A gown all her own

In my years of doing bridal alterations, I have taken in, let out, added/removed a belt/sash, added/removed straps, added/removed tulle and bustled, bustled, bustled!!!

Earlier this year (March 2018) I received my most unusual request. To add color ,and in doing so, also redesigning the style, of her wedding gown!

Interesting, I thought. "what color?", I asked....."lime green", she responded....oh my! I thought...
Then the bride sent me photos of her in the gown with some scribbles drawn on to where she would like the color added, and of gowns where she saw green added. Those photos were more of the style that she liked, the green was not the right shade for her.

Ok, this made sense. When she first came to me, she had on a lime green fitbit, a lime green phone case, and her dress had white, black and of course, lime green in it. It was obvious that it was her favorite color, and looks great with her dark skin.

I was intrigued. I LOVE a challenge, especially given enough time to bring it to fruition. Her wedding is September 9, 2018 - the date I decided to write this blog.

Story behind the gown - bride had been previously engaged and bought a beautiful lace gown for her wedding. The engagement was broken off, but she kept her gown. Fast forward...engaged to be married in 2018, she wanted to use that gown, but because it is for her new love, she wanted to make it special, redesign it. She had seen photos of wedding gowns with color added, and decided to search for someone that would be able to do that for her. She found me.

Timeline:
March 11, 2018 Alexa came to my house to discuss her design ideas.
April 12, 2018 I received some fabric samples from her, and a deposit in the mail
May 12, 2018 She brought her gown to me
June 1, 2018 I was able to order tulle in the color she wanted (to match bridesmaids) from Azazie!
July 30, 2018 First fitting - decided to add another layer of the green to the train to enhance the color, placed the bustles and the band at the bustline, ruffled the lace/satin layer in front and back (forgot her shoes!)
August 11, 2018 Fitting with her shoes - adjusted placement of the side ruffles - brought orange tulle with her - wanted just a small amount added at center of "flower" at top of ruffles, pinned green tulle to train so it stays nicely in place, Length was perfect with her shoes.
August 26, 2018 Gown was picked up!!!!!

One layer of Tulle added - gathered at top to avoid having a seam

Bustled!!!

Front of gown she liked

Original gown - back

Back - newly styled and color added!
See how it matches her inspiration on the left!

Her inspiration

Ruffled side - bustled

Ruffled side and train

It was a magical day!

I really enjoyed working with this bride to create her wedding gown. Based on the design she had given me, and adding custom Romanian accent pieces made by Romanian designer Ioana Avram, she looked simply amazing on her wedding day! Yet another major snowstorm the evening before, she said "even with the elements going crazy, it was simply a magical day"! Custom design

Classic style for a modern bride

Classic and Chic!


Custom wedding gown designed for a local bride. Originally contacted by phone in late fall 2014 , for the possibility of a gown for a September 2015 wedding. I was happy to accept the project!  Then we followed up by emails. The date had to be moved up - the bride and her fiance have several weddings to attend throughout 2015, so they moved their date up to February 2015, so that everyone they wanted could attend theirs, and they could attend their friend's weddings. Again, I accepted the task. Although, having a project such as this during the holiday season, would be a first for me. We met in November to discuss the style, and she already had the fabric, so I was able to get a good start before the holidays. First fitting was just after the first of the year, and the dress has had several transformations since then!

Click on Classic and Chic (above) for more photos on my facebook page ! And let me know what you think!

Delectable!

On this typical wintry day in New England, I decided to visit a shop to pour over their silk fabrics and lace....that's all they carry are silks, and I am working on a wedding gown which is made of 100% silk fabrics, including the lining. So I wanted some special adornments for the gown, and an internet search brought me to Delectable Mountain Cloth in Brattleboro, Vermont. A quaint town in southern Vermont. The service was exceptional and the selections incredible. I was able to find a few things that I thought might work for the gown (awaiting the bride's approval) and couldn't leave without making a purchase of fabric for myself, of course!

No doubt I will find myself visiting this town  and this store - just 2 hours away, off the scenic Mohawk Trail - many more times!

A busy season?




Fabric selection for client's custom dress

It used to be that I was the busiest in Prom, dance recital and spring/summer Bridal "seasons" from March through July mostly. The Fall is usually the time of year I catch my breath, maybe even do some sewing for myself (a rarity indeed!). The phone doesn't ring at all. Not the case this year. I have had so many phone calls and emails for alterations, Fall weddings, custom work, and questions about future work, I just am amazed! I recently went away, and as soon as I turned my phone on after touching down at Logan, I had a text and a voicemail from 2 people needing alterations. One was a return client. Some have found me on the internet via my website or Facebook page, others are word of mouth, or are return clients. For the referrals and returning clients, I thank you! That is how I built my business before I even used the internet and stands true to still being my best advertisement.

Side gussets added to 2 dresses

Custom curtains inspired by photo on left

Facebook, my website, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram have allowed me, in the past few years, to post current updates, photos of my work and people have written recommendations on my "wall" for others to see as well...which has really given me a boost! So follow me on Twitter (and retweet my tweets!), LinkedIn and Instagram, and "like" Fashions by Tamara on Facebook!

The internet has proven to be a valuable tool for getting Fashions by Tamara on the North Shore map!
Thank you all for supporting me, spreading the word and keeping me busy!
Website

Heirloom veil used to make one of a kind garter

Custom this, custom that

Lately I've received requests for many custom items: copying a favorite dress - and making summer, fall, and winter variations of it, custom curtains inspired by a picture in a magazine, good fitting jeans that can't be found anymore - I have made a pattern from and will  make her 2-3 pair, and now, finally, a request for a custom wedding gown!!

We have emailed and talked on the phone, and have set up a time to meet and discuss. I can't wait to meet this excited bride-to-be!

Something old, something new....

A local girl wanted to wear her mother's wedding gown - but it didn't quite fit, and the style was not what she wanted. See how I transformed this country style gown from the '80's to a more modern style, all her own.

See work in progress pictures on my Facebook page:

Refashioned Wedding Gown

Wedding Photos by Henry + Mac fine art wedding photography

Tying the Knot

So I've decided to make a leap and advertise in the "The Knot"! It's an online wedding website geared to brides and everything they could possibly need for their special day. My ad goes "live" on December 25th! I thought I'd broaden my advertising base and reach specifically to the bridal market. No doubt I have had success with people seeing my blog, facebook page and my website, but thought I'd try this for a short term, low cost commitment. Wish me luck!

Wedding showers!

Recently (within the past month!) I have done alterations to a wedding gown, 2 attendants dresses, a mother of the groom dress, a bridesmaid gown, am currently changing the neckline on a wedding dress, and have just been contracted to make a custom wedding gown. When it rains it pours...