No. 9

Winner All The Way.

2011-10-19T17:10:00.009+01:00

Last year we launched a competition to win a wedding gown to the value of £1,000, a headpiece or accessory to the value of £100 and a studio photography session and DVD slideshow valued at £350
It was a HUGE success and our winner recently tied the knot and have some amazing images.
However, there was a second prize of which I'd like to tell you more about.
The competition basically asked engaged couples how their better halves got down on one knee.
Second prize was to receive a £75 voucher to put towards a bridesmaid gown supplied by a local bridal store.
Unfortunately for Louise, she was unable to redeem her prize, so when I heard about it I contacted Louise to see if there was anything she needed for the wedding.
She hadn't yet found her veil or novelty veil and top hat with Mickey/Minnie mouse ears (you'll understand why in a bit) and with a tight budget due to a baby on the way, I told her not to worry. We'd supply whatever she needed.
Louise gave us her 'Down on One Knee Moment'
"Ian proposed in front of Mickey Mouse at Disney land Paris in November 2009. We had a change of wedding date from June to April 15th 2011 as we found out we were expecting a baby in June. We had a Disney themed day with hot pink and orange colour scheme. Photographs taken at Colchester castle park and reception at rugby club. We had sweetie buffet, quiz in the afternoon and fish and chips for the wedding breakfast with an 99 ice cream van as a pudding surprise! Cupcakes with a mickey mouse head and sparkles on top too!
It was also my nanny and grandads 60th wedding anniversary the day before so they had a cake to cut too! Was a fantastic day- I was exhausted by the end especially as bump was pretty much dancing along all day too! Wouldn't change a thing though. It was an amazing day, really personal. We worked hard making everything for the day but it paid off seeing the smiles from everyone we love and care about.
I think you'll agree what a beautiful, blooming bride!

Images Ian Tuttle andPaul Webb for Webb weddings.

A Little Bit of Jiminy Cricket.

2011-10-11T14:44:00.031+01:00

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.

I consider myself a wife and mother ahead of the designer/dressmaker and it's lovely for clients to refer to me as 'Their Fairy Godmother' Thank you, Abi.
As a dressmaker/designer, I'm approaching (fast) 3 years since the re launch of my career and I really want to make it. However, the wrong side of forty has left me wondering why I left it so late in my life to try and achieve those dreams.
Like most of the lovely industry people I have the pleasure of knowing, we all want the recognition, to be 'out there' to be featured in top magazines, but to enjoy the fame and glory you have to work hard. I'm a big believer that nothing comes for free and the harder you work, the greater the rewards.
When an opportunity presents itself, grab it with both hands and squeeze every last drop you can from it. I guess the more you squeeze the more you want.
A few months ago I had the pleasure of working with the lovely Cat Hepple on a very special shoot for Leafy Couture owner, sarah Richardson. My usual dream team were involved, Jane from HF Couture and Annie from Roma Velace. We had such fun.
It wasn't long after that Cat mentioned she had put my name forward to provide a gown for a shoot taking place later in the year, Damien Lovegrove’s guest photographer, Chris Hanley. Chris is one of the leading wedding, fashion and portrait photographers in the UK. Both Damien and Chris will be spending two days next week teaching a group various photographic techniques in a secluded villa near Pisa, Italy. The location is a 16th century privately owned palace, Villa Sermolli, which is situated in the exclusive and private heart of a medieval village. With its magnificent gardens and fountains the palace is the most important palace in the Castillo.
My initial instinct was why me? Of all those people she could have suggested, why me? I'm nothing special, I can sew a pretty fine frock, but Cat knows plenty of people she could have suggested. However, I believe she pestered the photographer to death and after a few e mails introducing me to him, he finally called and I got the job.
So, my husband watched me jump up and down, unable to string a single sentence of coherent words together until I could tell him what was so important about this phone call.
It was one of those moments that I knew an opportunity had been sent my way. The only brief I was given was that the model needed to be able to 'Can Can' in it! So after receiving images of the location and model, I set to work.
Kate Middleton’s wedding gown has been talked about for months and there are already copies available to purchase from high street bridal retailer.The gown is still a talking point due to it’s vintage similarities with the gown Grace Kelly wore, when in 1956, she married her Prince. The Vintage wave is still sweeping the bridal scene 18 months on and it seems many brides are after this look. My love of Dior, of Hollywood designer Edith Head and the back detail of the Sarah Burton creation gave me a great place to start for inspiration.
For all the right reasons, Kate’s gown needed to fit the criteria for a future Queen. Covered shoulders and arms were probably stipulated by the Palace, which today’s modern bride may find far too conservative.The gown has not specifically designed for general sale although it will be a ‘Limited Edition’ piece.
I called in James Melia to photograph the gown in its finished state to enable me to have detailed shots to send across to Chris. His reaction? "I'll do this gown proud under the Tuscan Sun." Yes, I get to have some super images from one of the leading UK photographers!

I think you'll agree, James captured an air elegance and calm in these images. Thank you Mr Melia from the bottom of my heart.
So, after a few sneaky peeks yesterday, here it is.
Tuscany.

The Rendevouz Hotel Skipton, wedding fair.

2011-09-25T19:56:00.016+01:00

Its been another one of those super busy weeks where I'd been hoping it was still Monday when in fact it was friday.

Tuesday saw an amazing experience for No 9 to work alongside the superb talents of my Yorkshire Dream Team, HF Couture, Leafy Couture and Just Darling cakes and a new addition to that team, pheomenal photographer James Melia.

Today we exhibited at our first wedding fair at Skipton Rendevouz Hotel where we happened to be the only bridal wear consession in attendance. All good for us however.

We were approached by photographers who wanted to set up shoots with us and local mens hire who wanted to have our frocks in their windows. Yes please!

However, it seemed to be our presentation that impressed fellow folk in the industry alongside brides-to-be, where at peak times, were queuing up to chat with us.

This week we employed the services of a design team (thank you Danny) situated in the studio on our floor of the Clock Tower to design our handouts and banner. So it only seems fitting to say a massive thank you to the amazing photographers who contributed to our handout and banner Rob Booker and James Melia.

Brides to be loved the accessories we brought along by HF Couture and Tiararama, both whom we stock in our studio.

They also loved the floral arrangement put together especially for the day by Leafy Couture.

However, the most memorable moment for me was when chatting to a bride to be who looked totally resentful about being at the fair with her mum. She hadn't exactly received the best of treatments in bridal salons she told us and as we chatted with her and passed on our 'Dream Team' contact details after our protfolio seemed to thoroughly engage her, she raised her hand in the air and 'high fived' me. In that single moment she looked like for the first time she could look forward to planning her wedding, that we could make her look amazing, but more important we would make her feel amazing.

That's why I love my job.

Of course the day was about promoting us, but it couldn't have looked more professional without the talents of (in no particular order)

Win a Wedding Gown Competition!

2011-09-12T16:11:00.013+01:00

Last year to celebrate our 2nd year of sucessful dressmaking, No 9 Bridal Couture launched what we believe was a pretty amazing competition.

We teamed up with HF Couture and Xposure Photography to offer one lucky bride-to-be the chance of winning a very unique experience.

The winner would receive:
1. A bespoke wedding gown to the value of £1,000 hand crafted by ourselves.

2. An exclusive tiara or accessory made to their own design to the value of £100,

supplied by HF Couture

3. The choice of a ‘Model’ or ‘For Your Eyes Only’ professional photo shoot to the value of £300 as well as a slide show DVD containing a selection of the photographs taken by

Xposure Photography.

One runner up would receive a £75.00 voucher to be redeemed against a bridesmaid gown.

All we wanted to know was how your fiancé proposed.

Competition between our five finalists was pretty fierce, but we were delighted with our winner, Abi who married last weekend.

Abi chose a timeless style which consisted of silk, tulle and corded lace in ivory. We also had a beautiful hand beaded embelishment worked on to the gown by the very talented Jane at HF Couture to add a finishing touch of couture luxury.

Abi chose to take advantage of our personal dressing service and we arrived promt at 'Flash' at 8.30am.

The air was calm and peaceful inside the cottage. Not a hint of nerves or disorganisation anywhere. After helping her four lovely bridesmaids dress, I finally helped Abi into her gown just before 10am.

The competition was a huge success and we shall miss Abi terribly.

May I take the opportunity of wishing both Abi and her new husband the very best for the future.

Official photographer Helen of PH Weddings and a sneak into the day can be found here.

A Little R & R

2011-09-04T19:45:00.013+01:00

Friday 9th September 2011

Mr D comes everywhere with me. Anything business related and he's by my side.

This weekend he's taking me to Sheffield to dress a very special bride. Our competition winner Abi gets married tomorrow and I rarely 'do' motorway driving, so we're up and off for 7am to prepare Abi for her big day.

Sunday he's taking me to Harrogate for the BBEH and Tuesday he took me to the Brides Up North Tweet up. In a few weeks, he'll also be by my side for our first ever wedding fair.

It's been non stop for us over the past year, a new studio move, magazine features and a brand new collection out Mid November, so we've never been in more need of a family holiday.

We recently returned from our haven. There was no mobile phone reception and eventhough there is Wifi, I ignored it.

We spent time relaxing and enjoying the peace and tranquility of our Devon cottage and I didn't want to come home! Infact, before we left, we booked next year.

We all enjoyed it, even the Cairn.

Our beautiful holiday cottage.

Home from home comforts

The view from our window.

Attention to detail.

The Cairn and the farm help, Jim.

Time out to go bug hunting with the family. We came across these wierd catapillars. We believe they pupate into Hawk Moths (let me know if i'm wrong!)

Time to enjoy scones with locally produced clotted cream and jam.

Strawberries and wine while reading on the lawn

Helping on the farm with the children.

Day outs to the beach

And visiting my son in his new Plymouth flat.

Everybody needs a little R & R. It leaves me refreshed and ready for the next mad few months!

A vision in lace.

2011-08-23T17:24:00.007+01:00

I'm going to miss Kirsty.

I remember our first meeting when she told me what she wanted for her wedding gown and where she was going to be married. "In a field," she said.

The uniqueness in her dress gave me such inspiration and when she told me Emma Case was her chosen photographer, my bum was making buttons on my seat. It really was the most perfect choice.

I showed Kirsty some lace samples and we both agreed on a beautiful corded lace with more of a wide net texture than that of tulle.

A 100% silk slipper satin cut on the bias would be the full length chemise beneath.

The back was almost smock-like with a covered button detail. The length falling into a very small puddle train.

I think you'll agree, the bride along with the images Emma has given me showcase our work perfectly.

Emma Case
and Emma's blog of Kirsty and her husband Rob's wedding

All images Emma case photography.

A very High Society frock.

2011-08-18T08:54:00.006+01:00

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such lovely people at the moment and one of those lovely people is the gorgeous Cat Hepple.

Cat is an amazing photographer and when she asked if I would make her a special gown for a very special social event, I jumped at the chance.

Cat loved the dress Grace Kelly wore when dancing with Frank Sinatra in High Society. The floaty chiffon would suit her to a T.

Detail

We chose a old gold satin for the base and a soft pale gold for the chiffon overlay. The bronze and gold embroidered motifs running from the top of the shoulder to the hip were a perfect match and complimented the gown as if they were made for it.

Cat, just before leaving for the Love My Dress event.

The gown was the talk of the evening which makes me very proud.

I must say however, without this demure and elegant lady wearing it, it would have simply been a very pretty frock.

Thank you Cat.

Cat Hepple Photography

last 3 images courtesy of the LMD soiree photographers Katy Lunsford and Helen Russell.

LMD soiree

Gorgeous Wedding Gown and Not a Hint of Vintage in sight!

2011-08-18T06:56:00.012+01:00

It has become a very common thing to open my e mail and find images and requests from brides-to-be, "Can you copy this?"

My answer is always the same. No, I don't copy, so when Sarah and I met last year and set up a consultation, she also came armed with images of gowns she'd tried.

The difference with this bride-to-be was that she hadn't tried on anything specific that shouted 'The One!' There were elements from one dress she liked and those she didn't.

So, we pulled together a sketch and began work.

Sarah chose a 100% silk dupion with some fabulous beaded motifs for some sparkle.

The swag front was worked directly onto the mannequin to attain the best drape.

Sarah requested some detail to the hem (shown in the first image) but later had it removed.

The back was corset closure with elastic inner supports for comfort and to reduce the strain on the lace up loops themselves. The skirt was hand bustled and had a few roses hidden beneath.

This gown pushes the sewing ability once again with the use of drapes and pleats and will remain one of my most favourite gowns to have worked on.

But, while I ADORE vintage, this gives a welcome change.

Sarah marries today at Rudding Park, Harrogate and along with her gown

we also produced seven bridesmaid gowns and ten cravats to compliment her.

Congratulations, sarah. Have the most wonderful wedding day.

Gown before hemline detail was removed.

Bodice showing drape, rose detail and bodice detail.

Love My Dress Summer Soiree.

2011-08-05T18:03:00.018+01:00

Well, how do you begin to describe such an amazing night?

An absolute pleasure to be among such wonderful people.

I think i'll just list the highlights and then the lows.

Highlights.

Meeting Yemi of Kosibah. An absolutely delightful man, who happend to make the wedding gown of Aleshi Dixon. Really, THE most sweetest person who I hope to meet again very soon. I got a squeeze!

Chris Hanley and his beautiful wife, Claire.

Cat Hepple and I spent a while chatting with this lovely couple (we are providing the gown for a workshop in Tuscany later this year) and I was in awe of his knowledge and advice.

Hayley of The Harrogate Wedding Lounge . We were partners in crime. While all were watching the entertainment, we were filling our goodie bags with chocolates and biscuits (for the children of course)

Jane Hardman Ferris of HF Couture. I borrowed a necklace which later Jane gifted to me. Thank you my dear friend.

Meeting Annabel (of course) and having a squeeze at breakfast.

And last but no means least, watching Ms Cat Hepple float around the room in her fabulous frock made by moi!

The Lows.

Not meeting Joanne Flemming

Not getting 2 sets of cutley at Malmaison when ordering room service!

Now for the snaps.

Trying to look remotely elegant.

I say no more than how very proud I was to watch this lady move around the room.

