. I hope you can sew and post more this year!!
January 11, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Dawn
congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness with Dan.
January 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Lisa Laree
Congratulations! The dress was PERFECT…and so was the story! What a delightful post!
January 11, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Whitney
Congratulations! Your wedding was beautiful and you dress is lovely on you. Thaks so much for posting, it’s good to hear from you again!
January 11, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Brenda
All the best!
What a wonderful read!
January 11, 2013 at 1:00 pm
G
Congratulations! And you look great on your day!
January 11, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Yzo@ChezRoo
No lie – I was just thinking this morning, I wonder what happened to the Selfish Seamstress, I really miss her posts! And then, here you are in my reader – yay!! And you got married – yay!! And you made such a perfect dress, and were gifted such a lovely cake. Congratulations, Selfish! I wish you many years of happiness with Mr. Selfish :)
January 11, 2013 at 1:16 pm
BeckyMc
Congratulations! And the dress is perfect for your low key wedding. You both look so happy. Hope to hear more this year, you are one of my favorite bloggers.
January 11, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Gjeometry
Congrats on your happy event. And I think your dress turned out beautifully. I also am trying to build a wardrobe for myself (so kind of selfish), BUT this christmas I made pajamas for all of my family. And they seemed to like them, so loved it!
January 11, 2013 at 1:22 pm
amalitar
Congratulations! Best wishes for a long and happy life together and may 2013 bring you lots of blogging time so that I can enjoy more of your wonderful stories soon. :-)
January 11, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Sewing Sveta
Congratulations! Nice dress and wedding!
January 11, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Seraphinalina
Congratulations! What wonderful news. That really seems to be the perfect wedding dress, it looks lovely on you. Just lovely.
January 11, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Norma
Love the dress and I agree, a perfect dress for the occasion. Congrats!
January 11, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Claire (aka Seemane)
Elaine! Warmest congratulation to you and Dan – you both look awesome and so happy in your photos, and the dress ain’t too shabby either ;)
Wishing you both a long and happy marriage m’dears, plus here’s hoping that 2013 brings you much serenity with shed loads of selfish sewing :)!!
January 11, 2013 at 1:44 pm
Welcome Back!
Congratulations on the marriage! Also, this was a wonderful, beautiful, hilarious post. You’ve been missed!
January 11, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Fiona
That dress is GORGEOUS! The pattern, your fabric choices, the way it fits! Yum! Even better looking than that cake if possible…
Congrarulations!
January 11, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Lisa Horwitz
This blog post was well worth the wait!
What a beautiful way to end the year.You and the dress are both stunning. Much happiness and lots of sewing time in 2013.
January 11, 2013 at 2:11 pm
LinB
Oh, congratulations! and best wishes to you and your Dan, for a long and happy married life together! You and he look radiant, the cake is magnificent, and your nephew is too adorable for words.
January 11, 2013 at 2:23 pm
cutekipepeo
And she is back! Would you have us believe that Peter’s post on lost bloggers finally smoked you out? Love the dress and congrats.
January 11, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Ali M
Congratulations on your new possession! ;) It’s smart to take legal steps to make sure you never lose somebody who will feed you cake, they are hard to find. I’m very glad you have blogged again (no pressure if you get busy again of course) I really enjoyed reading this, and the dress is simply beautiful on you.
January 11, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Jan
Mazel tov! Great dress, great post … much happiness to you both. Amazing cake, too! mmmm, choc!
January 11, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Tamsinwp
welcome back and congratulations! Your blogging has been missed and your selfish sewing of course!
January 11, 2013 at 2:36 pm
Amy
Congratulations! Here’s to many years of selfish bliss!
January 11, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Lizzy
Congrats. Loved seeing this pattern as I have it too! I was also confused by the stiffening and so it’s still sitting in the stash. Brilliant choice for a wedding dress, though I’d expect nothing less from you
January 11, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Bernadette Williams (@bpwilliams)
You are a lovely Bride- and still hilarious after all of these long months without a “Selfish” post! Perfect Dan, perfect dress, and you made me laugh out loud in a public place, choking on my venti iced tea over your expected “Daily Cake Service”.
January 11, 2013 at 2:56 pm
crystalpleats
Congratulations! The dress turned out wonderfully. Thanks for sharing.
