Thinking on your feet!

I have been looking through all my old gowns and Brides and came across this. It was taken right bang in the middle of the 1980's by William ... oh, I'm sure you can tell! She was a beautiful bride. Look at the huge ruffle which sat on top of huge puffball sleeves, trimmed with handmade silk roses. The rest of the dress was a tight boned bodice falling into a full skirt and train. The gown was trimmed with the roses coming from the waist and falling down the front of the gown.

I remember the wedding day well, as I went to dress the bride, which is something I often do. As my bride sat chatting happily and admiring the gown, she picked up a bottle of nail varnish to paint her nails. She shook the bottle, as you do, and to our horror the lid flew off and the pink varnish spread itself all across the back off the train and onto her mother's new carpet!

This is where you have to think on your feet.... Nail varnish remover was used x 2 bottles, bought at amazing speed from the chemist, I scrubbed and scrubbed [luckily the silk was of excellent quality to withstand this harsh liquid] With only 40 minutes to go the start of the wedding, my bride remained completely calm. I however, was 7 months pregnant and feeling as if I was going to have the baby at any minute. You may be wondering how this could ever be resolved. Well... I ended this dilemma by pruning the roses that feel gently from the waist, to falling casually up and across the back and train.

As she walked up the aisle, not a minute late, looking beautiful and serene, nobody was any the wiser!

The Cotswold Book

Gosh! Where has the time gone, I have not blogged since the Wedding Fair last Sunday and its already Wednesday. Its half term so I am trying to enjoy some lovely time with the girls and Harry before he goes on his travels next week. We are off to Bath tomorrow to see Izy, so we have been busy making cakes and yummy food to take for her.I think a visit to Ikea is on the cards too!

Hot off the press.... If you are interested, my husband has brought out a new book on the Cots wolds. We have worked very hard all summer to bring this book together, there are over 250 amazing images which is a collection from 25 years of photography. It is a fabulous book and we are very proud of this incredible achievement!

The finer details!

My work is all about the finer detail, something that is often lost in the design and construction of 'off the peg' gowns. After using a fabulous Italian Duchess Satin here on this Gown, which by the way is the 'King' of all silks! I thought a soft embroidered Chiffon upper bodice would soften the whole look.It is such a delicate floaty silk, that is often used as an over skirt or in a train. Here it looks extremely elegant with a low cut bust, slightly padded so the shape is held beautifully. And to finish off the whole look a pearl broach.....how stunning is that!
Don't forget I am showing my collection at Woolhanger Manor Bridal Fair this sunday 24th October.

Creative thoughts!

After a long week of Alice being at home, and before I get ready for my Bridal Fair next weekend at Woolhanger Manor. I thought I needed to gather my thoughts, and what a better way than being creative with a few bits of gorgeous fabric. After an hour this is the result. A white Egyptian cotton cushion with a floral design appliqued onto the front....... Oh so satisfying!

Made to order if you are interested.

Come along!

After a few days of just making sure my gowns are perfect again. They are iron and bagged up ready for another Wedding Fair. This time at Woolhanger Manor, near Paracombe, North Devon on Sunday the 24th October. I will not be doing a show but I'll be on a stand showing my collection. So if your getting married and want to visit this most amazing venue on Exmoor do come along.

I thought this photo was rather fun!

Wow, what a Show!

Wow! what an exciting weekend at Westpoint Arena for the Wedding Show. I am so exhausted. Two days of none stop shows attended by 1800 people. I still can't quite believe they were my gowns out there. The models were terrific, they made the gowns come alive as they danced down the catwalk. Teamcatwalkers who put on the show were great and certainly knew their business. Thank you Guys!!

Flora and I worked so hard dressing the models and changing them so quickly we hardly had time to think!

It is always manic behind the catwalk, but we all worked well together and had tremendous fun. Quite an eyeopener for Flora I think!

I have learnt so much from this. My gowns defiantly looked TOP END of the market and stood out really in a class of their own, perhaps because they were all handmade from 100% silk. All the other gowns on show over the weekend designer and otherwise were to my surprise 100% polyester. I could certainly tell the difference but could the audience!

Ironing all day long!

The days are flying passed and its nearly the Wedding Show at Westpoint Arena. Today I have been ironing for nearly 5 hours , all the gowns that are being worn on the catwalk for the 2 days. I had forgotten how much work has gone into producing all these gowns, they look stunning all hung up together. Fingers crossed and everything else that this show brings in some interest!

Things are looking up!

The phone today has not stopped ringing. I have been told today that I am opening the Wedding Show at Westpoint Arena, Exeter next Saturday 9th and 10th October!
William's new book has arrived from China and it is amazing and well worth buying if you have a love of the Cotswolds and you want a fabulous pressy to give someone for Christmas . I have also been asked to submit all my photos to the magazine, ' Bride' the guide for the South West, as they are going to feature me in the next addition out in January. Wow and its only 2 o'clock. Things may be looking up!