Malmaison

Yes, we are in there somewhere.

Funky moments in the photobooth!

For more catch ups.

Seriously, loads of linkys!!

http://www.lovemydress.net/blog/2011/08/the-love-my-dress-summer-soiree-a-preview.html

Zara Phillips to Wear Stuart Parvin.

2011-07-28T07:11:00.004+01:00

Zara Phillips, the Queens granddaughter, will marry her Prince Charming, Mike Tindall, wearing a Stuart Parvin gown.

I adore this designer, classic and timeless and am sure it will be in total contrast to Catherine Middleton's wedding gown designed by the Alexander McQueen label.

Of course, our own excitement is that we have designed a very special outfit for a guest at the wedding this coming weekend which will also be attended by The Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince William and Catherine along with many others from the Royal family.

I met with our client yesterday and she told me not only was she wearing the outfit we designed to the wedding, but an earlier piece is going to be worn for a cocktail party on the Royal Yacht Britannia on Friday night!

There are obviously very strict rules against cameras and mobile phones so I've asked our client to give us the full run down of the day on her return.

She had a bit of a wobble when her mum, who accompanied her to her fitting, told her that she could be sitting opposite The Queen at the wedding breakfast.

Needless to say, I cannot WAIT for the official wedding photos to see if I can spot our frock!

Latte Silk and Ivory Lace. A Match Made in Heaven.

2011-07-27T19:43:00.013+01:00

Sally always remained completly enthused with every detail of her wedding gown.

From chosing the 100% silk dupion latte silk to the ivory corded lace for her wedding gown.

I loved every single moment of meeting with Sally and she was one of our first clients who moved with us from our home to our spacious new studio.
We designed a simple yet elegant style for her wedding gown. The inner corset giving Sally a fantastic shape which she squealed with delight at each fitting.

The hemline was dipped slightly at the back giving weight and movement to the lace. It added a kind of 'swish' detail as sally walked.

At her final fitting, we teamed her gown with a wonderful fresh water pearl side tiara from HF Couture. The colour and style complimented each other perfectly.

It was an absolute pleasure being part of your day Sally. I hope married life is treating you well.

uture.co.uk

How To Be Nice In Business Without Being Ripped Off.

2011-07-16T07:25:00.006+01:00

When you own your own company or business in the wedding industry, it's great to have support from fellow like-minded people and build relationships you can trust.

I am extremely lucky to have such a network of people around me. These may be photographers, fellow dressmakers, florists and jewellery makers.

They all offer words of support or advice when situations arise.

A good friend of mine is an amazing photographer. Her work really is astounding and she is THE most lovely lady to boot.

This morning I read that someone had passed themselves off as a bride and was requesting information of the photographers services.

Brochers were sent, but it wasn't until later that it was discovered that ideas have been used along with an amount of scary similarities. The said bride was in fact another photographer.

A florist friend has had her images of work she has produced taken and used in another photographers website. Passing the images off as her own.

Again, my friend is THE most lovely lady.

I have had people request information packs of my services to discover they have simply been requested for use for their own business.

I have to be careful of what I say, but being nice and super helpful to some people in the industry mearly gives them an invitation to try and rip you off or have a slice of what you have.

To say it is upsetting is an understatement. There are some really lovely people out there who are so genuine and there are others who simply aren't.

However, when you do come across these types of people in the industry, it makes it harder to accept. Doubt sets in which makes you feel like you've been 'had over' You feel stupid for not seeing it, angry to think that someone isn't acting in the same credible way that you do.

Rising above it or have the attitude that copying is a form of flattery is even harder.

So, how do you stay nice in business but protect yourself from wannabe's?

Always stay polite and business like.

Saying no doesn't mean you aren't retaining your niceness.

One thing I have learned is not to issue information packs on a first enquirey. A client may come for a consultation and we put together a simple sketch. A client will get heaps of information from this consultation and once a deposit has been paid, they are issued a formal sketch and information in writing of all the services we offer.

With all this in mind, doesn't it make you feel that it is harder to trust? Well, yes and no.

For me, being nice has it's rewards. I get to attend a lovely event in a few weeks time where I can meet other likeminded industry folk and a lovely lady I shall meet for the very first time. It's great to surround yourself with such lovely people who all share the same passion as me, people who congratulate you on each step you take to success.

Being nice also has it's downfalls. Some people want a slice of your success. Some people think latching on will mean you will carry them somewhere. The moment you say no or the moment there is a situation which forces you to raise the assertive business head shows their true colours and that's when the kick in the teeth happens.

The only outcome these situations bring is to not be so trusting. It doesn't mean I don't want to increase my circle of trusted friends, it simply means it may take a little longer than usual.

I have certain people to thank for that!

The Wedding of Laura.

2011-07-14T16:30:00.009+01:00

Most of my clients, have at least stepped into a bridal salon and tried if not one, but a few frocks to determine what they like or what they don't.

Laura, however didn't as she knew what she was after had been a fairytale dream in her head. Her dream gown that simply did not exist in any store.

Laura chose a 100% white silk dupion with a front swag detail to the skirt and feature bow. She loved the concept of the bubble hem and wanted that incorporated into her gown.

At her final fitting she said it was as if I'd climbed inside her head to retrieve her image.

A small square diamante clasp added that final touch.

Laura with her bridesmaids.

The smile that says it all.

Laura said.

"Hi Linda,

Hope your well and the studio has taken off well for you!!!

I really wanted to thank you for creating my fairytale dress!! It was perfect and I felt exactly the way I wanted to on my wedding day!!

You were a star from start to finish and I felt comfortable and relaxed with you. I feel every bride should enjoy such an experience at that exciting time.

Thank You again,

Laura"

Laura, it was a total pleasure.

No 9 Hosts It's Strawberry Tea.

2011-07-09T08:39:00.010+01:00

When we announced we were holding our charity tea, we were innundated with offers of help from suppliers in the wedding industry. We have to begin by saying a huge thank you to all those who helped the day be the success it was. What an amazing network of business people we are delighted to call good friends.

With local press coverage in the Telegraph and Argus and keighley News, we had a fabulous turn out with visitors wandering in and having a look around.

We raised £150 for the Breast Cancer care and today we received our certificate.

With sprecial thanks to;

Cat Hepple Photography for the images

Leafy Couture for the flowers

Just Darling Cakes for the cupcakes

and Sarah's Bakery for the Strawberry cake tower.

Weekends off? What Is This Concept Of Which You Speak?

2011-07-07T18:26:00.011+01:00

Since moving to the studio a few weeks ago, it has been full steam ahead for No 9 Bridal Couture.

There really hasn't been a spare moment to fully appreciate our new surroundings, which has to be a good thing right?

Separating the job from the home life has had a huge impact, with the ability to offer earlier weekend appointments alongside later weekdays without the involvement of the husband or the family. Again, a good thing!

Productivity has increased ten fold. Less distractions at home mean more work produced at the studio which in turn has returned me to working on my own.

It seems regular features in magazines are keeping the enquiries rolling in along with constant contacts with people in the industry wanting to work with me. I love that!

Deadlines this month, or should I say week, are a full wedding outfit with an alternative edge. A client was sent our way who had arranged her wedding in a matter of weeks. Her idea of what she wanted to wear simply wasn't out there. So, we took the challenge with a deadline of July 16th, just under a week's time.

We also have a fantastic opportunity of making an outfit for a guest who is attending the wedding of Zara Phillips at the end of the month in Edinburgh. As with many celebrity weddings, it is possible the wedding will feature in one of the major magazines such as Hello or Ok. I've instructed our client to make sure she stands very close to the future Mrs Tindall (Zara is marrying rugby player Mike Tindall) to enable the photographer to get a great shot of our dress we are making for her. We've had a chuckle about this!

Something also exciting for us later this year is the fantastic opportunity to supply a wedding gown for a photography workshop in Tuscany run by Damien Lovegrove.

Mr Lovegrove is considered by many to be among the top wedding photographers in the world.

Our name was forwarded to Chris Hanley who works alongside Damien, by the lovely Cat Hepple and we are designing the gown to encompass many of the elements Italy has to offer.

Something I am also super excited about is the Love My Dress soiree in August this year. The theme is vintage glam and this is so up my street. I am making three gowns, one for myself and the others for two very lovely ladies, Cat Hepple, Cat Hepple Photography and Kelly Clapperton, Paul Joseph Photography. It's going to be an amazing evening with the opportunity to meet some super amazing industry people. Of course, meeting the lovely Annabel, the hostess with the mostess is top of my list. Annabel has recently been responsible for our amazing feature in Vintage Life magazine this month.

We hope to hold our first catwalk event towards Christmas and showcase some new bridal designs we are working on.

So, with all this in mind it really is full on at the studio and I really wouldn't have it any other way.

My Very Big Fat Gypsy Style Prom Dress

2011-07-04T14:38:00.017+01:00

When Paige and her mum contacted me with this request, to say how excited I was to be involved in this project would have been an understatement.

I watched the TV programme, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding with great interest, seeing beyond the enormous and weighty dresses the young girls had to wear, to the craftmanship that goes in to one of these masterpieces.

I bow to the talents of Thelma Madine and the outrageous gowns she produces for the Traveller community. Many of her gowns have flashing bodices or mechanical butterflies, the heaviest dress she produced was 25 stone.

Just like the traveller girls, each time I saw Paige she said. "I want it bigger!"

The petticoat we used was huge with over ten layers of tired net and with the additional seven layers of pink tulle, took the skirt to its massive size.

We designed the bodice to have flashes of diamante over the cut away top with lots of sparkle. That was something, Paige insisted on.

The back was sheer tulle with boning and lace up closure and the short skirt was designed for the 'After the prom party'

To complete Paige's look, I made a tie for her Prom date using the detail from her bodice to co-ordinate.

The short version.

Finally, below is Paige in her very huge pink tulle prom dress with very sparkly tiara.

First four images Paul Joseph Photography.

Vintage wedding gown for sale.

2011-07-01T16:07:00.009+01:00

A few additions to add to our 'For Sale' Gallery.

Above is a 'Funny Face' inspired vintage style wedding gown. It is white pure silk dupion with a white spot tulle overlay to the skirt. The back is button fastening.

It is a fully lined wedding gown with a choice of tiered petticoat in several colours.

Size 12/14 £575.00

Cat Hepple Photography

Above is a Titanic inspired (The red one Rose wore before when she first meets Jack) vintage style wedding gown.

It is ivory slipper satin beneath beaded and sequin lace. The gown has a tulle train with beaded applique trim.

Size 14 £645.00

Finally this vintage lace wedding gown (approx early 1980's)

White chantilly style lace over white satin.

Size 10. Sash needs to be replaced due to discolouration, but the gown is in perfect condition apart from this.

Alterations will be included.

£500 open to offers.

Please contact us on linda@cldd.co.uk to register your interest.

Cat Hepple Photography

Sentimental fabrics and precious moments.

2011-06-26T08:21:00.016+01:00

When I first met our client, Esther, she told me she had some sari fabric she had bought on a trip some years ago and would like to use it somewhere within her wedding dress.

The sari had panels of plain, small floral detail print and finally a boarder of a dense, floral type pattern.

To enable the design to work with the sari fabric, we decided to use it as a 'knot' effect over the bodice. The sari had similar properties to Habotai silk, a very light fabric.

We chose a beautiful 100% silk taffeta to compliment the delicate colour of the sari.

To enable the knot detail to tie in with the rest of the gown, we ruched the back and added the delicate button fastening.

As the sari had sentimental value to Esther, we used the more patterned panel to line the inner corselette so the fabric would be close to her heart.

Button detail.

We also made a veil for Esther, but had difficulty in deciding whether it should be long or hip length. Both looked amazing, but as the church was very small, Esther opted for the shorter length as it was less dramatic.

Esther in her beautiful wedding gown.

The walk from Esthers home to the church in Somerset.

Esther sent us this message.

"Hi Linda,
we're back home now and still floating from the excitment of the wedding and honeymoon and both had a wonderful time at each! It really is the best thing you can do - get married I mean, and it really does make you feel different!
I wanted to say a big thank you and to let you know how happy I was with my dress. I felt very special indeed; elegant, sophisticated and unique. Most of all, I felt like me! Thank you for the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism you put into every stage of the process. The result - my beautiful wedding dress!
Wishing you luck with future Dresses at No. 9 developments - you deserve every success.
Best wishes
Mrs Esther Veale x"

Vintage Chantilly Lace wedding gown For Sale.

2011-06-08T16:18:00.005+01:00

I'm a bespoke dressmaker and I love all things bridal, so when the offer of selling this little beauty came up, I jumped at the chance.

I can tell you this is genuine. I remember the gown when I worked at Pronuptia back in the 80's. The gown aptly called 'Chantilly' was at the top end of the wedding gowns the salon stocked and looking at it now it retains it's beauty, elegance and timesless style.

It really needs very little re-styling!

The bodice and skirt are made from satin. The chantilly lace skirt falls into a small train. The style is very befitting of the recent choice of gown Kate Middleton wore to marry her prince.

It has button back detail with lace covered buttons at the wrist.

It would comfortably fit a size 10 with adequate seam allowance to be let out. The colour is white.

The gown is complimented with a full length veil supplied by us and a side tiara, 'Vintage' by HF Couture.

If you are interested in trying this truly beautiful vintage wedding gown, please do get in touch.

In house alterations will be available.

POA

01535 663389

07876 408711

http://www.dressesatno9.co.uk/

The wedding of Jane.

2011-06-07T06:45:00.007+01:00

"Thank you for rescuing me from a strapless dress and bolero!"

This was the parting words of our lovely bride, Jane who married recently.

She had trawled endless shops looking for something which would cover her shoulders and arms and became increasingly disheartened when all that seemed to be on offer was strapless.

"Just go for a bolero" was one suggestion. But Jane didn't want that, so came to No 9.

Jane's theme was yellow and white with small butterflies. Her gown was a simple style made from 100% silk dupion with an addition of some corsetry inside to give her some support.

Jane didn't like having her photo taken, but felt comfortable and every inch the bride. Her groom thought she looked beautiful and for her, that was the main thing.

A message from Jane.

"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the work you have put in on my lovely dress. I have had so much fun winding him up that it was mega short or covered in 'bling' that it should come as a surprise.