January 11, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Houseofpinheiro
Congratulations x
January 11, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Catharina
You look so beautiful! What a nice dress. Actually reminds me a lot of my own self-made wedding dress. I made Vogue 8615 without the front seam in ivory silk dupioni. Also boat neck and tea-length. We too opted for a low- key affair and your pictures bring back so many memories.. Anyway, you looked really nice..and happy!
January 11, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Pam from South Australia
How wonderful to hear from you. Congratulations to you and Dan, I wish you both a wonderful life together. The dress? Perfect for the occasion, you looked gorgeous.
January 11, 2013 at 3:14 pm
Holley M
It’s great to see you leaping for joy along with your new husband! The dress is fabulous and so is the cake your sister made! Please share the dress you made for the ungrateful baby!
January 11, 2013 at 3:29 pm
Hilde
Congratulations! Love your dress! Now, if my Chosen One actually agrees that getting married is a wonderful idea, maybe I’ll just sew the dress myself despite it being regarded as bad luck. (At least in Norway folklore it is. But then, I’m not superstituous.) Don’t really know you, but I can pretend I do by reading your hilarious blog.
Cheers from a fellow academic.
January 11, 2013 at 3:30 pm
Reethi
Congratulations, and happy 2013!
January 11, 2013 at 3:33 pm
LLADYBIRD
Congratulations, both of you! I don’t think you need to worry about that tree (or menorah, or kinara) trying to steal the spotlight from you – who could!? You look gorgeous! ♥
January 11, 2013 at 3:49 pm
annette tirette
Congratulations on your wedding! And I have to say, I’m so glad to see you posting something again!
January 11, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Valerie
May the wonderful Dan continue to feed you cake for many years to come. Congratulations, and the dress is just perfect.
January 11, 2013 at 4:06 pm
My Handmadehappiness
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Love the dress, Love the post….. Hope you back to your blogging/sewing best x
January 11, 2013 at 4:09 pm
Siang
Ohhhh Selfish! You have been much missed, but congratulations!! the butterick 9927 is a LOVELY pattern! and the cake looks fantabulicious! Truly happy for you!
January 11, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Clio
Congrats! I hope that the only reason that you were unselfishly pouring drinks for others was so that they could toast and lavish praise on you and your beautiful dress!
January 11, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Molly
Congrats! How exciting!
January 11, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Nicole
Oh my, how lovely! Congratulations/Mazel Tov to you both. You look lovely in your dress, but more importantly, you look happy. That’s the best thing for a wedding day.
January 11, 2013 at 5:22 pm
DesignsByDenise
Perfection. That is all.
and welcome back. Some of us may be even more selfish than you, with our constant harping and whining over your disappearance and failure to feed OUR needs, although you are at a level of selfishness to which most can only aspire and dream. Congratulations on your permanent capture of the elusive and rare whipper-upper/feeder. May the future bring you every happiness – and of course bring the rest of us more Selfish!!!
January 11, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Robin
be still my heart – you pulled off the.perfect.wedding! The dress is wonderful. Of course, i am also happy for Dan that he got to marry you and continue to serve.
thanks for sharing your dress!!
January 11, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Lisa E
We have missed you! Glad to see that you (and Dan) are still alive and happy. Beautiful dress, handsome husband, yummy cake. Your 2013 is off to a good start. Please blog more you selfish thing!
January 11, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Sarah C
Oh I am glad you are back! I suppose I can forgive your for not posting considering you got MARRIED!! Congratulations! The dress is beautiful on you!
January 11, 2013 at 6:05 pm
NT
Welcome back! Oh, and nice dress. And congratulations, I suppose. :D
January 11, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Mpressive Threadz
Congratulations! I wish you much happiness. Your dress is so beautiful and so are you!
January 11, 2013 at 6:21 pm
Sofie
AS IF a giant Christmas tree (albeit a beautiful one or a candle stick) could steal your thunder even when you are not getting married!! Congratulations. A beautiful dress, a beautiful couple, an amazing cake and a wonderful surprise. Hope we see more of you in 2013!
January 11, 2013 at 6:22 pm
Cennetta
Congratulations! Welcome back! Your gown is gorgeous.
January 11, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Bethsews
The world has righted itself – Selfish is baaaacccckkkkkk! Congrats on taking rightful possession and here’s to lots of sewing (and blogging) in 2013!
January 11, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Claire S.
Congratulations, best wishes to you both !
