Pushing the Sewing Ability.

I don't think I've ever been so brave to push my sewing abilities as I have over this past year.

In many industries, folk are offered refresher courses, training days etc, but what happens with the likes of me who never went to college to train as a dressmaker/designer, but luckily has an eye for detail and a passion for the craft and who literally has to learn by 'doing'.

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Sewing is indeed a craft and I wouldn't insult by saying anyone can do it. I am an apprentice, learning a new technique almost every day. Sewing is a constant learning curve, a craft which is filled with emotion whether that emotion is frustration and disappointment or satisfaction and elation. I experience them all.

So, when Jodie comissioned me to make her wedding gown, I jumped at the chance.

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Jodie had seen a film and had fallen in love with the character's style of wedding gown a few years ago. "Nothing else will do," she said. But, the only dilema was she lived in Milton Keynes and I in West Yorkshire. However, she sent me her measurment form and travelled the distance for 1 fitting near to completion which would enable me to make any minor adjustments should they be required.

So, I began to draft her wedding gown to her requirements. I opted for a 2-piece gown, wanting to make sure that the bodice needed to be as dramatic as the skirt. The bodice was made using a beautiful gold bridal brocade, while the skirt was a mixture of an ivory duchess satin for the main part and an ivory 100% silk georgette for the train.

I looked at different feathers and their movement from swan and ostrich to maribu and then looked at various fabrics to use for the feather effect in the train from synthetic chiffon to the final choice of the silk georgette.

The bodice had a corset closure allowing for the snug fit.


Each strip of georgette was cut and torn to achieve the overall effect.

Jodie finished her dramatic gown with a cream top hat fascinator. I simply cannot wait for the official piccys.