Snapshots

I have been dreadfully neglectful of this blog of late, I have been super busy with alteration work, preparing for the move to my new bigger space at The Emporium and arranging some very exciting projects for the future! :)

 

Here are some snapshots of the past couple of weeks;

 

*Beautiful sunrises * Ruby red roses * Berry pancakes for breakfast * Seaside walks *



 

 



 

 

* Decadant truffles * My gorgeous new Janet Hill print * Fabric sales * Wedding dress alterations *

(Another) Bridal alteration :)

I'm getting in the swing of this wedding dress alteration thing :) This is definitely the job I was born to do, I'm having so much fun and getting paid for it too! Life is good :)

 

 

*before*

 

This dress was another case of gorgeous fabric and beautiful intricate beading on the bodice and around the hem of the train but unfortunate 80s details including big puffy sleeves and a ginormous bow at the back....

 

 

....Which was the first thing to go, along with those sleeves and satin roses! Added some boning and canvas to strengthen the bodice and voila, a stunning contemporary strapless gown that any bride would look a million dollars in! :)

 

 

Oh, and those sleeves? Well they were just begging to be turned into cute little drawstring bags for a bride to pop all her essential bits and bobs in! :)

Colour inspiration: Romance

 Valentines day divides opinion like little else, but I rather like it and couldn't help but notice shades of red and pink around the place :)

 

 

* 'Love' wine * Pink roses * Painted stonework * Laduree macaroons *

Happy Valentines day!

Ruffle clutch bag

I am far too excited about this, I warn you! :)

 

 

Above is Figure 1. A 80s concoction of pearls, ruffles, lace and tulle. All beautiful separately but together, far too much! And I have the simple job of restyling it. (more on that later, the dress itself is a work in progress) First to be removed were those over the top ruffled sleeves, which brings me to.....

 

 

 

Figure 2. A brand new ruffled clutch bag. I added a reinforced duchess satin opening, complete with magnetic clasp, stitched on a little motif comprised of left over scraps of lace, a few pearls and a diamante. And there you have it. The perfect bag for a bride to pop her makeup and essentials in (or for me to take out to dinner on Valentines night!) :)

Love!

Getting a little in the mood for valentines day here with some pretty  bunting to add some romance to your decor! :)

 

 



Before & after; white lace dress

 

*Before*

 

Here's a little something I've been working on the last couple of days. An absolutely stunning wedding gown of white lace. Altered from a lovely, if a little dated high necklined and long sleeved style to a cute strapless. Perfect for a summer wedding! :)

 

 



Little elephants & bunting galore!

I've been busy working away on new products for The Emporium this last weekend. Here are a few peeks at just a couple of new lovelies :)

 

 

 

With my beloved Elephant fabric I created this contemporary red and white cushion complete with white ric rac braid and a broderie anglais reverse!

 

 

 

Another pretty cushion, this time adorned with little rows of bunting in vivid turquoise, cerise and orange with hints of glamorous gold :)

 

 

And lastly, for now at least, handy tote bags to carry your shopping in a lovely striped cotton again with strings of appliqued bunting! Enough to cheer up even a grey old day like today! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Beaded wedding gown

I was approached by bride Sam, who had found a gorgeous Alfred Angelo wedding gown with exquisite beading on the bodice but with a full gathered skirt, long train and lace peplum rather swamped her frame.

Unfortunately I forgot to take a 'before' photo to fully show the alterations, but I took in the excess skirt fabric to an A line, removed the lace peplum to create a more streamlined shape and shortened the train to more manageable length. And here it is; the beautiful bead work is still intact but not overshadowed by a voluminous skirt, much more contemporary and suited to the bride's taste! :)