January 11, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Sufiya
WELCOME BACK! and CONGRATULATIONS!…I KNEW there had to be a reason you weren’t posting; I am glad it was a HAPPY one! And, that cake sounds scrumptious! (mmm, mocha!) it’s perfectly understandable that you’d want to keep someone who hand-feeds you cake around!
January 11, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Sue K
Congratulations! I hope you’ll both be very happy. Terrific to see you back blogging and sewing!
January 11, 2013 at 9:05 pm
Elise
Congratulations! Lovely, lovely dress. I think your sewing blog was one of the first I ever started reading but I haven’t commented before. It’s nice to see another post!
I had a simple, hastily executed wedding this year too and it was the best decision we could have made. Best wishes for your marriage!
January 11, 2013 at 9:05 pm
Mary in FL
Congratulations, Misses Selfish!
January 11, 2013 at 9:12 pm
Rachel
Wow! Congratulations! You look lovely, and that is a truly beautiful cake!
January 11, 2013 at 9:40 pm
Barbara
Congratulations!!! You made a beautiful Bride!!! The dress was almost as adorable as you and your new hubbie are. Best Wishes on your new life as husband and wife.
January 11, 2013 at 9:42 pm
girdtmom
Congratulations! You and Dan are such a lovely couple. All happiness to you both.
January 11, 2013 at 10:23 pm
Cynthia
Congratulations on finally making Dan an honest man! Happy to see that you’re blogging again too! Your wedding photos are so lovely. You did an amazing job on the dress – it’s divine, as is the cake your sister made for you. Many well wishes to you and Dan and many thanks for sharing a bit of your special day with us!
Cynthia
January 11, 2013 at 10:25 pm
kathyh
Filled with smiles here to see you posting again.
Your dress was perfect for you. Gorgeous. Stunning. The best things are made at the last minute.
Congratulations on dictating selfish as an artform and may you have many years of selfish anniversaries ahead of you.
January 11, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Zena
Congrats to you both!
January 12, 2013 at 12:15 am
Jenny N.
Selfishly, I’m glad your back. :) Congratulations on everything and hope you have lots of projects to post about this year.
January 12, 2013 at 12:39 am
accidentlykellystreet
Congratulations on your marriage! You look beautiful and very, very happy. Your sister is also very talented!
January 12, 2013 at 12:51 am
T. Sedai
Congratulations! Your dress is absolutely beautiful. As was the cake. I hope you have many selfish and happy years to come!
January 12, 2013 at 2:46 am
Bold Sewist
What a gorgeous dress – perfect for the day, I can almost hear it rustling! And a beautiful cake – wow! Congratulations!
January 12, 2013 at 4:07 am
Dora K. (@omg_dora)
Congrats, you gorgeous and talented creature! I do miss your regular blogging (you were probably my favorite blogger!) but I can see you’ve got other good stuff going on. That is an AWESOME dress though. :)
January 12, 2013 at 5:27 am
Vicki
Congratulations!! I see you haven’t lost your selfish streak :)
January 12, 2013 at 6:34 am
French_Seam
You’re back! About time too. No more excuses now: get slogging (sewing/blogging)
January 12, 2013 at 7:14 am
Meredith P
Congratulations to you and best wishes to Dan! As mentioned above, we’ve been waiting for this particular post for…years. Beautiful dress. Fun celebration. Thanks for sharing! Were you just visiting the States, or here to stay?
January 12, 2013 at 7:22 am
ejvc
There you are, selfishly going on about your wedding — when my goodness, look at that cake!! OMG!! CAKE!! Wow.
May your years together pass selfishly in peace and prosperity.
January 12, 2013 at 7:23 am
ejvc
And, wonderful dress — I appreciated the technical details and all the action shots. A lovely interpretation of the dress.
January 12, 2013 at 8:19 am
Elise Lin
Congratulations on your marriage! Your dress is wonderful, I love how it is a wedding dress, but not a very typical wedding dress. I’m amazed by how fast you sew!
January 12, 2013 at 9:36 am
Tee
Congratulations! Many blessings on you and Dan’s new life!
January 12, 2013 at 10:18 am
paisleyapron
Congratulations! Wishing you a wonderful marriage!
January 12, 2013 at 10:28 am
Kay
Congratulations!! I love your wedding dress. IT looks gorgeous on you…what a beautiful wedding!
Let there be a million yrs of selfishness together!