I feel truly elegant in the dress which is just what I wanted- so thank you!"

Time Challenge Part 2

2011-05-26T18:21:00.005+01:00

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

2011-05-25T14:28:00.011+01:00

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

2011-05-20T08:42:00.050+01:00

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.

2011-05-19T17:26:00.012+01:00

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.

2011-05-18T17:03:00.010+01:00

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

2011-05-16T15:25:00.016+01:00

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.

New Studio, New Title.

2011-04-14T18:58:00.020+01:00

We've hit 2011 with our feet running and we still haven't caught our breath. We've outgrown our back room and with the volume of traffic coming to our home, it was time for bigger space, much bigger space.

We constantly research new techniques to make sure your wedding gown or occasion wear is everything you dreamed it would be. Your wedding gown will never be simply a wedding dress. It will be the most significant gown you are ever likely to wear. The skill in designing and hand crafting a gown takes many years of experience. It means knowing your market, knowing what a client wants and guiding her when we feel her ideas may not exactly suit.

We aim to provide our clients with exclusivity. We don't stock reams of gowns, eventhough we do have a few pieces from our current collection to try. Each dress is designed to suit which means each and every one of our clients is treated as an individual. Our client's gown is designed to suit them. We don't have a style to suit a client.

And, the great thing is, our clients have a bespoke gown at off the peg prices, sometimes less!

Today I signed a contract with our new studio. We aren't moving far, but it is a rather special place to begin our new venture.

Dalton Mills was originally a woollen mill, built from 1866 onwards. It was used as the backdrop for the BBC drama, North and South. The 6th photograph, used as part of the Thornton's house, is where I signed our contract today.

reception area

Proposed fitting rooms and work area

Proposed consultation area

To say I am delighted would be an understatement.

So, along with all of this comes a new name.

No 9, Bridal Couture.

No 9 bridal Couture, The Clock Tower, Dalton Mill will be available for call in appointments alongside the appointment basis, predominantly for clients who require fittings.

We shall be stocking some super accessories from nationwide suppliers and those more intimately local. Our aim is to support local Yorkshire businesses just like us, to enable our clients to retain their individuality, elegance and style.

We are delighted to welcome HF Couture and Tiararama to the studio along with Elizabeth Wells Lingerie.

Exciting things are happening for us here at No. 9 (something we have under our hats at the moment, and I know you just hate secrets) and we cannot wait to embrace each day along with each new client.

As always, we look forward to being of service and welcome old, existing and new brides, maids and mums to our launch, a date to be confirmed.

We are commited to you. We have been and always will be.

An Ode to Mr D.

2011-04-12T19:21:00.004+01:00

Good things have happend to me this week and most of that I have to thank my dear hubby for.

He's my number one fan. The man behind me 100% of the time, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

We've been together for all but eight years, both of us coming from broken relationships and bringing children into the mix. I can tell you, it's been tough.

For me there is a certain line from a film which springs to mind.

"A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets. But now you know there was a man named Jack Dawson and that he saved me... in every way that a person can be saved."

Well, that's a bit like my Mr D, my very own Jack Dawson.

My husband encouraged me to take up sewing again in 2008. We launched the company January 2009.

He's attended wedding fairs with me, spoken to clients on the telephone, watched Wedding TV and listened to me drone on about fabrics and patterns. He's attended Tweet meets with me and has proudly stood behind me and encouraged me when my confidence has been low.

He takes the children out when weekends have been filled with clients, quite often being out of the house from 10am until 4pm. He helps me prepare for when clients come over by buying flowers for the room and making endless cups of tea.

He's a trooper is my husband.

It has come to the point where the back room hobby has taken over the home. The volume of traffic here on a weekend is increasing, so we've been looking at premesis.

Yesterday an offer was accepted on some superb studio space. He's very proud of me my husband is, but I couldn't have done any of this without him.

So, thank you Mr D from the bottom of my heart. My number one fan and my rock. Here's to next year and hopefully our amazing future.

Titanic inspired Dress for an English Rose.

2011-04-09T16:30:00.019+01:00

When photographer, Cat Hepple approached Dresses at No 9 last month and asked if we would be interested in making a frock for a project she had, we jumped at the chance.

Cat was trying to find a suitable room for the shoot.

" I'm desperately trying to think of a venue which has that sort of Paris boudoir feel, white walls, white/gold furniture and billowing sheers at the windows. I have visions of a Parisian style room, filled with hydrangeas in pale colours, a tall candelabra and a gorgeous gorgeous mum to be floating about in it all." She said.

Yes, the shoot was to be for the lovely Sarah of Leafy Couture who is very significantly expecting!

When Cat sent over her mood board, we knew exactly the kind of gown we were going to produce. The gown 'Rose' wore in Titanic when she first met Jack instantly sprang to mind. We didn't want the gown to be specifically maternity, but had to be floaty or non fitted to accomodate the baby bump. The Titanic dress would be perfect. To keep in theme with Cat's vision, the gown needed to be soft, light and pale in colour so we opted for ivory slipper satin, tulle and a beautiful beaded lace.

The venue was eventually decided at Sarah's home, the nursery in fact. How utterly appropriate.

It was also fantastic to be part of our 'Dream team' again. HF Couture supplied the headpieces, Leafy Couture the floral arrangements and Roma Velace the make up.

The final image below. Breathtaking! It was an absolute honour to have been asked. Thank you, Cat and Sarah.

Credits.

Cat Hepple Photography

HF Couture

Leafy Couture

Roma Velace

and of course us Dresses at No 9

Deadlines, Deadlines and Why You Never Need To Panic!

2011-04-02T11:57:00.007+01:00

I was having a conversation yesterday with the lovely Tiararama and she was telling me about a headpiece she had ordered when she got married. (Before she set up her own company!) Basically, she hadn't liked what they produced, asked for it to be changed, heard all sorts of excuses why it hadn't arrived and then on collection discovered nothing had been done!

I HATE it when that happens.

A few weeks ago, my daughter produced a picture. "Can I have this for my birthday dress please mum?"

Sourcing the pleated chiffon proved fruitless and as I am a BIG believer in not reproducing or copying a design, needed to produce something similar but different. I want my daughter to have something original too. However, we wanted to keep the colour so managed to order in a fabulous blue shot bronze chiffon. Super!

Instead of the pleat, we added substantial gathers to the center front panel leaving the rest of the skirt smooth. The bodice comprised of gathers with a center front knot and crossover detail.

With a full week ahead and busy day on Saturday, I began work on Monday.

My daughter knows when dressmaking is concerned, my clients are God! There are undoubtedly and absolutely no one above them. EVER!

The chiffon was 'nasty' to work with and Thursday and Friday evening I was still working on the said frock. I hate being under pressure, enjoying what you are working on makes the job, well, more enjoyable and stress levels can be high. A little like mine this week!

However, said frock is finished.

So, when I have a deadline of weeks, days or even hours, whatever challenge I have been set, I meet them.

My daughter looks amazing in her party dress, even if I wanted to tear my hair out at 9.30pm last night!

Anyone else think it's ridiculous you have to pay for expensive dresses to be altered?

2011-03-27T13:45:00.011+01:00

I came across this in a forum recently so I've quoted a few of the 'rants' and answered them here as best I can.

"My dress is costing over 2K and I was told when I bought it, it would need altering which I thought was odd, but apparently the norm for wedding dresses. So I need to have the hem taken up...fair enough but also the bodice will have to be taken in now. I have a tiny waist (in proportion to my bust and hips) and I wanted a dress that showed that off, but it created a ripple in the middle. The ladies in the shop were reassuring me it could be taken in and it would be sorted but it's quite unnerving as I won't know for a couple of months. Is it just me that thinks it's all a bit much when you are spending this sort of money?Also I have to pay for the dress now before I know for certain this can be sorted. "

And among others, this answer got my attention.

"It's all part of the weird world of wedding dresses that we are not allowed to question!"

Well, the wedding dress world may be wierd, but you do have every right to question where your money is going which will give you the option to shop elsewhere if you don't like the sales pitch!

It's got nothing to do with ordering a larger size to make more money I am sure. As a seamstress alterations are not the most pleasent of ways to spend my time, they are time consuming and in the hours it takes unpicking and re-stitching, I could cut a pattern from a bolt of fabric and have a piece ready to fit a client.

"They measure you in the shop, then they deliberately order one size above so that they can alter it back down to your size!"

Nonsense!

When you order a gown 'off the peg', your shop will order the size which fits the biggest part of your body. If you have a 38" hip but a 27 waist the shop will order a 12 for you. Thus you need the alterations to make the rest fit. So unless you are absolutely spot on 'standard measurements' for your size, you will have to have alterations.

"If you want a dress made in England, that fits first time, go for Made To Measure by a small local boutique or one of the well known British designers who guarantee you're 'buying British'....but you will pay for the priviledge."

Poppycock! You don't pay for the priviledge of buying British, it depends where you look! There are many of us out there who don't charge extortionate prices, but are still pretty damn fine at our craft.

"I don't think you can compare high street clothing to wedding dress shopping. You don't go and buy an outfit from these places and then sit on your hands for months while they make it. You can try on different sizes of the same outfit and select which is the best compromise for your size. You just aren't able to do this with wedding dresses."

True. But wedding salons work independantly and have to determine which dress they think will sell in their salon. They have to spend 100's of pounds on the said samples so it would be massive spending for them to buy one style of dress in four sizes 'just in case' a size ten or a size fourteen client walked through the door. The client in return would have to pay for those overheads. Now, that isn't fair either is it?

"The one thing that would stop vendors in their tracks from charging silly prices, would be if we just stopped buying the damn things in the 1st place! We're fuelling this!"

Many salons aren't supposed to undercut another on the costing of a wedding gown. However, seamstresses may work independantly to the salon which is why alteration prices vary so greatly.

Losing weight for your wedding is not the problem of the manufacturer or high street wedding salon. It is something a women wants to do to feel her very best for her wedding day. So, you should expect to pay for alterations to your wedding gown. Doesn't that seem fair? Of course, going bespoke means the seamstress will be aware of your weight loss plan so at each fitting you attend the adjustments will be made to suit your changing body sillouette.

Copyright, Backhanded Compliment or Just Plain Innocent?

2011-03-17T09:42:00.005Z

There are hard lessons to learn in business nowadays especially in the current times of "where there's blame there's a claim" and anyone who knows me will tell you I still find it surreal when I open a magazine and see my name, or read a blog and see images of gowns we have produced.

I have been caught out however, so I do know what I am talking about.

Last year I blogged about a clients wedding I'd been to see, took some shots myself and got home ready to write.

I wanted to head the blog with a nice picture of the village green where the wedding took place and as I'd forgotton to take a snap, googled images and there was an image which was perfect. One week later I get a bill asking for a four figure sum for non permissive use of a photograph. Expensive lesson to be learned, but a harsh one and one I'll never forget.

After being directed to a blog post today from the lovely Sarah of Leafy Couture regarding our recent vintage style collection launch, I was horrified to find the blogger had simply lifted my whole post and dropped it on to hers. Not only had she done this once, but it appears she has done this dating back to early 2010. There is no contact details for me to politely ask that she stop doing this, or if she wants to write anything, to make it her own words, only the report abuse option, which sadly I have used six times today.

I spoke to the lovely Kelly of Boho Events today and asked what she thought of all this, after all, she is a professional blogger. Here's what she told me.

"When I decide I want to write about someone I go straight to them and ask. Yes I could go and lift a load of stuff from their website and make sure I add a link back to them but if you go straight to them then you often get stuff that isn’t on their website.
For example I am just about to go to Rachel Simpson shoes and ask to write a piece on her. By going straight to her I will get more info from the PR department, more pictures and often you get exclusives.

If I’m putting a mood board together it’s different as there may be 10-15 different images used, BUT always credit where you found the image and the photographer of each image…it takes ages to do but it’s a must.

If it’s a real wedding, I either see a wedding that I like on a photographers blog and I contact them directly to see if they mind me blogging it, they then send me the pictures and info on that wedding, or they contact me with a wedding, either way it’s the photographer I have contact with straight away to get permission to publish the photos, you never know who else has blogged them and if indeed the couple actually want their wedding blogged everywhere.

As for writing the piece. On average a blog piece takes me 2 hours to actually put together one I have re sized pictures written it, coded it, done the SEO and tags etc. the actual research can take hours as well. The piece I did on alternative guest book ideas took nearly all day to write as there was lots of research.
If a company has sent me pictures and words to use to write about them then it’s not so bad, but it’s still the initial emailing that takes the time.

All in all, If you are using pictures taken by someone else of someone else’s work then they must be credited. I even have to credit the photographs I use when it’s weddings I’ve worked on myself…even my own wedding!"

The shoot we did for our vintage collection, apart from the designs which took hours to sketch, the cutting out and making the gowns, which took hours, the hair and make up, which took hours. The flowers, which took hours to make, the headpieces, which took hours to make, the photographs themselves, where the models stood in the cold for 4 hours , took hours to get right, so is it fair that someone can simply come along and lift all that hard work and plonk it on their own blog which takes seconds?

So when you are posting those lovely pictures of wedding gowns or shoes or accessories, or asking someone to copy a wedding gown you've seen but cannot afford the price tag, remember. Apart from the backbreaking work that goes in to producing the image or blog, these images or words are subject to copyright and using them in a public domain could mean you are breaking the law.

So, Lauren of Bride whatever your blog is called, I'm not sure whether to be flattered or angry at your blatent disregard for a craft and would politely request you stop lifting my blog posts and dropping them into your own.

My husband gave me some sound advice. If in doubt, don't!

Ouch, That Hurt!

2011-03-15T14:36:00.016Z

I've been in the wedding industry for well over 17 years now. My son, Sam will be 22 soon and I know I've been going almost as long.

You come across all sorts of people from many walks of life in the industry. Some are lovely and so accomodating and then some not so and that's when it hurts.

I guess from brides to be or people who are organising such big events, it's kind of understandable when they are short, stressed and need a little venting every now and then (and I am forever here to lend a shoulder or an ear), but from those who are actually in the industry, it's a little harder to understand.

