Custom Dirndl: from Start to Finish

Sometimes my clients have ideas in their heads about the ultimate dirndl. I'm just the person to help them with that! I can take ideas, inspirations and color stories and turn them into real life one-of-a-kind pieces. But how does it work? What is involved? Lets start from the beginning using Rachel's Dirndl as an example.

It all started when she asked if I could do a ballerina-inspired dirndl with pastel colors and tulle. She didn't want it to be too poofy or "toddlers and tiaras" but tulle was definitely something she wanted. She liked the idea of using pink and off-white, so I put together a sketch for her that would be a rough draft of what it might look like. Once she approved it, it was off to the fabric store.

Instead of using baby pink, I used blush... a color that is not only very in, but also a more grown-up version of pink. I also picked out a tone-on-tone champagne satin damask fabric that would be a great compliment to the blush color.




She said she wanted a lace up front, but I could tell she was looking for more than that. I wanted to make sure that this piece oozed elegance and
poise like a ballerina, so I found a beautiful pink pearl and pewter beaded trim that I thought would be the perfect accent to the colors and look of the dirndl. Once the fabrics were picked out and approved, I got her measurements and made a pattern in her size and got ready to cut!

After cutting out all the pieces for the dirndl I used left over fabric from the bodice and used the wrong side to make a slight contrasting piping. I make all my own piping, especially for custom pieces because it really brings the whole piece together. Then its time to sew it all up.

Creating volume for the skirt was important for this ballerina piece and so I used white tulle attached to an underskirt as well as a small layer of white and pink at the bottom that would pop out just a tad giving the illusion of a tutu.

Once the volume on the skirt was created I added the bodice, zipper and finished the hem. Now it was time for the handwork. The beading was attached by hand because A.) it wasn't going to fit under the foot of the machine and B.) the final outcome can be much more precise and effortless. The more effort I put into a dirndl, the more effortless it looks. Nothing is worse than a design that looks tortured!

The hooks were added last and then it was time to add the apron and blouse and voila! A completely one-of-a-kind piece just for Rachel!

Do you have an idea in your head? Maybe a custom piece is right for you! Custom pieces are charge by the hours it takes to complete and the cost of the fabrics. Can't wait to see what my next client will request.

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