January 12, 2013 at 10:32 am
Stephanie
Congrats! Your dress is beautiful and I always look forward to your posts, they crack me up.
January 12, 2013 at 10:41 am
Tina Sutherland
Well, obvious you’ve made several people happy. Dan (a lucky guy), your sister (beautiful dress-to-be), your adoring fans (who’ve missed you so much) and then You. You look so very happy. This is all out of character but you’ll be forgiven this lapse. You’ll be back to your selfish self soon, I’m sure.
(Yay!)
January 12, 2013 at 10:49 am
starryfishathome
Many congratulations, such a beautiful dress! And the cake was magnificent.
January 12, 2013 at 10:52 am
gwendolyn perkins
Congratulations!! I am very happy for you and Dan.
January 12, 2013 at 10:59 am
Testosterone
Best wishes to you and “DAN!”.
That cake was incredible! Please consider sewing a snowflake into your sister’s dress.
January 12, 2013 at 11:43 am
steph
So good to read your blog again! Congrats – you look great and so happy.
January 12, 2013 at 12:07 pm
M-C
Awww! A guy who whips up cake on demand and feeds it to you is well worth claiming ownership on :-). You look fabulous, and as you mention a comfortable wedding dress is such a rare thing that it’s worth celebrating in and of itself. Mazeltov!
January 12, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Salma
Oh man, you’re back! 2013 is going to be an awesome year in sewing! Congratulations on your newest acquisition!
January 12, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Terry Carter
Congratulations on your wedding and also the so very beautiful dress. And I do agree,your sister deserves a dress in exchange for the lovely cake!
So nice to read your blog.
Terry
January 12, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Helen
Absolutely stunning! I really wish I’d been sewing when I got married, now!
Congratulations!
January 12, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Maria
Congratulations! Glad you’re back!
January 12, 2013 at 3:59 pm
meli88a
Congratulations on your wedding, and I hope that your sister doesn’t do to her wedding dress what you did to your cake!
January 12, 2013 at 4:01 pm
PetitePear
Congratulations to you and Dan. I’m so happy to hear from you and obviously I’m not the only one!
January 12, 2013 at 5:27 pm
kristin
Ahhh I’ve missed you! Congratulations on taking legal possession of your fella, and I hope you’re able to be more selfish with your time and sew more in 2013. Cheers!!
January 12, 2013 at 6:20 pm
NuJoi
Congratulations and welcome back!
January 12, 2013 at 6:59 pm
sleeperproject
oh thank god you’re back!
January 12, 2013 at 8:30 pm
kate C.
congrats on your wedding! :) Very pretty dress!
January 12, 2013 at 11:14 pm
Michele
Congratulations!! I have been missing your blog, but so happy to hear the good news! You looked absolutely beautiful in your dress and it is nice to see that you are blogging again. You truly have a gift and I love seeing the outfits you make –very inspiring.
January 12, 2013 at 11:43 pm
sewnotwork
Thrilled to see you back and with a beautiful dress for a wonderful occasion. I laughed out loud when you mentioned embryo. And of Dan always feeding you cake. Congratulations!
January 13, 2013 at 11:57 am
Jackie
Congratulations! Dress and whole affair look lovely! Wish you every happiness!
Also looking forward to photos of your sister’s dress.
January 13, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Meghan
Congratulations! Both you and the dress look perfect!
January 13, 2013 at 11:59 pm
Beal
Congratulations!! You look lovely, and your groom is the perfect accessory. ;-)
January 14, 2013 at 12:32 am
Jo
Looks like everyone else in the WORLD beat me to commenting, but this is awesome! And I’m so intrigued to see your bodice alterations on the kimono sleeve (got any pics?). I am making a kimono sleeve bodice and I couldn’t find anything on bust adjustments. So I just made it up. lol.
Anyway, congrats on getting married, I mean getting legal ownership of your man (lol!).. you look gorgeous! :D
January 14, 2013 at 3:42 am
Janice A.
I felt so teary when I saw the wedding photos . Congratulations to you both – you make such a lovely couple. WELCOME BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Janice.
January 14, 2013 at 6:41 am
sjcourchesne
Fabulous dress! Congratulations on the groom and the gown(isn)!
January 14, 2013 at 10:32 am
melissa
Wow, you sure do know how to turn our emotions around from “Where the hell have you been??” to misty-eyed forgiveness, eh?? (Seriously, lovely dress!)