I've been described by Kelly of Boho Blog as "an incredibly warm and unassuming lady." Kind of how I like to see myself really so thanks for that, Kelly. I have a lovely follower of folk via my own blog here or my Dresses at No 9 Face Book page.

Kat Williams aka The Rock and Roll bride says: "The industry can sometimes get a little bitchy. There is a huge drive for most bloggers (myself included!) to get the most unique, exciting and exclusive content and sometimes it can all get a little...'schoolyard' shall we say. Over the past 3 + years however I've come to realise that there will always be new weddings and content to blog so if you miss out on something to just let. it. go!"

Of course, I'm not a blogger, I'm a dressmaker, but have often had designers at wedding fairs or exhibitions simply turn their back on me the moment you say "I'm a dressmaker" for fear we may steal their designs. It is sad to believe they think so little of me. I admire the craft, I adore the fabrics, I love looking at pretty things. I'm not out to steal their ideas.

However, in saying that, both Leanne and I had a lovely chat with two lovely ladies, Wendy Perkin and Catherine Lombard of Sarah Janks at the British Bridal Exhibition Harrogate.

Sarah is a new Sydney based designer and her designs are exquisite. However, both ladies were warm and welcoming when we disclosed our profession. They told us to look up a wonderful designer called Edith Head, who dressed many of the Hollywood starlets of their day. Homework for both Leanne and I. We have also been fortunate enough to have such wonderful and supportive network of suppliers surrounding us such as HF Couture and Leafy Couture and Roma Velace all who gave their talents for free at our vintage style wedding gown photo shoot.

Having an e mail conversation with Kat Williams today (because I wanted to ask if I could quote her) she said. "You aren't a success until you have haters. But those that matter love you."

I've always known never to burn bridges in business. You'll never know when you need to walk back over one, but there are some out there who are on a different agenda. I don't burn bridges as I said, but I am cautious of who I do business with.

Thank you to those who love me. You are the ones who really matter. And thank you, Kat for your sage advice. You really do Rock and Roll!

Real Vintage Weddings.

2011-03-06T19:33:00.008Z

I'm not exactly sure what it is that has captivated me so much about the vintage era. Maybe it's the make-do-and-mend philosophy and the fact folk had so little then, they actually appreciated what they had.

I adore this picture of my auntie Val and Uncle Alan.

They were married in the early 40's and I love the bouquet of roses, but especially the hat and that smile!

My uncle Ron married Edna in the 50's. Her circle skirt had just enough petticoat to give her lace gown some shape. I love the little collar.
My grandparents are to the left of my uncle.

Ah. Uncle Alan and auntie Shirley. She wore this beautiful full length brocade gown one of my favourite fabrics I would adore to see more of.
Again, a small collar and full sleeve.

Bouquet of roses and lilly of the valley.

I'm not sure what fabric my auntie Eileen was wearing when she married my uncle Don. But again, an extravagent bouquet of roses and stephanotis.

I believe the groom in this photo is the brother of my grandfather. The bride carries a gorgeous spray of lilies. It amazed me to see the bridesmaids bouquets were almost as big and elaborate.

These images have Moonlight Serenade playing in my head.

All of these women in these images have outlived their husbands, but it really was 'till death do us part!

Bridal Wear, their Alteration Charges.

2011-03-05T07:44:00.005Z

And bespoke is the way to go.

I've spent the last 2 years altering bridal gowns of all shapes and sizes along with many bridesmaid gowns too.

The most common of alterations are side seams, hemlines and when the unfortunate happens, a dress not fitting when it arrives in the shop, corset back closures.

When your wedding gown has cost in excess of £500, or your bridesmaid gowns in excess of £200, the last thing you are expecting to pay are alteration charges.

So consider this, if you do your research and want the dress far more than the label attached to it, bespoke is the way to go.

You really can get the dress of your dreams with a full built in corset should the style require one.

All of our strapless gowns, including bridesmaid, occasion wear and even mother of the bride, all have our signature inner corselettesomething you wont get in your standard bridesmaid gown or strapless occasionwear.

The cost of your bespoke garment includes all charges so the price you see is the price you pay. We have weight loss plan guides so if you are planning on losing weight, you know your gown will fit you perfectly on your wedding day. So you'll never need to worry that it won't!

Please see our rates and services page for further details.

With careful research, you need never pay alteration charges again.

Blowing My Own Trumpet!

2011-03-02T12:35:00.010Z

I had a few days off recently visiting family in the South and while casually strolling around Asda, I received an e mail from a client. (The wonders of the Blackberry) "I was flicking through a wedding magazine in Tescos yesterday and couldn't help but notice you were mentioned! Something that happens frequently looking at your website!"

So, I rushed over to magazines, picked up Perfect Wedding and on page 106 was my client from last year, Helene.

The article was 'How brides find their perfect wedding gown,' and Helene gave a lovely interview about how she found hers. She'd told me before how she'd felt like a star walking into the chapel, but it was so lovely to see those words in print.

Emma case Photography

Emma Case Photography

So with the recent launch of our very first 2011 collection, comes a heap of comments from folk who I've never had contact with. Folk who are loving our designs so much so I've had several enquiries already with one asking if I can ship to Pheonix Arizona!

So, for a few moments I'm going to share with you some lovely things which have been said.

"These dresses are gorgeous and I love the photos. I can imagine brides snapping these dresses up."

"Swooooon! Absolutely gorgeous dresses and stunning photography."

"I have officially fallen in love with all of these dresses, so beautiful!"

"50s was my era of choice for my wedding dress as i love the glamour of that era, especially the full skirt with netting. These are lovely dresses and so refreshong to see dresses with sleeves and not just strapless."

"These are all delicious! And I am super happy to see these modelled by some very sexy hot ladies with womanly curves! Hooray!"

"What a stunning collection, love that style of photography too, a little different from the more common vintage style, even though I love that too!"

Of course, you have to click this linky to see the images of our fabulous frocks. (Their words not mine!)

You guys are making my dreams come true and I cannot thank you enough for that.
Another collection later in the year? Heck yes!!

Emma Case http://emmacasephotography.blogspot.com/
Love My Dress

Boho Blog

West Yorkshire Vintage Style Wedding Gown Collection Has Arrived.

2011-02-28T07:59:00.029Z

During the 1950’s influences including film, television and music created a new market when teenagers became an emerging fashion voice. 1950s glamour had suddenly arrived. The era can be remembered for two fashion silhouettes; the full skirt and the pencil slim. Both styles placed great emphasis on the narrowness of the waist and we have taken this as our inspiration for our new 2011 Spring/Summer Vintage Collection.

We are delighted to have been featured on one of the most popular wedding blogs

Love My Dress.

**********

There really is no 'I' in team and this really has to be said on this occasion. I'd like to dedicate this post to all those lovely people involved. Here's to you!!

***********

Ingrow train station and the Vintage carriages trust were the settings for the photo shoot which took place on Sunday 20th February 2011, to launch our very first Vintage style Collection.

The day began with the arrival of Donna Judson, hairstylist, and Leanne ‘Annie’ Anderson, makeup artist, at 8.30am sharp. We met photographer, Rob Booker on location at 1pm who immediately briefed us on the various shots he wanted to capture.

Along with florist, Sarah Richardson of Leafy Couture and hat/headdress maker extraordinaire Jane of HF Couture, the whole look gelled together instantly. We really could not have achieved it without any one of them.

We'd also invited local photographers Graham Warsap and Martin Beaumont along. Graham said. "So we went hoping to meet a few people that are involved with the wedding industry. I had not bargained for how much talent you could get in one place. The work that had gone into the shoot was stunning."

Between Saturday and Monday West Yorkshire had experienced snow and our models sat and stood bare armed in the cold for four hours. There was the brief warmth of fleece dressing gowns and hot chocolate. However, not one of our models mentioned the cold, their hunger or how tired they were feeling. Hats off to our models!

So, really, in no particular order.

Flowers by Leafy Couture. Photography Graham Warsap.

Flowers Leafy Couture, Photography Graham Warsap.

Gown, Sophia, Dresses at No 9

Head piece, Clara. HF Couture.

Photography Graham Warsap.

Gown, Esther Dresses at No9

Headpiece DragonFly Dream HF Couture

Photography Graham Warsap.

Gown Vivian Dresses at No9

Birdcage veil HF Couture

Photography Graham Warsap.

Picture hat, Audrey. HF Couture

Photography Graham Warsap.

Photography Martin Beaumont

Hair Donna Judson.

Make up Leanne 'Annie' Anderson.

Photography Rob Booker

Below you will find the final images of the day. The whole look was captured perfectly by Rob Booker. I've adopted him as our official photographer!

Esther, Vivian, Sophia.

Rita.

Model wears Pearcher hat, Ellie

And finally, just for fun.

This day could not have been complete without the professional talents of Photography Rob Booker www.robbooker.co.uk Accessories Jane www.hfcouture.co.uk Florist www.leafycouture.co.uk Hairstylist Donna Judson judsond@hotmail.co.uk Makeup Leanne ‘Annie’ Anderson makeupbyannie@hotmail.co.uk Location http://www.vintagecarriagestrust.org/ And of course us Dresses at No. 9 We would also like to thank our models and special thanks to Trevor, chairman at Vintage Carriages Trust for his hospitality.

Take The Stress out of Your Dress.

2011-02-13T08:19:00.014Z

Your wedding gown should be the one thing that is all about you and something you may have dreamt about ever since you were a little girl. I know I did.

Ok, my expectations were different as an adult than those of my childhood fairytale dream, but nevertheless, my gown filled every expectation I had.

I still believe that bespoke is the way to go. You get exactly what you are looking for in a relaxed and happy enviroment. "You've made this so easy," many of my clients have said.

I certainly feel the pressure is on to find 'The One', but do worry that this pressure often leads to those impulse purchases. Yes, they can happen with your wedding gown!

I quite often read that ladies are not sure if the dress they have bought is the one for them. They were swept along by the ambience and fairytale and sadly they end up shelling out on a new gown when the doubt sets in leaving them to sell their original choice at a much cheaper price. In this current economic climate, can you really afford to give money away?

Top tips.

1. Take your time and don't rush into buying the first dress you see.

2. Look through magazines for favourite styles and looks. But remember, the choices you make may not be right for you once you have the gown on.

3.Take someone with you who knows your likes and dislikes and knows what looks good on you. Or not! I honestly feel, from meeting with many clients, that mum isn't always the best person to take. They have a vision of their daughter in mind and sometimes this does not reflect the vision of the person.

4. You wedding album is going to be with you for the rest of your life so think about your style over current fashion trends. And if your style isn't available to buy, you always have the option of your local dressmaker!

Many ladies are filled with dread when they walk into a bridal salon. Many are a little self concious of their body shape and can find the whole process intimidating. We offer a relaxed and informal service without compromising on quality. We want your wedding gown to be the dress of your dreams and above all a happy experience. One you'll feel comfortable about coming too for every fitting.

You deserve it!

Getting Married In Vegas!

2011-02-09T16:19:00.019Z

Las Vegas is famous for weddings, and this was to be the dream wedding for our client, Julie today.

Julie wanted to feel every inch bride, without feeling too weddingy (her words) with the current trends of bling, beads or a traditional wedding gown look.

As designer/dressmakers, we feel it is very important that the vision a client has in her head, is the vision she portrays into ours. It's having an understanding, the ability to voice her preferences or changes where she feels they are needed without feeling she is going to upset the dressmaker, us! After all, if there is really something we know won't work, we'll tell her!

The way a client will upset us is to not say when she feels something isn't right or her vision isn't quite the reflection she sees in the mirror at her fitting.

Sometimes a client will try on styles before we have a consultation so she knows what suits. Sometimes we pull together a design and have toile fittings. Or sometimes a client will come with a favourite dress or sketch of something she has worn before just like Sarah did with her trouser suit.

This is how Julie chose her wedding day gown. She brought along a favourite dress, but wanted to add sleeves, a subtle change to the neckline and of course change the colour.

Julie also wanted the skirt of her gown to have a 'feather' effect similar to that of the wedding gown we produced for Jodie.

The effect a synthetic chiffon gave opposed to silk was slightly different and the result wasn't as effective for Julie as it had been for Jodie. However, after hours and hours of pulling back individual threads of the chiffon to achieve the 'feather' effect Julie had fallen in love with, proved successful.

Julie was over the moon when she collected her gown today and that makes us very happy indeed.

Julie, we hope you have an amazing time in Vegas. Your gown rocks!

Satin bands added an elegant detail. Something the beaded embelishment simply did not do.

The beautiful wide neckline looked stunning on the bride-to-be. With the insertion of little poppered loops, Julie could anchor her bra straps so they wouldn't work onto her shoulder and expose themselves.

The feather detail (a little hard to see) in the skirt.

Vintage Carriages Trust and our Vintage Wedding Gown Photo Shoot.

2011-01-30T19:47:00.038Z

I'm that excited I'm simply fizzing! and no, Mr D is not driving a steam train, but we had a very exciting meeting with the man in charge, Mr Paul Holroyd.

The Ingrow Museum of Rail Travel is owned by Vintage Carriages Trust http://www.vintagecarriagestrust.org/ and as Paul said, "is nothing to do with them lot out there," pointing at the Worth Valley Steam Railway, so is to be the venue for a forthcoming photo shoot to showcase our small vintage collection of wedding gowns available to buy late February.

It's a very exciting time for us as we generally focus on bespoke wedding gowns,but now seems as good a time as any to launch the new vintage line.

We felt that the vintage theme needed a vintage setting and when Mr D quite aptly suggested the Vintage Carriages trust Museum, who better than to take the photos than my favourite photographer, Mr Rob Booker and supply the vintage headwear than HF Couture Accessories.

Rob sent Mr D and myself to check out the venue and asked for some sample shots of our all access areas to get a general idea of how he was going to work.

Paul Holroyd, who accompanies his beloved carriages all over the country while on location for films such as The Railway Children with actors such as David Suchet and Nicole Kidman and supplying memorabilia for train mad Roy Cropper of Coronation Street was an ever ending supply of knowledge and sheer fascination.

We really do have an access all areas which means we can sit in the carriages and even use the authentic suitcases lined up alongside the wonderful trains.

Our props!

