Orchid Gown

In 2006 I gained my City & Guilds Level II certificate in Embroidery - Art and Design.  My Orchid Gown, designed and completely handsewn by myself to fit my Tonner Tyler 40cm doll, was part of my project.  I used two-tone pure silk dupion, metallic silk, silk velvet, chiffons, organzas and silk taffetas to make the gown.  I needed to include fabric manipulation, creative hand embroidery and many other techniques in order to pass; and of course I had tremendous fun doing it all - including the extensive research into orchids - in the process *^.^* !!

The photos show some of the details of my project, including handmade ribbon trims, a very ornate woven, embroidered and beaded stomacher, burnout and gilding techniques on some edging fabrics, and my 3D needlelace and ornately embroidered beaded orchids.

* Sorry ~ doll and gown are now in a private collection and are not for sale *