Time Challenge Part 2

So today I worked around a child home from school (Casulty visit last night, 3 butterfly stitches, long story) and a fitting appointment.

I really wanted to do the challenge in one hit as I'd done the previous one, but preperations for weekend clients and the afore mentioned meant it was more stop than start and finished around 6pm.

The petticoat is pre purchased. The detail in the thing means the time it would take me to make it, against what it can be bought for is a no brainer really.

So, lace over 100% pure silk, fully lined with button back detail and feature bow.

Ok, small admission time. Haven't added the buttons. Tired me, attention needing child and husband due home from work shortly means tea must now be prepared.

The below is an adaptation of Esther, a gown from our current collection.

I've shortened it a tad due to the petticoat, but actually feel that it's a tad more sassy.

Could actually see this in black spot tulle!

Time Challenge. Project 1

With the soon-to-be move to our new studio, I decided to set myself a few challenges to see if I can make the business profitable without launching prices to the moon.

We all know weddings can be an expensive time and my ethos is to continue to maintain that bespoke is still an affordable option.

So, what was my first challenge and how long did it take from start to finish?

Challenge 1 is a 100% pure silk dupion bridesmaid gown/Holy Communion gown to suit an approximate age of 6 years.

I wanted to make sure that the hourly rate to produce a garment along with the costs of fabrics was going to be profitable to me and favourable to the client.

It is full length and has added net to give skirt volume which has a delicate lace edge.

The dress is fully lined with a lovely sash to the back.

This took 3 hours from cutting out, to the last stitch on the lace edge petticoat and will cost

£145.00

There will be a choice of sash colours at no additional costs.

Save The Date

Registered charity in England and Wales 1017658 Registered charity in Scotland SCO38104

Pop your pinny on,

pre-heat the oven

and line a cake tin.

Well, not me exactly, but the lovely Just Darling Cakes who has offered to make a heap load of cupcakes for our first of, we hope, many Strawberry Tea events.

Every ten minutes someone hears the devastating news that they have breast cancer, that's over 49,000 women and 300 men diagnosed every year. That's 0ver 948 every week. So this year No 9 Bridal Couture are going to hold our very own Strawberry Tea to coincide with our new premises launch.

Date: Saturday 25th June 1pm

Location: First Floor, Clock Tower

Dalton Mill

Keighley, BD21 4JH

To raise funds for this very worthwhile charity, there will be cupcakes supplied by Just Darling Cakes together with a glass of non alcoholic pink fizz or fruit juice for which we would greatly appreciate a donation of £2.00

We also have local suppliers in the industry who have offered their services.

Floral artistry and decoration by Leafy Couture , "The countie's finest florist" as quoted by Wedding Magazine and the marvellous photography talents of Cat Hepple, event photographer for Harvey Nichols, who has offered to capture the afternoon.

We hope it will be a great opportunity to have a look around our studio, see what services we offer and chat to many local wedding industry people we have invited. But, it will also make a real difference to every mum, sister, grandma and best friend living with breast cancer if we can sell all of our cupcakes!

There may also be a few more incentives if we can twist the arm of some industry friends!

I have to say, while the move from the back room at home to a lovely, spacious studio is very exciting for us in the struggling economic climate, there cannot be anything more worthwhile to host than a Strawberry Tea in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

We very much look forward to meeting you on the 25th.

Linda x

Our heartfelt thanks to these people who are generously contributing.

Just Darling Cakes- Cupcakes

Leafy Couture- Floral artistry

Cat Hepple- Photography

Items available for auction/raffle.

Roma Velace Hair and Make up- contributing a free shellac treatment.

Go on, give your nails a pamper.

Paul Joseph Photography -donating a family lifestyle photo session.

Location of your choice within a 5 mile radius.

25%off a couture gown- No 9 Bridal Couture. That's us!

Leafy Couture -Floral arrangement

Beautiful floral artwork to compliment any home.

Smink -Free 2 hour professional make up lesson.

The lesson will last for approx two hours, and will include the basics of make-up application, with both evening and daytime looks. We will discuss together what sort of looks she likes, what her lifestyle is like, and together we will also do a "feng shui" treatment on the make-up bag and see what is good for her face, and if there are any other products which could benefit from incorporating into her daily routine.

There will also be pins on sale, again supporting the charity.

Ian Stuart's Flora and a very Befitting Bride.

Some clients leave a mark when we've said our goodbye's and Rebecca is one of those ladies.

I met Becky in a wedding forum, a place I often frequent offering advice and support to brides-to-be.

She'd bought her dream wedding gown but it desperately needed to be, Becky shaped.

Ian Stuart wedding gowns are more than just that. They are a work of art, a fabric sculpture and Flora was no exception.

The internal supports had been removed by the previous seamstress which we didn't quite understand. The dress is so heavy, it needs all the internal scaffolding it can!

We added a bustle to the back, removed the delicate floral over part of the dress releasing it from the side seams where it had been sewn in. We adjusted the inner dress, adjusted the rose over part restoring it to it's former glory. We then gave Becky a bespoke full length veil to finish her look.

This bride was full of character and we shall miss her.

Becky, keep in touch. xx

Bespoke veils made to order.

Helen Al-Najjar Photography

NSL Photographics

A Vision in Lace.

It's not just because of a sudden interest in lace following the Vintage revival, or the fact that Kate Middleton wore it for her wedding to Prince William (of which I have some exciting news that I've been put in contact with the lace supplier and will actually hold a sample of the stuff pretty soon!) But the fact is it's such a romantic fabric, yet needs to be used carefully.

Our lovely client Emma contacted us last year with a plight. "I've fallen in love with a gown, but simply cannot afford the price tag."

She sent us the measurments and we went from there.

A few weeks before the wedding I contacted her asking for a re measure. Emma had shed a bit so the dress was then altered to fit.

I think you'll have to agree, Emma looked amazing.

Thank you so much for your trust and for allowing us to be part of your very special day.

CONGRATULATIONS!

A Step Back In Time. Haworth 1940's Weekend

We couldn't help but be swept along by the warm feeling of nostalgia and I have to say I couldn't stop smiling.

We just had to get in with the crowd when I dragged Mr D along to Haworth 1940's weekend recently. We were captivated by the whole atmosphere where folk dressed up in costume including the French resistance, German Gastapo and American G.I's among others.

The whole village was alive with the sights and sounds of the 1940's. Wartime songs such as Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller belted out of speakers.

Along with the 'Dresser Uppers' there were the real veterans of the era. We briefly chatted with this gentleman who was 100 years old. He reminded me so much of my Granddad and I had to walk away, tears in my eyes. I wonder what he thought of the whole event.

The hairstyles were fantastic, as was the make up and attention to detail.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and I cannot wait to get my glad rags on and be really part of this next year.