Simplicity!

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Simplicity...What more do you need, lets go for this look in 2013.

Happy Christmas to you all!

Christmas Angels!

With Christmas nearly upon us, I thought it a good time to have some fun and use up a few scraps of silk....

This is the end result. My Angel worthy of gracing the top of any Christmas tree. Or maybe a rather delicate gift for someone special.
If you are interested  they stand at 25cm high, they are all handmade by myself and each one is different!
These little Angles are £15.00 each.
Don't leave it to late as they do take a few hours to make to order!

Christmas party season!

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A busy week ahead, with quite a few Christmas party gowns to start, and a new bride has just booked with me, which I am very excited about and I am looking forward to meeting again this week.

I thought this woulds get me in the mood...what do you think?

Crowning glory!

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What do you think to this little find on Pinterest ?.... I just adore it!

Lace all the way!

Oh, this is so inspiring to me for a Tuesday afternoon...I feel a new dress is needed with lots of amazing lace, and of course an amazing photograph to top it off or maybe a new bride...I think I have one in mind!

Pink and delicate!

                  I have just finished this pretty little headpiece to go with my 1950's Tea Dress 'Daisy', not bad for a mornings work!

My New 'Rosa' Gown

This is my new gown 'Rosa', the inspiration for this gown came from the sea and surrounding beaches . Perfect for a Beach Wedding! The Rosa gown can be worn as separate pieces or as one whole gown.

The over skirt that waterfalls away into a train, is made in an Ivory silk with a corded lace lining, it can be removed to reveal a rather short silk skirt underneath... The bodice is made in a corded lace, it is ruched at the front to flatter the bust and the halter neck is optional.

To finish this look, I have added at the waist a Sea Blue Georgette sash which ties in a bow at the back with long flowing tails and lace flower trim that matches the front. The centres of the flowers have diamanté stamens and sea glass in delicate hues of blues and pale greens to capture the reflection of the sea!

Do come along and see the dress and the rest of my collection, at the Barefoot Bride Wedding Fair, at Woolacombe bay hotel on sunday 21st october!

Georgia gown,

  

At last, finished today a lovely variation on the Georgia gown in Italian lace tulle and crepe backed satin with a touch of pink silk under the bust.
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An extremely flattering and elegant gown featured on the front cover of 'Wed magazine' this month....this version has a detatchable bolero jacket.

Feature in 'Wed' magazine.

I would like to say a big Thank You to 'Wed' Magazine for putting my 'Georgia' gown on this month's front cover, and for the many beautiful pages of gowns inside this fabulous edition of 'Wed'.

A few months back, you may well remember that  I had a busy day with the magazine at a beautiful location not far from where I live, Pickwell Manor. Here, they cater for Weddings in a beautiful, tranquil setting, close to Putsborough beach.Not only is the venue simply stunning, but the service you receive from the lovely Pickwell crew is second, to none. You are guaranteed a Wedding to remember!

We had a fabulous day and here is the proof of all the hard work. Thank you again;
to Rebecca and Brendan, at 'Wed' magazine.
Lucy Shergold for the amazing photography.
Claire Mathers Creative Wedding Hair.Eve Ashby for stunning  make up
Models Sophie Hellyer and Licha Parkhouse.

Thank you Trisha!

Its been rather a long time since I did my last blog...

However, this jogged my memory this morning, when I was sent a rather lovely photo of one of my extremely bubbly brides Trisha, who got married in July in a light Ivory Duchess Satin and French Lace... Gorgeous! x

Small is beautiful!

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                       I love this little vase of flowers it's made me smile on this rainy day!

1950's Tea Dress......"Daisy"

I am very proud to introduce my 1950's Tea Dress..."Daisy" named after a very special little girl, who is loved  by my family especially, my daughter Alice.

It is made in a ice pink Silk Dupion. The colour is so, so delicate, and works together well with the lace top that has a dainty silver thread weaving through the floral pattern.

