Bridal Couture Susan Khalje

Linen and cotton are two classic fabrics that are always in style. This second book in the Focus on Fabric series, Linen and Cotton, is the essential sewing room reference for working with these easy-to-wear fabrics. It includes not only sewing techniques, but tips on selecting the right patterns and equipment, preparing and caring for the fabric before and after sewing, and construction techniques. These well-behaved fabrics are the perfect place to try new or complex techniques with confidence. Rarely taught classic couture methods are explained in detail. In one concise volume, sewers can find information on weaves, treatments, finishes, and specialty details like godets, pin tucks, and piping. A gallery of beautiful garments will serve as inspiration to take sewing skills to new heights. With the help of these professional techniques, linen and cotton garments will turn out like expensive ready-to-wear.

Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction, this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves, and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation; and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles. The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here, and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not required--the author works her transformations on purchased patterns. If you're ambitious enough to make your own wedding gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you're hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you'll find this an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career should have this important reference work on the shelf. --Amy Handy

The apparently effortless grace of a successful gown is always underpinned by solid dressmaking skills - the skills described in "Bridal Couture". Starting with a portfolio of breathtaking gowns designed by the author, "Bridal Couture" covers all the major techniques used to sew these sumptuous couture creations, including choosing fabric, working with lace, creating a muslin, and problem-solving tricky construction issues. Every conceivable style of skirt, sleeve, and bodice is included, as well as suggestions for fabric combinations to evoke just the right mood. A final section details th construction of four actual gowns, giving readers a chance to apply what they've learned. Ideal as a wish book for brides, a textbook for sewing students, a reference book for dressmakers, or a companion book for anyone hiring a dressmaker, "Bridal Couture" is finally a book about fashion and the practical knowledge needed to create fantasy.

This is the ideal guidebook for the bride to be and those helping her plan the perfect wedding. Identify your image and body type...and the gown style that will compliment it. Figure flattering recommendations cover the slender, average and full figure, whether short, average or tall. What to do about sloping shoulders, full or small bust lines heavy tummy or midriff, or a short neck? The authors tell you what to look for and what to avoid. The "Traceable Bride" lets you mix and match gown styling. Fit tips help you customize and combine patterns. A fabric selection guide is followed by special sewing techniques for bridal and formal fabrics, laces and veils.