January 14, 2013 at 11:02 am
lsaspacey
Congratulations! I’m always amazed at how young you two are, you look barely old enough to be married!
I just finished reading my 1961 Better Homes & Garden Sewing Book and what you did with your dress is called “mounting” a skirt with organza. Their example was also a tulip-shaped skirt. It’s a great book, I highly recommend it for anyone making vintage party dresses.
January 14, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Kathleen in Oregon
Congratulations! And may you have many years of selfish happiness! Love the dress, love the cake.
January 14, 2013 at 8:55 pm
St Paul Gal
I have missed you so very much! Extremely selfish myself. I am so happy for you and your ownership of Dan. I think you are an incredible woman, seamstress, and writer. I look forward to future posts.
January 14, 2013 at 9:35 pm
fuglerfarms
Glad you had the balls to whip up a dress. I had the pattern for a Vogue evening dress for my Florida wedding on the beach, and I chickened out and bought a strapless dress from Craigslist. The silk I ordered for the Vogue pattern was too sheer, and I should have gone with chiffon instead of georgette. I’m going to finish it and dye it the color of the water in Key West.
January 15, 2013 at 8:22 am
Kakie Parker
I am so glad you put your selfishness away for the moment and shared your beautiful wedding pictures with us! I have a smile on my face whenever I read your blog. Do hope you’ll give us more-more-more in ’13. You are so entertaining and inspiring! Ellen.
January 15, 2013 at 10:48 am
The Slapdash Sewist
“Mutton dressed as a fetus” is my new favorite expression.
Congratulations to you and Dan! It looks like a beautiful, perfect wedding that is about being married to each other. That cake is completely gorgeous–I love the Tiffany blue color!
Oh right, and the dress is sensational too. I am jealous that you can carry off a boatneck. My neck is so short that I look like a head on a platter in a boatneck. But it’s such an elegant, classic look.
January 15, 2013 at 1:57 pm
symondezyn
Congratulations! The dress is gorgeous, and you look stunning in it!! I love the pics, you both look so happy – looks like a perfect wedding ^__^
January 15, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Renee
Congratulation!!! What a beautiful dress!!. I enjoy your blog and look forward to your posts in 2013
January 15, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Crafting Fashion
Beautiful dress, I can’t believe you made it 6 days before your wedding! wow! It suits you perfectly.
And that cake looks gorgeous too (plus looked very yummy).
January 15, 2013 at 6:43 pm
fragglethread
Oooh, Selfish!! You are beautiful in the vintage dress!! It reminds me of the dresses my sister wore back in the fifties/sixties. Congratulations to you and Dan.
January 15, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Marilyn Benson
Looks like a lovely wedding, the kind with little stress and lots of love. The dress is perfect for you and the occasion, good choice! Mazel Tov, lots of happiness in your future, and so glad you’re back to blogging; we missed you.
January 15, 2013 at 8:24 pm
Carolyn
Congratulations! I hope you & Dan have many, many wonderful years together! Oh and the dress is pretty awesome, too!
January 16, 2013 at 7:26 am
rachielou
Ah! Soooo happy to see you back! And all best wishes and congratulations for your wedding. Your dress looks stunning! xxx
January 16, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Beth
OMG, welcome back and congrats on your latest acquisition!!! The dress and the cake are pretty sweet too! ;-)
January 16, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Hilary
Congratulations!! and you are back!! I haven’t checked back here in a few weeks (probably since Dan-is that his name? at malepatternboldness called you out as missing), but wanted to reference your online fabric shopping experience.
Congratulations on the wedding and we all hope to be hearing more from you in 2013.
January 17, 2013 at 1:10 pm
batcaveworkshop
Oh Selfish, on a whim I hit the bookmark to see if you were back, all the while thinking that you wouldn’t be, because of your selfish nature. What a pleasant surprise!! Congratulations and thanks for sharing with us. Be, careful, unselfish behavior could lead to other things! I unselfishly hope you have lots of time to sew and share this year!
January 17, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Callie
Oh I’m so glad you’re back! I discovered your blog just about a month before your last post and during your blogging break I went back and read all your old posts. Congratulations on your marriage (I work in the same building as the NYC marriage license bureau and am sad I so closely missed seeing your beautiful dress in person). I can’t wait to see what you make next!