This dress is a typical 1950's style circular skirt with a box pleat at the front, this helps give it that extra swing. It has a simple boned bodice top, side zip, and of course, layers of net for the petticoat.

The finishing touch to this outfit, is the across-the-shoulder lace top. I have used the delicate scalloped edge to frame the neck and shoulders. Little 3/4 length sleeves, and instead of a set-in sleeve, I have used a underarm gusset and a continual sleeve.

It is finished off with 26 roulo loops and buttons down the back. A little, laced, scalloped edging, finishes off the bottom.

To accentuate the waist, I have made a narrow silk belt, and Chanel bow, with a diamonte buckle.

I showcased this gown yesterday at The Vintage Wedding Fair, it was well received and my model was gorgeous. I will post up photo's soon.

Off course, there are many variations to this gown.....  if you are interested in this delightful 1950's gown and era, I'd be delighted to discuss it with you!

A Spanish feel!

Yesterday saw the Wedding my lovely bride Kirsty,

She wore an incredibly flattering gown that as you can see has a tight rouched long bodice that sat under the bottom. 

To achieve this effect the bodice was cut on the bias of the Ivory power woven Dupion. When it is first fitted it is incredibly tight but within a few minutes [if you have not put on any weight] the fabric gives.

Kirsty had the perfect hour glass figure. The bodice came up and over the shoulder and was finished off with handmade flowers and feathers.

The skirts where Silk Dupion again overlaid with a Silk Organza which was embroidered with polka dots. There were several layers of net under the skirt which was finished with a lovely sweeping train. This gown had a very Spanish feel!

Despite the weather yesterday my beautiful bride could not dampen anyone's mood.

It was a pleasure to work with Kirsty and her Mum and very special for me as I made Kirsty's  sister's dress seven years ago...I must have done a good job!

Duchess Satin and French Lace

This gown went off to Ledbury in Herefordshire for the Wedding last week of Trisha and James.

I do hope some photos will be sent to me soon. In the mean time here are a few of my studio shots.

This gown was made from a Light Ivory Duchess Satin  and French lace. The under bodice was boned  with an overlay of lace that buttoned down the back. There seems to be a love of bows this season which complimented the back of this gown perfectly. The skirt was A line in shape falling into a lovely long train. This gown held it shape well as the Duchess Satin was quite a heavy weight which was supported by quite a few layers of net petticoat. 

Emma and Sam's Wedding

I have spent a very special weekend at a family Wedding in beautiful Somerset. 

I was delighted when I was asked to make Emma's gown, which I must say looked amazing on her tiny perfect figure. She was also fantastic to work with!My daughter Alice was a flower girl and was super excited all day long!

Emma's gown was 'Aline' in shape and made in a Ivory Silk Dupion with an over lay of Italian Embroidered Tulle on the bodice front and back, and then falling away in to the train. She had a magnificent bow and tails that stood the test of the day, finished off with tiny rullo loops and buttons down the back. The last photo shows more detail of the Tulle over the train.

For more images of the Wedding do take a look on my husbands flickr, >here< 

Sweet Sussie!

Yesterday saw the marriage of Sussie and Steve here in North Devon.

Sussie wore a very floaty gown made of silk Dupion and Georgette . The bodice was cut as a sweetheart neckline with delightful above the elbow length semi-circular sleeves that  were cut in layers of  Georgette and Embroidered  Austrian Chiffon, as was the bodice. The skirt was full and flowing. A sash pulled it all in which made Sussie look fabulous and finished off the whole look with little roulo loops and button running down the back. I hope she sends me a photo or two

Sussie was a fantastic customer and such fun.I wish them both a very happy life together! x

Vintage Photo Shoot.