It really is going to be super amazing and if you would like to come along and watch the professionals at work and also have a chat with photographer Rob Booker, accessories and bespoke jewellery maker Jane of HF Couture, makeup artist Leanne Anderson and super florist Leafy couture, then please do feel free to join us for what will be a fun and vintage themed gathering.
You are more than welcome to join us afterwards for a light lunch of sandwiches, cupcakes and lashings of ginger beer and of course, more wedding chat.

*

When - Sunday 20th february 2011 at 12noon.

Where - Vintage Carriages Trust Museum Ingrow

Vintage Frocks http://www.dressesatno9.co.uk/

Accessories and headwear http://www.hfcouture.co.uk/

Photography http://www.robbooker.co.uk/

Floristry http://www.leafycouture.co.uk/

Makeup artist Leanne Anderson 01274833608/07862713910

Hair stylist Donna Judson

Venue Vintage Carriages Trust http://www.vintagecarriagestrust.org/

Please do be aware that there may be a small fee for the upkeep of the museum and a warm coat may be necessary as the shed doesn't have heating. The light lunch is free!

Very much looking forward to seeing you there!

Wedding Day Trouser Suit for a Yorkshire Bride.

2011-01-27T12:28:00.014Z

It all began with a simple sketch; a favourite all-in-one outfit Sarah had worn many years ago and not wanting the traditional wedding outfit, chose something she knew she loved.

Slight variations were made to the original design by way of a back rather than the straps having the 'bib and brace' appearence.

The suit was made from silk crepe and lined with a silk lining. The edges were decorated with a diamante sparkle embellishment.

The happy couple married at Skipton registry office.

Reception at The Dog and Gun Crosshills for fish and chips.

The fabulous detail of the crossover straps.

Sarah, thank you so much for the images. You looked amazing.

The Dog and Gun

Dresses at No. 9 Competition and Meeting Our Winner.

2011-01-11T17:06:00.008Z

This year seems to be marching on full steam ahead and in no way am I being left behind!

We seem to be in great demand from new clients and with some fabulous designs and gowns to get our teeth into our popularity doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon.

Today I had the greatest of pleasures to meet our Dresses at No. 9 competition winner, Abi and her wonderful mum.

Abi brought along the wedding ideas she had been collecting so we immediatly began discussing everything about it.

Romance is the key feature using soft palettes along with vintage elements to bring together the Tea Party theme set for the reception.

Abi doesn't want the traditional wedding breakfast, to be held at her Aunts 200 year old white washed walled barn (and Marquee), so opted for the tea party theme comprising of sandwiches, nibbles finishing off with plenty of cake. All served up on vintage crockery I might add.

"So," I said. "Will you be hiring the china for your 70 guests?"

"No," she said. "My aunt has plenty of the stuff. I'm sure she even has 70 cups and 70 saucers hidden around the kitchen!"

We talked about the bridesmaids outfits, flowers, the photography and even discussed an outfit for mum. Of course, the bridal gown is going to be a close guarded secret (a bit like Kate Middlestons gown) but I can say it is going to be one heck of a show stopper. Both Abi and I are very excited now the design has been sketched and fabrics chosen.

We chatted for over three hours and after Abi and her mum left, I felt a little like I'd just done the Conveyer Belt from The Generation Game! ("Did we go a bit fast for you there?") with everything still wizzing around in my head.

So, with the design drawn, fabrics covered along with other ideas, it's full steam ahead. And I simply cannot wait!!

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday Dresses at No. 9!

2010-12-31T19:29:00.012Z

At precisely 12pm midnight tonight, it is officially our 2nd birthday.

My gorgeous husband Mr. D is my number one fan. He says he is so he must be!

It's been one heck of a year for us with two magazine features a ton of clients and making friends with some lovely people in the wedding industry.

Family has taken a little back seat so this will be something I shall address in 2011.

We've decided to make a monthly 'Bucket list' and my five-year-old has suggested our first should be a hot air balloon ride. So, that seems to be first on the agenda. We will also have a year end one too and next year, I rather fancy Lapland!

I've said hello to some wonderful new clients, and goodbye to a few to.

I've also waved off my son who joined Plymouth University this past September. It's been a bit of a wrench for all of us, but he's happy and we feel we've given him the best start we can, so I'm happy! (even though I still cry each time I see him and more so when I leave him)

We've also made a brides dream come true with our fabby competition and I cannot wait to get my teeth into 2011 and her gown among others.

I've had one week's holiday in Devon this year where no mobile phone reception was a blessing in disguise. A good opportunity to totally recharge my batteries.

We also have a further two magazine features pending and an exciting new collection to launch in the New Year.

It's going to be a busy one, with our books at full capacity at this time until September 2011, and a new booking today for 2012.

I cannot thank my clients and wedding suppliers enough for their ongoing support.

So, may I take the opportunity of thanking my past and current clients for their custom and wedding suppliers for their inspiration and on going support.

A very Happy New Year. Let's make this a great one!

Dress shop, Internet or Other for your Wedding Gown.

2010-12-28T16:25:00.030Z

So the question arises yet again among many brides.

Where has everyone bought their wedding dresses from?

One lady said. "I'm gonna get a stereotype dress because I know if I try to be quirky I'll not only look like a loser but I'll always regret not wearing a proper dress! I want a sample dress. I refuse to pay full price for a wear-once dress. I'd be calclulating how much it's costing me per hour it's worn! I know that in a shop, you're paying for the 'experience' & getting it made but is there anywhere else that's good? I don't want to wait months, I want it NOW!"

Another said. " I got my dress from the internet."

More. "I would say definately go to the shops and try loads on, I thought I knew what style I wanted until I found it didn't suit me! I didn't want to pay shop prices either, so I bought a dress off ebay, and had a horrendous time with a seller, so I ended up going with an internet based shop t'up north and saved myself a packet."

"Everyone's different and as long as you find your dream dress it doesn't matter where you order it but personally I was glad I saw my dress in the flesh and tried it on to get a feel for it. I think if I ordered a dress straight off the internet I would be worried it wouldn't suit my shape etc."

And finally. "I'd like to recommend www.dressesatno9.co.uk. I'm having my dress made here. Linda is based in Yorkshire and gets booked up pretty quickly. Her ethos is 'bespoke is an affordable option'. I sent her a picture of what I wanted and she's quoted me a fraction of what other dressmakers were trying to charge me. The highest quote I had was £2000! I found her through using another forum and several ladies there have had their dresses made by her - the pics are stunning!"

Yes, I'm sure you know I do provide the service where you send me your measurments along with your design or ideas and I will custom make your wedding gown. I work in a very similar way to the offshore companies, but I remain in constant contact with my clients, don't charge them for their progress photo's and issue free samples for them to choose from.

I do prefer to see my clients regularly in the flesh so to speak to attain the perfect fit of their wedding gown, but with many ladies choosing to purchase via the internet I wanted to provide the same service I would for all of my customers.

Below are a few of the gowns I have made using the distance selling method.

Jodie sent me her images along with her budget. Her gown was constructed using a synthetic duchess satin skirt with silk chiffon feather effect train.

The bodice was gold brocade with piped edging and corset closure back.

Definately not something you'd find on the high street!

Jodie had one fitting for her gown as she was based in Milton Keynes. Her gown was then completed for a perfect hem length and shipped out to Jodie by track and trace courier.

Below is Rebecca's wedding gown.

Rebecca had a disaster with her offshore synthetic fabric wedding gown.

I used over 15meters of 100% silk dupion in ivory with a fabulous beaded lace applique detail.
The gown included a built in lace edge petticoat.

Rebecca travelled with her family from Stoke-On-Trent to see me for her final fitting and collection of her, and her bridesmaid gowns.

Her gowns fit like a glove.

Below is Natalie from Glasgow's wedding gown.

Again using 100% silk Dupion, she said her wedding gown cost less than her mother's wedding outfit!

Our ethos will always remain. Bespoke and made-to-measure will always be your affordable option.

Happy wedding dress shopping.

Vintage Bridal Wear in West Yorkshire.

2010-12-26T16:55:00.016Z

The vintage trend still seems to be set in 2011 for brides seeking something a little different for their special occasion.

With blogs such as Love My dress, hosted by the wonderful Annabel Beeforth, with whom I've been fortunate enough to have been a guest blogger writing, How to find your ideal dressmaker and without forgetting the ever awesome, Kat Williams aka Rock 'n' Roll Bride where again I was mentioned when Kat featured the smashing Emma Case after she shot one of my clients Helene after her Vintage inspired wedding, couples can expect to find something exctitingly different and feed their vintage/retro inspired wedding ideas until bursting point.

As I seem to be working with many clients this year who have opted for the trend, I am very excited to announce that I shall be putting together a small collection, to start with, of vintage/retro wedding gowns.

Speaking to a few of my clients who have come as far north as County Durham and Glasgow, it seems there is little in the offering in the north for Vintage inspired bridal gowns to try and try something that will fit.

Brides seeking authenticity will find that sizes are much smaller than they are now. During the war, the 1940's, food was rationed and ladies were much thinner especially around the waist! By the 50's, ladies were a little more curvaceous.

Of course there are boutiques/designers such as the legendary Candy Anthony and very popular, Fur Coat no Knickers who stock or make your wedding gown to order, but both are based in the London area.

A short while ago Mr D and I were approached by a young lady oozing amounts of talent and experience in fashion design looking to fulfill her own passion and dream of working solely in the bridal industry. So, we've teamed up to provide the bride looking for something a little different yet still holding onto our ethos that brides do not have to pay a fortune to have the dress of their dreams.

Clients will have the opportunity to come and try one of our samples or simply opt for our made to measure service where measurements will be sent and we shall supply their dream wedding gown.

And of course, this means we get to go out on location to photograh the designs with fabby photographers.

If you require further information then please do contact us. However, do watch this space in the New Year for a brief glimpse of our designs followed by our exciting samples.

Winter Weddings and another Vintage Twist.

2010-12-13T16:53:00.020Z

With the right elements, such as sunshine in the summer, a winter wedding could be a glamorous wonderland. However, when I asked my client, Donna, recently if she was happy about the vast amount of snow we've had, and the fact her 'white wedding' will actually be white, she said. "Not sure I really want to drag my train around in the snow for it to get all wet and soggy."

I guess the concept is nice, but reality is a different matter!

Donna chose to mix her sultry, old Hollywood style wedding gown, Gatsby, complete with marabou shrug jacket with upbeat swing style 40's numbers for her bridesmaids.

With an age difference between the younger bridesmaids (and we all know those ten-year-olds think they're at least 15) Donna wanted to keep the style appropriate for the youngsters, yet allowing the older of the two to feel a little more grown up. She opted for a spot satin for the younger and a plain duchess satin for the older.

The adult gowns were based on a 1940 swing dress. The 1940s saw two distinctive styles in women's clothing. From the beginning of World War II in 1939 till the dawn of the New Look in 1947, women's dresses were knee-length with silhouettes austere (simple and basic)
Once the war was over, the Paris couturiers, once again took the fashion helm. Christian Dior pioneered the New Look, which featured a nipped waist, longer lengths and fuller skirts, with yards and yards of fabric used and a more classically feminine image created.

To integrate the look with a modern twist, I suggested small shrug-type jackets for the season which would incorporate the 1940’s trench- coat detail with an exaggerated element in the high collar. Lining the jackets in the polka dot fabric would gel everything together.

The petticoats were 2 layers of 3-tiered net with a satin bound edge.

So, with the bridal party sorted, Donna asked if I could accomodate her mum with a dress for her big day.

Her mum had tried on a few gowns and had fallen in love with a style by a very well known wedding and occasion wear designer. However, the jacket had a very elaborate sleeve style which Donna's mum wasn't so keen on.

Donna's mum chose a sumptious purple silk dupion fabric for her slight 'A' line strapless gown. The bodice had the ususal inner corselette and the pleating detail was all done by hand.

To finish, we opted for the bolero type jacket with a self tie to the front. This could be worn simply tied or for a more elaborate effect, tied into a bow.

Of her gowns, Donna said. "Thank you so much for all of your hard work and understanding what was in my head. I'll be sure to send some pictures of us looking fabulous!"

Donna, it was an absolute pleasure. I hope you had a very happy wedding day.

Copy Wedding Gown and those 'Oversized Pockets!'

2010-12-05T17:29:00.007Z

I recently received these images via e mail asking my opinion of this 'copy' wedding gown made not in the UK!

"I've attached pictures of my dress. I think the back is ok but the front leaves a lot to be desired - like the neckline! Bits of the net also fell off as I got it out of the bag! I've sold it on ebay now, and as you well know I have a new, fantastic Ian Stuart dress so I suppose I can laugh at it now. It was also the wrong colour, I ordered champagne, had a colour swatch, and the dress arrived yellow! Anyway, enjoy the pics of my 'disaster' dress!"

I was recently chatting with a friend who lives in Asia and he asked if I had ever thought of taking on someone to help with my booming business. I told him I am always inundated with offers to 'ship' my designs out and have them made up abroad, honestly! But we both agreed that outsourcing might be cheaper, but I'll marginalise my control and ultimately diminish the quality of work I provide. Profit margin might be better but I'll forever be worrying about that next batch/dress coming in and... whether it meets the standard my client requires. Ok for a summer frock, a zillion miles from ok for what the customer wants when she/he rocks up the aisle.

I'm not one of those who thinks a premium should be paid for a wedding gown.. especially if it is to be made in ivory. However, occasion wear and wedding gowns are very different depending on what 'scaffolding' is going on inside. A basic strapless gown will always have an inner corselette inside when I make them. Adds a bit of definition to the bodice and stops having to hike up the top. If someone opts for a corset or lace up back, there will be a separate bodice made which will be shaped and boned and then inserted between the linings and outer fabrics. A bit more goes on in those.

Looking at the above images, the size of the 'pick up points' look more to me like giant pockets you could get away with stuffing a little more than a mobile phone in to! As for the net which seems to have been stuffed in here and shoved in there, I still have yet to see a 'copy' frock reaching anything but medium to high expectations !

This is what would scare the bejesus out of me. Allowing my hard work to be taken apart and reproduced substandardly. (Certainly in my eyes!)

I shall always be British produced and affordable and I think that is the difference between loving the job I do, to doing a job for the money.

