Every so often, a dress comes together in a whirlwind—a mix of inspiration, time crunch, and just enough grace to pull it off. This year’s Easter gown was exactly that.
Late Friday evening, just before Holy Saturday, I began patterning a new dress. The week had been full, but the fabric—an intricate floral paisley print on brown silk/wool—had been calling to me. The custom-printed textile is inspired by traditional Ukrainian designs, featuring richly colored florals and hidden Easter egg motifs (pysanky). I’d been draping and sketching ideas all week, knowing the bold print required strategy: a solid brown bodice, a floral skirt, and careful placement to honor the print’s composition and symbolism. This same thoughtfulness goes into every custom bridal dress I make, whether it’s for a wedding day, a First Communion, or a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece.
Saturday morning began with a muslin mock-up. My daughter Anya was by my side all day, which I knew would slow the process—but in the best way. We worked, played, and even spent time outside together. The design evolved naturally: the skirt needed more length than the printed fabric allowed, so I dropped the waistline. Dropped-waist silhouettes are one of the biggest bridal trends right now, and I’ve been itching to try the style since last year. I was surprised by how flattering and timeless it felt.
As with many of my custom wedding dresses and formal gowns, I made small refinements to the fit: I sculpted the underbust more closely, gave the hips room to flow, reshaped the neckline, and turned the bust dart into a graceful pleat. While I could have tailored the bust more precisely for myself, I kept the shape slightly forgiving so others could try it on. The dress is fully lined in a cognac-colored 100% silk charmeuse—light, breathable, and soft against the skin.
Anya was a dream the entire day. The sewing process ran smoothly—until about 11 p.m. I had roughly an hour of work left… which turned into three. My sewing machine desperately needed oil, and I didn’t have any. Exhausted, I chose to machine stitch the hem just to get to bed before 4 a.m.—something I rarely do for a couture-style gown. Normally, I hand-stitch hems on silk and bridal gowns for a cleaner, more refined finish. But sometimes, practicality wins.
Despite the long night, the result was absolutely worth it. The gown moved beautifully, felt effortless to wear, and—despite being fitted—gave me a silhouette I don’t usually see on myself. The pleated bust and dropped waist gave the illusion of curves, while the slightly looser fit kept the overall look soft and romantic. I felt feminine, graceful, and completely at ease in it.
Wearing the dress to Easter morning liturgy was a joy. It reminded me why I love designing custom garments—whether for brides, mothers, or special occasions like this one. Each piece tells a story, stitched with care, intention, and love.
Only three hours of sleep—but a beautiful Easter morning with family, friends, and a handmade Ukrainian-inspired silk/wool dress I’ll treasure for years to come.
Christ is Risen!
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