January 17, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Misty
Congratulations! :) Love the dress, and that cake is making me hungry.
January 17, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Lynne
Your sneaky, stealthy, sweet and soft-hearted sharing of your most special dress and day is so “Selfish” of you! Much happiness to you and Dan.
January 18, 2013 at 5:16 pm
Patti
Congratulations! I’m so happy that you posted again—I’ve missed your wit and sewing expertise! The very best to you both.
January 18, 2013 at 10:07 pm
joy
congratulations! and finally you are back. the selfish seamstress was definitely missed!
January 19, 2013 at 12:44 am
Margaret O'Neal
Thank you for sharing your lovely wedding photos. I’ve missed your humor — to hell with the clothes — though they are very lovely too. I hope you have more time for writing and sewing in 2013.
January 19, 2013 at 5:53 am
Anne G
Impressive number of messages when you consider the lengh of time you had not been posting for. Obviously we were all missing you so much! Congratulations, and all the very best to you and Dan. Be very very happy (and selfish as long as it makes you happy!). Bonne Annee 2013 !
January 19, 2013 at 6:23 am
daisydonut
Congratulations, you looked beautiful in your dress, and you both look very happy.
January 19, 2013 at 4:18 pm
TinaLou
Best wishes for happily ever after! Your dress is lovely and you look fabulously happy; thanks for sharing your special day. I had just found your blog when you vanished; I selfishly hope you’re back for good!
January 19, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Kathryn Barnhill
In drsperation I thought I would just read your first posts and surprise, here you are again. I second the comment that the world has righted itself and all the other comments as well and a jumpy photo to boot!
January 19, 2013 at 11:44 pm
Joan L. Gadonniex
Beautiful dress & beautiful bride. Congratulations and best wishes for the future.
January 20, 2013 at 10:00 am
Shelley
Your dress was beautiful and you looked lovely in it. Congratulations on your new ownership. Look forward to seeing your sister’s wedding dress!
January 20, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Sherry
Congratulations!! How exciting! I love low-key much more than over the top!
January 20, 2013 at 11:05 pm
sara
Good luck…yup, you don’t know me! I loved how your teaser re your project filled a critical gap in your wardrobe…and as I scrolled down…christmas tree! and then…wedding looking couple. Best wishes to you two.
January 21, 2013 at 10:04 am
Part Time Homemaker
We’ve missed you!!!
January 21, 2013 at 6:45 pm
Rena
Congratulations!!! Glad you finally have some legal right to that cute man;-) I’m sure you remember me from NYC…Metro Textiles!!!
January 21, 2013 at 7:18 pm
Hellenne Vermillion Artist
Wow, congratulations! Really enjoyed meeting the two of you in Metro Textiles last Summer!!! So happy for you and stay selfish in 2013 too!
January 22, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Martina
What a happy surprise…congratulations on your wedding and your beautiful dress!
January 23, 2013 at 10:19 am
Maxi
Gorgeous, and very classy dress. Many congratulations to both of you on your wedding! ps: Love the idea of just shouting ‘cake!’ for it to appear! x
January 24, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Meigan
Congratulations on your wedding and your gorgeous wedding dress and amazing cake! Cheers to 2013!
January 24, 2013 at 3:22 pm
PW
Congratulations to you and Dan. You, your dress and cake are beautiful!
January 25, 2013 at 8:29 am
Denise Marois-Wolf
Congratulations. The dress is beautiful. May you have many, many wonderful years together filled with nothing but happiness and sewing.
January 25, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Linda L
Really surprised to see your post. Lovely dress! Congratulations on your wedding
January 26, 2013 at 10:07 pm
Phoebe
Is that a barong Dan’s wearing?!
Congrats I guess :P
January 27, 2013 at 2:30 am
Alex
You look just gorgeous here, congrats on the nuptials!
January 27, 2013 at 4:59 am
Olga
You are alive! And married! Rather unselfish of you to make me this happy.
Congratulations from a total stranger yet a big fan.
January 27, 2013 at 10:28 pm
oonaballoona
what can i say that hasn’t been said? may dan feed you cakes your sister bakes for many, many years!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
January 28, 2013 at 11:46 pm
Leigh
Huge congratulations! Your dress is lovely and you two make a beautiful couple. :)
January 31, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Elaine
Don’t know how I missed this for nearly three weeks, but I was so glad to read it. Congratulations and best wishes! What a beautiful dress — and a beautiful, not-at-all-embryo-like bride.