Princess Dresses and Getting What You Pay For.

2010-12-02T15:33:00.009Z

Dear Santa. I would like a big princess dress for Christmas. (among other things)

Honestly, this is what little D has asked Santa for this year. A big dress like mummy makes for the ladies, so, how could I not?

Time being of the essence and whether I could make something in that time, took Mr D and myself to a certain store where princesses and dressing up go hand in hand.

Ok, I was a little taken aback at the cost and quality so decided I would make the time and my little girl would have bespoke.

Fabric selections were easy. Organza for some puffiness, netting to add even more and some silky satin for the bodice and underskirt. So, off to a trusted fabric supplier for the lot.

My normal choice of satin, a countess satin, in the colour I wanted was un available, but there was an option of a Stage Satin, a light to medium weight fabric recommended for all types of stage/dance productions. At £1.99 and the colour I wanted, seemed like a good buy!

Ugh! Horrible stuff to sew with, frays at every opportunity and is practically see through. Good job I was using three layers of organza, net and lining.

It will be fine for little D's dressing up and playing princess, but when shopping for your wedding gown and thinking that £89 offshore wedding gown is a bargain, remember. You may very well get what you pay for!

Old Time Photography and Period Costume.

2010-12-02T09:10:00.004Z

My project over the next few days is to make a Victorian costume for a clients new venture.

She is hoping to open a studio where you can dress in period costumes and along with authentic props, have your photograph taken.

Back in the days and as it was a very serious thing to do, folk were not allowed to smile. Add to the fact that a simple photo could take up to five minutes to process, the subject or subjects had to sit as still as possible.

Old time photography is a fast growing industry and I am delighted to be part of it. It'll add another string to my bow too.

We have chosen a wonderful tartan taffeta in a super bronze/brown colour. Once fully under way, I'll report back with my progress.

To enable the gown to fit a multiple of sizes and for quickness to get in and out of the dress, the back fastening will be simple tapes.

There are to be sleeves with a lovely collar for added elegance.

With all the snow we have at the moment, a Victorian costume seems decidedly apt!

Bespoke Wedding Gown Winner!

2010-12-02T07:53:00.008Z

A few months ago, Dresses at No. 9 launched a competition to win a complete bespoke wedding gown experience to the value of £1,000.

We teamed up with HF Couture Bespoke Jewellery design service who has offered a bespoke item up to the value of £100 and Xposure photography who have offered a photoshoot and DVD slideshow to the value of £300.

The object of the competition was to find the best 'Down on one knee' moment and we are absolutely delighted, along with the tremendous support of her friends and collegues, to announce, Abi Thomas as our winner.

When I told Abi the news she said.

"Eeeeeeek! Thank you thank you thank you!! I am so EXCITED I actually can't put it into words. I knew I wanted Linda to make my dress regardless of the result but this means I really do get the dress of my dreams. I can't wait to meet both Linda and Jane from HF Couture - I am actually the luckiest girl in the world."

Our runner up receives a £75 voucher to spend towards a bridesmaid gown from

Simply Wedding Dresses Bingley.

May I take this opportunity of thanking everyone for their massive support on behalf of our finalists and of course our winner. Abi received over 700 votes for her story, so for those of you who haven't read it, here it is.

It actually all started 3 and a half years ago, sitting at the dining table with his mum, dad and brother when we had been together about 6 weeks.

The talk had turned to proposals as a friend was getting married. His brother explained that when he proposed it would be a Haribo ring and if she said yes then she would get a diamond.

Chris (my now fiance) turned to me just as I had taken a mouthful of dinner and calmly said "Well when I propose to you it will be with a biscuit party ring, and if you say yes, then you'll get a diamond sparkly ring". I coughed and spluttered. But the seed had been planted...

There was much talk of this party biscuit over the next 2 and a half years. Eventually I was encouraged to look at sparkly rings to go with my party biscuit. A further year passed and neither a sparkly nor biscuit based ring had appeared.

Then, in July this year we were on holiday, in a beautiful hotel in Gran Canaria. I had pondered whether he would choose this holiday to propose, however when we got to the hotel he would happily let me go in and out of our room safe... Would he bring a diamond ring on holiday and NOT put it in the safe?! I thought not.

Days passed in our holiday and I dismissed the notion of a proposal from my mind. On our fourth day we had a beautiful romantic meal in the restaurant, then sat and watched the "entertainment" in our hotel. After he suggested a walk on the beach, under the full moon and cloudless, starry sky. I took off my heels and we walked along the beach. He stopped and wrapped his arms around me, I was looking at the stars. He then said, "I was wondering, will you marry me?". I looked down and expected to see a party biscuit but instead saw a beautiful diamond ring glinting in the moonlight. I said yes, of course. And then made him get down on one knee and asked where my party biscuit was! Apparently they don't sell them in Gran Canaria and apparently he was brave enough to bring a diamond ring on holiday and not put it in the safe!!

We're planning to get married next September, in 2011.

Abi, it was a perfect down on one knee moment. I can't believe he took the ring with him and forgot the party biscuits. They are my favourite!

Many, many congratulations on your forth coming marrige and I really cannot wait to begin working with you to make your dream gown the reality you deserve.

Linda x

Winter Weddings and Local Walks.

2010-11-28T16:10:00.014Z

I think if you ask anyone if they would want snow on their wedding day, they would more than well answer yes, much as a summer wedding could guarantee sunshine.

The concept of a winter wedding holds romantic visions. Log fires, shimmering sparkly snow, guests dressed in evening wear wearing their very own sparkly, pretty things, and the bride, all in white (or ivory) with a fur cape and hand muff.

But, as my recent client Donna quite rightly pointed out, a very wet wedding gown train!

Donna is my last wedding client of the year, but work doesn't stop for me quite yet.

I have a theatrical gown to make (very Wuthering Heights) and preparation for the many April 2011 weddings I have currently on my books.

This morning, I made my traditional cranberry, port and orange sauce and last night, homemade Baileys. Yes, you read correctly, Baileys.

It really is as nice as the supermarket stuff, better in fact. It's not a secret family recipe even though my mother gave it to me. I make 2 bottles every year, and after an exhilarating walk over the hills today, a Baileys went down a treat on our return.

We are lucky to have this woodland right on our doorstep.

View across the hills.

Mr. D and the dog.

Baileys Recipe.

1 pot 300ml single cream

1/2 can condensed milk

1 cup brandy or whiskey

2 eggs

1 teaspoon coffee

2 teaspoons vanilla essence

3 teaspoons brown sugar

Whisk it all up and bottle.

(refridgerate for up to 2 weeks)

Made In England Stays in England!

2010-11-23T16:13:00.012Z

I opened my e mail this afternoon to find a rather interesting request from someone called, Bill.

"We would like to introduce our company to you. We are Chaozhou Xuanyi Fashion Co.,ltd. We specialize in making evening dresses, hand bags, and wedding dresses. We can create original designs or re-create a design based on a picture or original sample. We provide the option of including your label in the dresses. Please take a look at our web site for more information. If you are interested our company, please contact us. We are always ready to work for you!I am waiting for your reply.REAGRDSSINCEREBILL in ChaoZhou China."

I think in most UK industries, the product is made in China. This doesn't mean they would compromise on quality, they cannot afford to, but it would be lovely to find a UK based company who actually manufactures the product right here in the UK.

A bit like me!

Do I like alterations? Heck no, not always!

2010-11-22T15:35:00.005Z

I think if you ask any seamstress if they like this particular job, we'll all no doubt have the same answer. No, not really and today, i've been working on four bridesmaid gowns. It does give a hint of satisfaction however, knowing the gown will eventually fit like a glove, but to me, sometimes it can be so unnecessary.

For one, I don't like the charges as I'm sure the client doesn't either and two, as I keep harping on about, bespoke really can actually work out cheaper.

The said gowns cost, so I've been told, in excess of £200 each. I have four, all of which needed side seams taking in. Two needed straps shortening and moving and one required bust dart and waist adjustments in addition to the side alterations. This has added a further £100 to the total costs. We are looking at an overall cost of around £900 for four bridesmaid gowns.

The fabrics used were a good quality synthetic, light boning (one each over the bust) and shoe-string straps with a peek of coloured tulle at the hemline, but if you consider many of the bespoke bridesmaid gowns I have made recently, most have been made from silk and most have come in well under the £200 mark.

Even if your £150 bridesmaid gown seems like a deal, consider the alteration charges that can tip the budget. Make sure you've been made aware of the charges and always ask for an approximate cost of how much they will be.

Birthday and Anniversary Rolled into One

2010-11-18T14:59:00.015Z

2010 has been more of a rollercoaster ride than our first year and I cannot believe Dresses at No. 9 will be 2 years old 1st January 2011. Happy Birthday me!

Following the feature in Perfect Wedding, February this year and a further feature recently in Pure Weddings North, I feel as if I'm entering my adolescent years and catching up on all the excitement I missed back then.

I've been invited to feature as guest bloggers and a magazine is now interested in my tweeting (what's that all about). I've also been asked to comment on my thoughts on what Kate Middleton might opt for in her gown style for next year!

No, I haven't been asked if I'm available to design the Royal Wedding Gown for next year, but if I were I'd have to decline. Client commitments and all of that.

It's not surprising I feel like a champagne bubble at times. Over the years I've experienced massive lifestyle changes, am veering to fast towards 50 and those folds of excess skin are much harder to shift. (Having 3 children can do that to you!)

I've always wanted to feel a little bit important and I guess having the responsibility of designing and making a wedding gown fulfills that dream.

Doing something for me is fantastic. I've always devoted my time to being a wife and mother, 21 years in fact and although working in partnership with someone (my husband) is wonderful, to having something for me, something I can retreat to leaves me feeling at last I have the perfect balance.

Dresses at No. 9 are entering a new phase in 2011 and again, this is very exciting. I have the complete support of my husband (who is also my best friend) which he has to be. Poor man is constantly dragged to wedding fairs, fabric shops and kicked out of bed on a Saturday morning to accommodate the many clients who come for fittings.

He makes tea for my clients, picks up my telephone messages and has been known to go in search of a client who hasn't quite managed to find us and bring them safely in. He's shown an interest in fabrics so, he says, he can keep up with my witterings.

Mr D is my inner sanctum and we celebrate six years of married life on Saturday 20th November. He quietly supports my wobbles, my uncertainties, my doubts and I cannot imagine life without him.

Here's to 2011, Mr. D and the busiest year yet!

Bespoke Dressmaker meets Wedding Photographer.

2010-11-16T15:34:00.015Z

I hate having my photo taken.

My daughter laughs out loud as I seem to grow several chins while trying to attain the perfect posture to eliminte the afore mentioned chin issue!

So, when recently approached by a bridal magazine to answer a few questions along with a professional head shot, the questions were easy, the photo request not so.

A few weeks ago I received an e mail from the wonderful Rob Booker. Let's do lunch and talk shop he said. Wow, my idea of heaven, posh grub and wedding chat all in one hit. Add to that wedding talk with a fella, ladies it doesn't get much better.

However, with client commitments and a poorly daughter, Rob settled for some posh sarnies from Asda alongside some posh cakes and a cuppa at chez Davey or in other words an egg sandwich and mince pies at my house. He also suggested it was about time I had a professional head shot photo for my website and the forthcoming wedding mag feature.

Well, what can I say? What a truly fabby guy, THE nicest man that Mr. Booker is. He bought me wine, even better!

We talked shop, lots of it. I wanted to know the ins and outs of Rob Booker Photography and he even asked me about petticoats and if I had to make one style of wedding gown for the rest of my days, what would it be? I'm in wedding chat heaven!

I loved how relaxed he was (and how especially relaxed I felt with the prospect of the looming photo) and how he spoke of not wanting to be invasive when he attends a wedding. This man is not just a photographer who 'does' weddings. He lives them, is passionate about making sure the shots fit the client and has been known to spend 13 hours capturing a wedding in one hit.

He loves the rapport with many of his clients and his work reflects that.

Rob Booker is the kind of guy I'd have a bevy with, in fact, he's the kind of guy I'd like at my wedding, especially if he's taking the shots!

So, Rob thanks ever so much for the pictures it was very much appreciated, as was the wine. I was a bit apprehensive about opening the file (not the wine) but absolutely delighted with the result. (And not a paper bag or double chin in sight!)

For more information and a preview of his work please visit

http://www.robbooker.co.uk/

His latest musings and an insight to the man http://www.robbooker.co.uk/blog/

And Now for Something A Little Different!

2010-11-07T17:40:00.018Z

Anyone who knows me (and if you've never met me, this is moi and my super supportive husband and number one fan, Mr D) knows I can put my hand to many a pretty thing.

I can do traditional and current

and vintage and, well, current.

To modern and something a little different

I can do modern with a medievel feel (complete with hand embriodered Celtic Knotwork)

To theatrical (which includes hand embroidered bumble bees)

I've been doing this job for what feels like forever and I love it today as I did when I first started. I mean, who gets up every day and can talk weddings?

So, the rest about me.

I've been married to Mr. D, my soul mate, for 6 years this coming November and he still remains my prince charming after riding in and sweeping me off my feet.

My favourite book (apart from the piles of any magazine wedding related) is Susan Khalje Bridal Couture, which has many a well thumbed page!

I have a dog called Kassie,( a Native American word which means dresses in fur) a gorgeous little Cairn Terrier who pulls many a face and even sulks. I don't know who's worse, my youngest daughter of the dog!

I failed my dressmaking 'o' level on the theory side.

My first job was in pharmacy and it was when I was made redundant from that I took a part time job in a bridal shop. That soon led to a full time position where I found my love of all things romantic which leads me to where I am now.

I love vintage jewellery especially side tiaras and would love to wear something really pretty to go out in, but as my trips merely extend to Asda, I think I would possibly look overdressed!

What do I want from life? To make a difference and if that difference is to make someones dream come true then I have succeeded.

Today I read. You may never remember what someone said, you may never remember what someone did, but you'll always remember how someone made you feel.

Mixing Vintage Style with a Little Ian Stewart!

2010-11-01T14:03:00.012Z

Who would have thought bringing the past right up to the present would work so well such as this amazing gown, Masquerede, by the awesome Ian Stewart and teaming it with these vintage sassy numbers lovingly made by moi!