I was sent this gorgeous photo recently of my Alice gown, the model is wearing an amazing hand crafted veil by Lucy Hayes which really does look stunning and compliments the gown beautifully
It was for a Vintage  photographic shoot at Laston House in Ilfracombe.
It was all put together  by my inspirational friends from...
Blue Fizz Events,do take a look at their website and blog, they are the perfect company to organise any event, they are ultra efficient and totally cool! Here are a few credits that  helped the day be a success for them.
Laston  House Hotel  
J2 Photography 
Anna Rutter- make up <
Lucy Hayes Bespoke Bridal Veils
Grooms Attire- Dawes, Cross Street Barnstaple
Charlotte Shirley - Hair Design at Tangles
Styling by Blue Fizz Events

Photo shoot for Wed Magazine!

I would like to say a BIG thank you to Pickwell Manor for letting Wed Magazine and all the people involved shoot my gowns in their beautiful house and grounds.

We had a long and tiring day.The results are stunning and soon to be seen in  the September edition of  the magazine.

My gowns were used for the eras 1940's 50's and 60's and all the shoots were photographed in black and white!

Here are some of my own shots, that I took during the day, but believe me Lucy Shergold the photographer has made them look a million dollars!

Alice Gown

Georgia Gown

Anna Gown

Racheal Gown

French Lace.

My studio has never been so busy these passed few weeks.

I feel utterly content working away, totally absorbed in my own little world, I love things taking shape, so I thought I share this one with you.

Here is a sneak preview of what will be a beautiful gown for a very special lady.

Together we chose a light Ivory Duchess Satin for the under bodice and skirt, with a stunning overlaid French Lace for the top. It is going to be so elegant when it's finished. I had better get on with the rest as there is quite a few days work left and only 5 weeks to the wedding.....more to follow!

Advertising Banner...

It's been so busy in my studio these past few weeks that I have not been able to blog.

Recently I was at a lovely Bridal Fair at Northcote Manor were I tried out my new banner to advertise my company...What do you think?

My Sarah gown looks amazing on my model.Customers certainly took more notice of my gowns. 

I purchased this banner from Discount Banner Printing an online company that was amazingly quick and very professional. The printing was of the highest quality, it was easy to put together it feels very tough and well made, something that will follow me around on my travels in its handy little black carry case for a long time to come...

Why not take a look at this company, I was delighted with them! www.discountbannerprinting.co.uk 

Mounting Orders!

After a rather busy day at the lovely Castle Hill Wedding Fair yesterday.

I am taking solace in my studio and I am having a quite day carrying on with ...dare I say it mounting orders!

Some people find it strange that I work in complete silence, I go into a world of my own and think of nothing more than creating my master piece! 

I have a full week with my daughter Izy coming back to sew for her degree show, 3 fitting, 2 new brides and a photo shoot, lets hope the weather holds!

Pattern cutting!

I have been drafting and cutting a pattern for a new bride today, and at long last it is ready to cut in the fabric. We have chosen a very delicate embroidered  French Silk Chiffon and Ivory thai silk. The gown is A line and hangs from under the bust with a Georgette overlay. The bodice is very pretty with the French Chiffon overlay, sweetheart neckline and fluted flared sleeves finishing about 4 inches above the elbow.

Stylish Fishu neckline.

It is a lovely blue sky day here in North Devon, I am looking forward to walking on the beach later with my dog!

I am working hard on my next dress for the Wedding Fair at Northcote Manor on Sunday 4th March, here is a sneak preview...

This gown is worn as a  detachable bodice which is highly boned and shaped and is very elegant to wear. . It is made in a dark Ivory Thai silk  which is a colour that is rather popular this season. It has as you can see a lovely laced corset back that is laced from the top to bottom. It is worn over an A line full skirt, either full length or to the calf.

The style is rather reminiscent to the 1940's early 50's with this flattering fishu neckline in an embroidered chiffon. It is caught in at the side of the fishu with a silk velvet knot wear to finish off the look!

Why not come along on Sunday and enjoy the beautiful setting of Northcote Manor and all the dedicated exhibitors at the fair and of course my gowns.....See you there!

Calming colours!

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Cool and refreshing, subtle and calm this is the image for my inspiration today.