January 31, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Fickle Sense
congratulations! your wedding looks lovely. Loving the dress. I can’t believe you knocked it up with so little time before the wedding. Courageous! I am getting married next year and am already planning the dress. Congrats again!
February 1, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Mimi
Fantastic! My, how the blogoshpere has missed you!
February 1, 2013 at 2:30 pm
twotoast
Holy Crap – I’m late to the party! Congratulations :)
Fabulous dress, awesome groom and gorgeous looking cake!!
February 1, 2013 at 8:24 pm
monika
My goodness, Selfish! What a wonderfully selfish thing to do: make a dress for yourself and legally posess your man. Good for you! I just found this post and chuckled: I made my wedding dress and got married on December 31–more than a decade ago. I wish you the best because you (two) clearly deserve it/each other (insert chuckle.) And may you have many more sewing projects to come…. All the best, in every way. You look wonderful!
February 2, 2013 at 10:46 am
Susannah Heath
Congratulations!!! We have missed you so!
February 3, 2013 at 8:00 pm
theperfectnose
Congratulations-that dress is beautiful on you and I love your hair down like that. Bestest wishes and many hugs to both of you (Yea I read the part about no hugs but these are exceptional circumstances for crying out loud).
February 5, 2013 at 4:13 pm
adelaide blair
Congratulations! (And lovely dress!)
February 14, 2013 at 10:32 am
Sally Thompson
I have been thinking about your wedding for weeks. Your dress was so totally appropriate for a wintertime event, no bland strapless column- just lovely! You looked beautiful. Congratulations on your originality and style, and best wishes for a wonderful married life!
February 16, 2013 at 9:13 am
Andrea
Congratulations! Your dress is awesome and the cake was so so beautiful. Best wishes!
February 19, 2013 at 9:54 am
Thimble & Cork
Wow, you looked absolutely stunning! Congratulations!!
February 19, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Tia Dia
A hearty congratulations to taking legal possession of your very own cake-providing Dan! What a beautiful dress! I wish you much health and prosperity together!
February 28, 2013 at 5:35 pm
Eleyna
Ah! I just realized you’re blogging again. I was following you and lost track for a bit. But big CONGRATS! Love the dress!
March 7, 2013 at 11:44 am
diaryofamadmama
Congratulations (a bit late)! I love your dress! I got married in January too (10 years ago)! What a beautiful bride you are! I just found your blog and am loving it! You are one talented lady!
~Jen
March 17, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Jenny
Fantastic to see you back in print…You’ve clearly had a super busy year and yet you’ve managed to start a new one with a wedding dress! Many congratulations! (This is funny coming on from the last post but I too got married in Jan but 28 years ago…)
April 12, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Who are you? (A books and libraries post, but also is about sewing later on!) | My vintage inspiration
[…] If you sew at all, I highly recommend that you check out her site (and take a look at the gorgeous wedding dress she recently sewed for herself). I would love to find a copy of that […]
July 19, 2013 at 10:37 am
Janimal
GORGEOUS! Many best wishes.
February 18, 2014 at 2:27 pm
ana
Many best wishes for your wedding. I need to make a dress from shantung silk. Do you have to use any special finishing or seams. thanks in advance for your advice. Ana
April 23, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Tina
Just found your blog – the dress looks amazing! I’m all for selfish sewing – definitely the way forward,…
May 22, 2014 at 12:26 pm
June
Congratulations! Everything was gorgeous.
June 10, 2014 at 8:27 pm
rutcarhoblas
I have really missed your blog. I just found it again. So selfishly happy for me, yes. But also very happy for you and Dan. “Wow! Hurray! It’s STILL Dan!” Congratulations to the both of you!
May 31, 2015 at 11:10 pm
sewplentiful
I realized that, unlike Vogue, almost all the Advance, Butterick and Simplicity patterns do not have instruction for lining. That, to me, indicates that anyone who picked up their patterns to make a dress must have some intermediate knowledge and experience in sewing.
August 11, 2015 at 10:18 am
KittyG
Hope you’re well…the blogosphere misses you.
April 4, 2016 at 1:02 am
Catherine Reed (@Radiojane1)
Only just found your blog, and I love it. Congrats on your marriage, that wedding dress is amazing. I hope your finding time for sewing, if not the blogging. Cheers!