Needless to say, at this moment in time I am squeeling with delight after my fabulous client

emailed these photos just moments ago. (I have to wait a few more weeks for the official photos, but I simply had to share)

"Hi Linda,
just a few here of the girls.
I'm just going to forward you on Gemmas email with photo's attached as well.
There will be ones of me and mark as well as the girls- its easier just to forward it all rather than faff on splitting them.
They looked outstanding, they really did. Everyone was amazed with the dresses, they all thought they were fantastic.
It is going to taking 5 weeks for photographer to get back to me with photos so as soon I get them I will let you know
Thanks again Linda
karen xx"

Vintage Bridesmaids Putting On The Glitz!

2010-10-31T11:50:00.009Z

I have had the greatest of pleasures working for Karen and her amazing bridesmaids.

Karen contacted me after seeing my client, Nadia's real life wedding in Perfect Wedding back in February this year.

The vintage style with spot tulle overlay was just what she was after, but was sceptical about contacting me assuming bespoke was going to cost a packet.

"I nearly fell off my chair when you gave me the quote," she said. And so, these three vintage gowns were born.

Karen chose the ivory spot tulle, ivory silk dupion and the vintage tiered petticoat which had a satin bound edge. Two of the three gowns had sleeves with a feature cuff, finished with a small covered button to match the button front of the gowns.

The cumberbands were seperate to the feature over-sized bow which was dressed and attached directly to the gowns thus avoiding the need to tie them on the morning of the wedding.

The back view showing the over-sized bow.

Button front detail and fabulous trench coat style collar.

The gorgeous ladies in their vintage frocks.

Karen wearing Masquerede. The amazing gown by Ian Stuart.

All the girls together.

Karen chose vintage diamante brooches to pin to each of the gowns and the girls topped everything off with elaborate fascinator hats.

I can't wait for the official photographs.

I shall dearly miss you all. x

Something gorgeously different!

2010-10-30T16:50:00.013+01:00

It began with a dream and as I am in the industry for making them come true (bibidybobidyboo), I am happy to say for Frances, her dream came true too.

One thing which surprised me the most, was the trust Frances had in someone she'd never met, me, to box up her precious wedding gown and send it over 200 miles to have a bespoke jacket made to compliment her gown alongside alterations to the gown itself.

"I had total trust in you," she said. "Sending it was easy."

I suggested the perfect petticoat to display the embroidered skirt after the alterations to the side seams and bust area.

The feature lacing to the back.

The jacket over the gown. I used a fabulous beaded and sequin lace for the detail to the sleeves and jacket bottom. The jacket itself was made from a deep claret velvet and was fully lined.

The lacing to the jacket back mimicked the gown.

The beautiful bride.

The bride and groom.

Of her day Frances said. "Many thanks to the lovely Linda for my beautiful jacket which was the talk of the wedding, sadly the petticoat didn't survive the evening of dancing like a loon!! " Yes, Frances, the rowing boat song wasn't such a good idea in a full length wedding gown, but glad you had such fun.

"Thank you so much, all credit to Linda for making it fit like a glove and the Jacket which everyone loved! I got my hat it in a teeny local wedding shop and the gown is a known brand D'Zage, the jacket however is a orginal!!"

And as always, it will stay an original.

I would like to say, Frances, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your very special day.

Can Dressmakers 'do' internal Corsetry?

2010-10-18T14:59:00.016+01:00

Of course we can!

I've taken a very short break to look at a new internal corselette technique which will give the same amount of support, but one that will have a little more room for adjustment and comfort. (so those little weight gains won't be so much of an issue!)

Above and to the front is the inner corselette consisting of a bridal canvas which is nice and rigid with boning attached and behind is the gown bodice lining.

The elastic panels have been attached at the side bodice to replace the center back sections. This is what will give the snug but comfortable fit.

The elasticated back panels at the bust and waist area have hook and eye tapes attached.

The internal corselette bodice.

Above, is the gown which has a halter-neck strap. There is a bow detail to the bust, but this could easily be ommited or re designed to accomodate a 'fan' detail with some rather nice embelishment to cover the bodice seam.

The finished gown.

The hemline has a crin strip to define the shape of the hem and I have added some soft tulle to give the skirt a little lift.

I designed a small shrug bolero with dramatic collar for those who prefer to be a little more covered. The jacket front sits just behind the bow.

Close up of the jacket and front bow detail of the gown.

Side view shows the lovely train.

The back view shows the lace-up closure which finishes just at the small of the back. An invisible zip continues to the lower bottom.

The jacket back sits just at the bottom of the shoulder blades.

What I love about this gown is it is so adaptable. It can be made using a synthetic taffeta as I have used here, silk dupion and lace or even a silk duchess satin for total luxury.

Objective Achieved for a 50th Birthday Bash!

2010-10-18T08:54:00.007+01:00

Evidently, research suggests that in an average month, British women only feel good about themselves 38% of the time. So my objective to make my client, Alison feel more than good about herself and look simply sensational was achieved after she comissioned me to make her celebration dress.

Alison wanted something classy yet appropriate for a disco dance leaving a full length evening gown out of the question. So we chose this Vogue pattern along with a fabulous 100% silk crepe satin in a stunning bronze colour.

Alison also wanted to add sleeves, so using a design to flow with the style of the gown I added a tulip-style sleeve which enabled movement while covering the arm area.

This is the e mail I received this morning.

"Hi Linda

Just a short note to say Saturday evening was a resounding success and my dress got lots of attention. I felt fantastic which was my objective so I well and truly achieved!

Thanks for everything

Alison"

Finishing Touches.

2010-10-05T14:28:00.012+01:00

Whether it’s mother of the bride, or mother of the groom it’s just as important to have the perfect outfit. After all, it’s the wedding of their daughter or son and any mum will want to look their best.

I love to create anything that will make a woman look and feel dazzling on any occasion and working for Sally was no exception.

Sally had a style in mind and came to see me armed with a pattern and selected colours for her daughters wedding recently.

She chose a fabulous shade of green silk dupion to tie in with her chocolate accessories.

We were fortunate to match an exact shade of lace to tie the co-ordintaing lace jacket into the gown.

The gown was ruched through the centre front and centre back and had an invisible zip closure.

The strapless gown.

As usual, there was an inner corselette made to sit inside the gown which helps with structure and comfort.

The lace jacket

She wears it very well!

Once again it has been a pleasure and I shall look forward to working for you again should you require it.

Knicker Diva Sarah Wells talks Wedding Day Undies!

2010-09-30T15:05:00.017+01:00

Business woman, cupcake lover and most excellent bra fitter, Sarah Wells of Elizabeth Wells Lingerie, shares her expertise with me after one of my clients contacted me with a few of her own wedding day undie dilemas. I've also had the pleasure in meeting Sarah a few weeks ago just before she launched her online boutique.

Sarah works alongside many Bridal boutiques and has a fabulous reputation of having pretty things, bigger sizes, having a choice, quality, and giving practical advice.

Basically, Sarah is honest and all she is interested in is getting the customer what she wants.

So, I decided to ask a few of my own questions and here's what she told me.

When should you begin to look at wedding day underwear?

As soon as you like! That is looking. By doing this you’ll have a good idea of what you like, what you don’t and where to go when when its time to purchase. This early ‘looking’ is useful as it means you’ll be less stressed than if you started looking with no idea whats out there and not finding anything you like.Once you know your chosen dress you can begin to narrow down the list above, tailoring the lingerie to the needs of your dress - plunge front, strapless, thin material, corseted - these are important in the search, the underwear needs to sit properly under the dress!The key thing people mean when they ask when should I start looking is when can I buy it! Many brides want to slim down before the big day, so you don’t want to buy the bra too early (you may not loose any weight from the bust, you may loose it in the cup or loose it round your back). I recommend my brides to purchase in time for their first fitting - many dress boutiques ask brides to bring their underwear with them to the first fitting. By having your underwear at the fitting you also minimize stress - if you buy the bra last minute you may not be able to find the perfect underwear. Many dream dresses are impractical (sorry to sound a bore) so it will be a nightmare trying to find lingerie to go under it. The best thing to do in this case is to remember that you need something to under the dress (it may not be the most sexy thing in the world, but you can get something special for the night); go to an independent boutique who knows their stock, they may also know other styles they can bring in for you - bigger stores are often unable to do this and this is where Elizabeth Wells comes into her own - personal, understanding service.

I’m having my dress made and my seamstress says the gown could take up to 6 months to make and she requires my underwear at my first fitting. What would you say to this?

The answer to this is above, if you can get the underwear do it! You’ll save yourself time and stress in the run up to the big day. If you are planning on slimming down the thing to do is buy something you can adjust - a corset is perfect, you can pull it in & slight shape changes won’t affect its fit. You should buy underwear so that you do it up on the last clasp (thus being able to tighten it as it stretches), make sure you do this so if you loose weight you can tighten the back of the bra. The other thing worth remembering is your dress is being made - you have a seamstress! She can bring the back of the bra in & dart the cups if needed - make sure you check with you underwear expert where & how to do this on the bra though!

My gown is heavily corseted inside. Will I need a strapless bra or separate corset?

I deal with this issue a lot! A lot of the time brides come into the shop wanting a basque under their dress. Under a corseted dress you may not need anything - corsets are designed to shape & hold you. If you put underwear on you may affect the shape of the dress. More practically wearing a basque under a corset dress is going to be hot (in the summer or abroad), a pain to go to the loo in and not very maneuverable in sitting down, dancing etc. If you really want something go for a bra - the problems above will be minimized. I recommend you let your dress do the hard work and instead of a lingerie set treat yourself to some really gorgeous silk knickers instead! A sexy lingerie set can then be packed in your overnight bag...

I’m having a very slinky wedding gown. What type/style of underwear would you recommend?

I would recommend an all in one - not the most glamorous thing in the world BUT it will leave your dress sitting perfectly - no lumps, bumps and your curves will be smoothed out & looking awesome! At EW we have some that don’t look too scary; the dress shaped ones would be great under a wedding dress as they are strapless and easy to go to the loo in!

My wedding gown has a low back. I’m not too keen on a full corset. Is there something in between which is sexy yet supportive?

Depending upon how low the back of the dress is the answer may be no. However, again a seamstress is making your dress, she could customise the back of a well structured basque.We do have some excellent strapless, backless bras but these do not give enough support for bigger breasts.If you do have to compromise on your underwear - treat yourself (and the groom) to something slinky for the night!

Spanx and how can those 'hold me in pants' look anything but sexy?

Shape wear - say that and all you can think of are massive horrid nude coloured garments (garments is a kind word). EW is all about feeling good, and lets face it whos going to feel good in a giant flesh coloured monstrosity!?
We felt it would be hypocritical to have gorgeous lingerie and then unattractive shape-wear so we’ve done our best for you! Our favorite find is the hold in thongs. Rather than the knickers, which run the risk of VPL, the thong will sit under any dress or trousers perfectly. The collection is known as ‘slinkies’ slinky on the outside (clothes just float over the top) and a grippy texture on the inside.
Other best buys are our dress all in ones - an all in one slimming suit which is strapless and has easy access for going to the loo!
We also have an all in one with the thighs in which is multiway in terms of straps and quite a light material thus you shouldn’t get too hot in it!

Hestia basque

You can contact Sarah for all your undie dilemas. Elizabeth Wells website

http://www.elizabethwells.co.uk/

or contact her at info@elizabethwells.co.uk

Thank you Sarah. It's been a privilidge.

A Mix of Tradition.

2010-09-30T09:43:00.028+01:00

In the age of quickie marriages which can lead onto just as quick divorces, it makes good sense to Handfast. Handfasting is as forever as you want it to be, a binding commitment between two people yet needing no licence to begin with and no laws to undo.

Handfasting is seperated into two ceremonies. The first signifys the betrothal for a year and a day. If the couple are still in love after that time the second handfast binds the young lovers

forever, heart, mind, body and spirit for as long as love remains. The only thing that can undo the betrothal is the lack of love. How utterly romantic

(and of course, far less stressful without the need for solicitors!)

Jodie's wedding was full of colour and although originally a Celtic tradition, she mixed the modern and vintage theme perfectly into her day by way of floral china and cupcakes to her top hat fascinator!

I was commisioned to make her gown, something she had fallen in love with but was not readily available to buy.

So, without further ado, I am proud to introduce Jodie and her wonderful wedding day.

Where's My Kleenex?

2010-09-29T20:09:00.029+01:00

Normally I would be saving the best for last and in this instance you could almost say I have. But, I'm reaching for my kleenex as I speak after looking at the photographs of my client, Jill after her recent wedding to Michael Hunt at the Red Hall Hotel.

Jill commissioned me to make her bridesmaids gowns, 3 sassy strapless numbers with matching handbags (and shoes from Coast!) and a flower girl in a sumptious turquoise silk dupion.

However, just looking at this beautiful bride, I just have to share her with you first.

A very radient bride which happens to be my absolute favourite shot.

Lancashire scenery at its best.

Fabulous detail to the back of Jill's gown

Colour co-ordinated sweetie table.

My handy work

Big sister cuddles.

Thank you Jill, for the honour of sharing your most special wedding day. It has been the most absolute pleasure and I shall miss you all. xx

Someday My Prince Will Come.

2010-09-28T17:12:00.026+01:00

Please note there are a number of links in the text below as most of the pictures are subject to copyright law. It is an offence to use them without permission.

When I was a child, I dreamed of being a princess in a castle. I'd swoosh around in my Aunt's wedding dress, picking up the skirt just like Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella. Even my Barbie doll was a princess except her prince wasn't Ken. It was an old 'Action Girl' doll which I cut short her hair to make her look more like a boy!

I still love all of the classic fairy tales, the beautiful princess who's prince will carry her away and live happily ever after and then hope he wouldn't turn into a toad!

I guess for me I am living the fantasy. My prince charming is still very much the prince charming and to be among beautiful wedding gowns with my work must be every big girls' dream.

I'm sure, even in our adult lives, we still have those dreams. The fairytale with the happy ending and I still feel the wedding gown plays an important part in making that childhood fantasy come true. Afterall, having the fairytale gown is the magical touch that finishes your wedding day.