Its been a very hectic few weeks of making and not much, if any blogging! Head down and quite a few orders to get out. I have also been designing some lovely surface textiles, which I am thinking of adding to my next collection... I have had my daughter Izy from university again designing and making her textiles for her degree show later in the Spring. She has inspired me with her beautiful creations that I have been helping her with. I am also getting ready for the Northcote Manor Wedding Fair, next Sunday, 4th February, more about that later on! 

So simple!

From bhldn.com

Hundreds of hand-applied glass crystals and handmade flowers shower down this unstructured tank dress silhouette. Made from soft, sheer chiffon and with exquisite back detail, this piece exudes a relaxed elegance fit for the heavenly union of you to your soul mate.

I love this look, and I feel very inspired by its fresh and unstructured feel. What do you think?

Diamonds are a girls best friend!

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I am feeling like a little dose of sparkle today and I just couldn't resit this amazing diamond ring. I can not imagine how many hours of work goes into this exquisite piece.

Last week, I was assisting my daughter. She is designing  her final textile pieces for her degree show later on in April. Although I have been a designer of Bridal Wear for many years now, I have never [other than beading] made relief patterns onto fabric. After six days of none stop work, I have realised and now, appreciate more than ever  Decorative fabrics.

Most designers sample textiles get sent off to India, where families spend their entire lives stitching to recreate these designs, being paid very little. The sweat and tears that goes into making these pieces of cloth is endless.

It is so sad that a lot of people today do not even notice, let alone take into consideration how labour intensive this is. Maybe next time you see something exquisite, spare a thought for the skill and time that goes into producing it!

So maybe next time you see a garment that catches your eye spare a thought for the expertise  and long hours that go into producing it!

Ruffles.

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This photo is my inspiration for Monday.

I have been lucky enough to have taken 2 orders today, which makes me extremely HAPPY! ....all from The Saunton Sands Wedding Fair last week.

One of my designs involves lots and lots of these delicate ruffles in a fine cotton , it looks so soft and feminine, and although its time consuming it is very satisfying when done!

The Fair!

Yesterday I had a really fabulous day at The Saunton Sands Wedding Fair.
So many people came onto my stand and admired all my gowns. I hadn't realised that there were so many lovely Brides to be out there.
I do hope that I will be privileged enough to dress a few of them!
I was also lucky to be next door to my friends from Blue Fizz Events who helped make the day lots more fun...they did extremely well too!

The Georgia Gown...

Good Morning everyone. Today I am proud to showcase a new gown to add to my Collection.... The Georgia Gown. This is a bias cut dress in  an Ivory crepe backed Satin, with a delicate embroidered  net overlay. It is flattering and extremely elegant with its halter neck and removable lace bolero.

I am so often asked for a lace gown, but as I am sure you are aware lace can be so expensive. This alternative is so pretty. Why not come along and view it at The Saunton Sands Wedding fair this Sunday from 11pm.

The Georgia Gown is for sale for £1000.00! 

The Saunton Sands Wedding Fair

The sun is shining  in North Devon today, and I am stuck inside ironing Wedding Gowns for The Saunton Sands Wedding Fair, on Sunday 15th from 11pm.

To breakup my day I had a lovely visit from 3 inspirational ladies from Blue Fizz Events. They intend to take North Devon and surrounding counties by storm. I wish them every success! Why not follow them on facebook. They are also at The Saunton Sands Wedding Fair too.

So, why not come along to find the dress of your dreams and have your whole Wedding Event organised for you....Life is so simple!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year !

This Christmas I have watched so many period drama's. I just can not get enough of them, they are so inspirational to all of my creations.

I thought I would add a delicate little gown to my collection . I love the feminine fichu neckline. It sits so elegantly just off the shoulders. It is made in a Ivory Dupion silk which has a fitted bodice and full skirt. 

To see more off my collection or to discuss the making of a gown, please make an appointment.

 01271 813104