I finally finished my beaded dress the other night. Calling it a beaded dress makes it sound like its covered in beads – which it is not. But there is a border of beading around the neckline, and I am very happy with it.
The dress pattern that I used was Burda 7569, which as it is in the pattern, I feel is quite awful! I think the shiny satin and scooped neckline are quite horrible… But it gave me scope to change the pattern to what I wanted.
I raised the neckline, so that its quite high. I changed the band around the middle to a ruched band. I also shortened the length of the dress, as I am much shorter than the model, and that would have come much closer to my ankles. I made the bodice and ruched band in cream delustred satin, and the skirt from black georgette (with black lining).
May I say that georgette is a pain in the neck to work with?! Every time I wanted to cut it, it moved! Doing the hem was a nightmare, as my husband, who measured it for me (while I stood on the coffee table) can attest to!
I am very pleased with the dress result. My photos are pretty awful, but at least it gives you an idea of how much its changed from the Burda pattern!




White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.

I like your dress very much. Did you use Tambour beading emrboidery technique?
Yvette that is so very pretty!
Fiona
That beading pattern is gorgeous. Very tasteful and elegant!
I think it’s beautiful, Yvette! (And the georgette thing… I hear you! It’s so often used for bellydance costumes that I end up sewing it much more than I ever want to!!!)
Yvette,
Absolutely beautiful………..I love the changes and the beadwork is stunning.
I have to say, its just the kind of dress I would wear!!
You will look very elegant and I hope you enjoy the event.
You will have nothing but compliments and your husband will be the proudest gentleman in the room!
Have a great day.
Marysia.
It’s lovely Yvette. 🙂
Hi Yvette,
Your dress is just BEAUTIFUL! I love the beading – you did a fantastic job.
I also sew and do alterations for people as well as myself. I find it very satisfying. I finish needlework pieces and design new finish ideas fro needlework too.
Enjoy your dress!
Stitchingly Yours,
Veronica
Hi Antonia,
I used a technique called French Embroidery Beading, which is a hand beading technique using a needle, thread, beads and a whip stitch to sew them on. Unfortunately tambour beading is not something that I have ever tried!
Beautiful, Yvette. I also hear you on the georgette thing (so does my husband, who measured a hemline for me).
I love the beaded border. I love all of it in fact 🙂
It’s just lovely!