Katie Price fullfilled her fantasy when she married Peter Andre in a pink tulle gown complete with Cinderella glasss carriage. Of course, they did it all over again, this time Katie opting for something much more traditional!

Again, when Katie married Alex Reid, her gown was less of the fantasy chosing something of a classy look for her day.

Her gown was created by Amanda Plester who has been creating couture gowns for more than 25 years!

I suspect the most famous fairytale to come true would be that of

Prince Rainier III of Monaco marrying the American film actress Grace Kelly.

Of course, not every woman wants to be the princess.

Some are quite happy to be Prince Charming!

From Design to Original outfit.

2010-09-26T19:16:00.007+01:00

I love it when I get to make something a little off the norm, so when Sarah contacted me with a sketch and asked if I could make it for her September wedding, I jumped at the chance.

The design, a wide leg trouser with attached bodice, was based on an outfit Sarah had many years ago. She loved it she told me and desperatly wanted to re-create it for her very special day.

Sarah wanted something completely backless, but I feared there would be no structure to the bodice which could end up looking like a pair of dungarees, so suggested a low scoop back to keep the support in the bodice.

The fabric used was a super 100% silk double crepe moroccain. The bodice was made in a corset style with boning for definition. The crepe was backlined and then lined with a super 100% silk Habotai lining.

The crossover straps were finished with some fabulous crystal embelishments which continued across the neckline and hip.

The little crepe bolero complete with crystal trim completed the look.

I have to say, for anyone looking for something totally different, this is just the ticket!

Buying your dress online.

2010-09-20T17:28:00.004+01:00

Following on from my recent blog UK Dressmakers. We're really quite good and a recent feature by Vivianne of Holloway on Rock 'n' Roll bride, How to buy your wedding gown online there were a few little things I thought it well to mention.

I have talked about this very topic, Vanity measuring,

Many ladies are opting to have their wedding or bridesmaids gowns custom made offshore.There are a few important things to remember when filling out your measurement forms.

1. NEVER vanity measure. This means, don't be tempted to nip in that tape measure by even a centimeter. That seeemingly minute adjustment could mean the difference between zipping up or not! You may know your true measurement, but the dressmaker doesn't.

2. When dealing with a company with a language barrier, make sure your measurments are concurrent. Don't switch from centimeters to inches! Check and re check to make sure everything is written in what the company asks for. If they ask for inches, give them inches and take extra care in the placement of decimal points. Compaines such as the offshore custom made folk don't have time to double check measurements. (something I would immediately query) If you've written on your form your bust is 28cm and your waist is 30 inches, you're going to get a rather oddly shaped gown!!

3. If you are going to wear a corset, measure in a corset. This applies to a new bra. Boobs will have a different shape in a spanking new bra than the grey old faithful.

4. Height. Always important and sensible to measure in your 4" heels. Don't measure flat footed and then expect to wear the heels.

I have a few 'distance' clients I am currently working for and one thing I can guarantee.

As my good friend Jane recently and so eloquently put it.

"The pure unmitigated joy that what you pour your love and soul into actually is liked and wanted by other people and by your peers who are in the same industry. That and you know it's not mass produced it's made with love and imagination for people you actually care about."

Yes, Jane. I actually care about each and every one of my clients. Which is why I check and double check, something the offshore companies simply do not have time to do!

UK Wedding Show Harrogate

2010-09-19T16:46:00.011+01:00

And more importantly, a meet up with Jane Hardman-Ferris of HF Couture Accessories.

Wow, what a total awesome lady and what totally awesome pieces Jane had on display. I just had to try them on.

The intricacy of each piece is amazing. Many of the headband detail could be removed and used as jewellery pieces, a brooch for example.

Jane takes much of her inspiration from
Miriam Haskell, Stanley Hagler, Dior and Schiaparelli and others. A few of the pieces took my eye, especially the dragonfly headband. It looked like something from the early 1900's.

The intricate dragonfly.

Another favourite piece although my ultimate favourite, Eva, was out on loan for a photoshoot. (You'll have to visit the website to view that one)

From intricate tiara's and headbands to the ultimate in flamboyance.

Jane, I love your stuff, now would someone like to invite me to an event so I can treat myself?

http://www.hfcouture.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/HF-Couture-Accessories/307418764785?v=wall

UK dressmakers. We're really quite good!

2010-09-19T08:56:00.024+01:00

I was incensed by a comment in a wedding forum recently suggesting that UK based dressmakers weren't really up to the job of producing quality bridalwear, not like the offshore bridal companies! Well, let me share with you the experience of my client, Becky after she decided to purchase her wedding gown from one of the more popular 'custom made' bridal companies.

The website suggested the use of best quality fabrics and so Becky's wedding gown was to be made from taffeta with a beaded and sequined lace applique. The bodice was pleated with large swags of fabric to each side of the hip area.

I was concerned with the 'best quality fabric' used in this photo as you can clearly see the lining through the fabric easpecially at the hemline!

There are no beads or sequins on this lace.

The swags of fabric hang much too low which in my opinion, take the line of the gown out of proportion.

The back of the gown show the lace up back which again in my opinion is out of proportion.

So, when the finished gown eventually arrived to Becky, she wasn't exactly pleased or even loving her gown.

The petticoat which had been made to go beneath the gown was too long and was visible at the hem. On top of that, the bones were visible through the fabric. Becky asked for my professional opinion which was quite hard to do as I certainly didn't want to upset her further. However, this was as gentle as I could put it.

"I’ve been thinking about this, probably putting off the inevitable into giving you an honest opinion, but as you have asked I do feel I should give you my thoughts.
Ok. With my professional dressmakers hat on.

When I make a wedding gown, I source the best possible fabrics. I buy per job so I have to take into account the suitability of fabric for the dress. If a customer wants sumptuous, I advice pure silks. I tend not to use synthetic taffeta for bridal as the quality isn’t always the best. I tend to advise a silk dupion as silk taffeta is costly.
Beadwork. Beaded/sequined laces come in anything from around £40 - £100 per meter. There is non beaded variety which can be used but then you need to consider the time to bead. You can buy motifs which work well but can work out costly when you require a lot. Hence purchasing beaded lace by the meter and then carefully trimming out the motif itself.
When I make my gowns, depending on the weight, I build the petticoat in. I am using a white silk at the moment which has a hot pink petticoat. To avoid the colour grinning through the fabric, I have triple lined it. Wedding gowns with petticoats tend to be triple lined. (mine can be)

Quantities of fabric must also be taken into account. If I were to make something similar to the one you’ve ordered, I’d be looking at least 10-12 meters if not more to achieve the drape.
So, to my nitpicking.

1. I don’t feel there is enough sparkle on the lace. I did point this out after the last photos they sent. The lace had no beadwork on it what so ever. I know you raised concerns.
2. I don’t feel the distance between the corset at the top is adequate. It should be about 5”.
3. It appears the hoop is visible through the dress which draws attention to the interrupted flow of the skirt and detracts the eye's attention from the overall effect of the dress. (this could be corrected with the use of a net petticoat)
4. The fabric used looks flimsy for the design. This however could be improved with a well fitting/constructed corset and as before, a petticoat.

Whether inexpensive or costly, the dress must be fit for purpose. Fit for purpose with a wedding dress will include all the practical things like wearable without falling apart etc., but may also include unspoken expectations that matter to the bride but would be different things for others, eg. one bride may want a luxurious gown which will be the dress of her dreams which she intends to store as a keepsake, another may just want a dress for the ceremony and some photos and doesn't attach any emotional significance to the dress.

I think you have to weigh up what you think you’ve been sold and what you have been. Have you been told what fabrics they use to what the original is? If on their picture it says taffeta for example, then the picture I would think would be a pure silk not synthetic. Basically, do you feel you’ve got what you paid for?

I know this is no consolation and as I said, haven’t wanted to give you my honest opinion, but I think it only fair that I do."

So, as Becky had already asked me to make her bridesmaid gowns, she asked for a quote and the rest was history.

Using a pure silk dupion, I sourced a super beaded and sequined lace which the most amazing scallop edge that worked perfectly at the bustline.

I used 15 meters of silk in the gown which had a fully corset inside and built in net petticoat.

To take the detail from the front swags to the back, I hand bustled the train adding the lace motifs to each pick-up point.

Becky being laced into her gown.

Taking inspiration from a wedding gown she had tried, Becky received a pure silk gown totally unique to her. No copies, no hassle just a beautiful gown for a very beautiful lady. The look was completed with a triple-tier diamante veil (made by me) and a tiara which Sarah from Simply Wedding Dresses. allowed me to borrow a selection.

I would like to thank Becky for allowing me to use the photographs and sharing her experience with an offshore wedding gown company.

Vintage. Is it the way forward?

2010-09-18T09:39:00.003+01:00

Opened my copy of this months Perfect Wedding to find a heap of vintage-inspired gowns. Loads of shorties popping up now which is fine if you want vintage, but not so if you want something more traditional.

With my diary now closed for next year, (until September 2011 and subject to outstanding enquiries) it's an exciting time for me as all of my clients have, between us, designed their perfect wedding gown.

Each have brought together elements of gowns which suit them perfectly and I simply cannot wait to get cracking on each and every one of them.

I'm finding this just as exciting (ok, it's more of a squeeling excitement) as when a client brings me a pattern and simply says. "Make this please."

Next year I am working mostly on bridal gowns with a few bridesmaids (including some gorgeous 'fairy' flowergirl dresses) thrown into the mix.

So, may I take the opportunity to thank all of my new clients. I'm very much looking forward to 2011!

Busy Month

2010-09-13T17:20:00.010+01:00

It has been another exceptionally busy time for me again. Not only have I been busy creating gorgeous gowns for gorgeous ladies, but am in the media for a second time.

Pure Weddings editor, Amanda Griffiths interviewed me back in March 2010 with the feature going to press September 2010. Not only have I been graced with a double page spread (with the photographic talents of Rob Booker) but I'm even mentioned on the front cover!

I've also been busy with these wonderful ladies who were the bridesmaids to my client Claire.

Claire opted for the most softest of peach silk and each time I worked with it, it
evoked visions or ice cream and sorbets, a typical summer sensation.

After sourcing the perfect shade, I ran into the small problem of the dye not quite being the peach I wanted after the initial sample was requested. However, my supplier went back to the manufacturer and requested the specific shade to be dyed to order for me. That's service!

I think you'll agree, these ladies look simply scrumptious.

http://www.robbooker.co.uk/
http://www.pureweddingsnorth.co.uk/

Bespoke, Custom Made and Made to Measure.

2010-08-20T17:01:00.004+01:00

So, what exactly is the difference? Well, a lot really.

Most brides will enter a bridal salon and buy a ready-to-wear bridal gown which may need alterations for length and fit.

The next option is made-to-measure.

Made to measure is a wedding gown made to order from an adjusted block pattern. You may find a strapless gown and add straps to it. You may find a zip up back closure but prefer a corset or lace-up. All that happens with made to measure is the basic pattern/style is adjusted to a clients specific needs.

Bespoke.

A bespoke gown is traditionally cut from a pattern drafted from scratch for the customer. A design will take place and the pattern will be drafted to that specification. There is no basic pattern block.

So, that's cleared that up. x

Competition!!!

2010-08-11T07:47:00.003+01:00

Well, you may or may not know of our fantastic competition we launched on Monday. The opportunity to win a bespoke wedding gown, bespoke tiara or piece of jewellery designed by HF Couture, and an amazing photoshoot with slideshow DVD with Xposure Photography. Runner up will receive a £75.00 gift certificate to spend on a bridesmaid gown from the extensive range at Simply Wedding Dresses.

We've had an amazing response so thank you to all who have entered so far.

There is still plenty of time to get your entries in and there is no word count limit. It doesn't matter how romantic or low key it was, it was still your 'Down on one knee moment'. It will stay with you forever.

Good luck!

Find all of the details here.

Definately Pretty Maids all in a row!

2010-08-09T12:14:00.011+01:00

Oh my days, how totally gorgeous are these ladies? These pictures are just in from one of these lovely bridesmaids, Laura, so thank you for allowing me to use them. Well, I just had too!!

The ladies were bridesmaids to my client Rachel who married on Saturday.

Floaty, 100% silk crepe satin with a 100% silk chiffon overlay. All cut on the bias to add extra movement.

Each petal of the corsages was individually cut, stiffened and then assembled using guinea foul feathers, leather and grey beads for texture.

Nothing much more I can say really. Sassy, classy and fabalicious!!

I Love it When...

2010-08-08T07:59:00.013+01:00

...I receive pictures from my brides. I appreciate them thinking of me and regard it as an extention of wanting to share each moment of their day with me. So to Bryn and Becky, thank you for these. The comments I have received have been amazing, and clients who have yet to have their gowns started, are giddy with excitement.

As I am now well established into my second year and having had the opportunity of making some truly awesome gowns, I need to clear up a few minor bug bears I have, and offer a little something back. (afterall, I wouldn't be celebrating if it wasn't for all of you!) I want to wipe away once and for all the stigma that home dressmaking is still something mum did in the 60's using the old curtains from the spare room to make the ultimate holiday frock. (yes, I hear ya baby!)

To shout out loud that bespoke isn't (no really it isn't) the dream, blow-the-budget option. A client once told me she nearly fell off her chair when she received her quote. "I really wasn't going to bother asking," she said. "I can't believe my dream gown is well within my budget. I'll have three!!" Oh yes, she really is having three!!

So, how am I going to share my success with you? Well, hold on to your hats ladies, I'm offering an awesome experience.

Tomorow, I am launching my first ever competition (so be gentle with me ladies)

Dresses at No. 9 (me) have teamed up with HF Couture, Xposure Photography and Simply Wedding Dresses, to offer one lucky bride the opportunity in having a bespoke wedding gown to the value of £1,000, bespoke tiara or choice of accessory to the value of £100 and a Model or For Your Eyes Only photo shoot complete with slideshow image DVD to the value of £300.
Runner up will receive a gift certificate to the value of £75.00 to spend towards a bridesmaid gown from the vast collection of dresses at Simply Wedding Dresses, Bingley.

So, what have you got to do to win this prize?

Log on to the website tomorrow. You'll find everything you need to know

http://dressesatno9.co.uk/competition.aspx