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.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
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
Review
"A must for prospective brides..." -- Sewing with Butterick, Autumn 2002. "A must for prospective brides..." -- Vogue Patterns, October 2002.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
74 of 78 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I bought this book never having heard of the author before. I was fairly "blown away" by the high quality of the information offered, the wonderful works shown and the fact that this author obviously cares about those who will use her book. She provides her readers with some of the best, complete and accurate information I have ever seen written in a book. The reader (in this case me) knows that she/he is being provided with information of the highest standard, the author doesn't withhold important facts and obviously loves what she does as seen in the quality work she produces. Sewing from the soul.
I don't do Bridal Sewing but am interested in Couture Sewing. This book is one of the finest on the subject. I highly recommend it.
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is fantastic, regardless of how much knowledge you have on the subject of sewing or textiles. Susan's discussions of the various types of fabrics used in formal and bridal sewing will help novices speak knowledgeably about what they want. As a professional bridal seamstress with a background in costuming I was particularly impressed with the way the author emphasizes how a garment should "behave" and that she gives suggestions on fabrics to be used as linings and interlinings. How a dress is made on the inside is vitally important to how it looks on the outside, and this book will help novices understand why that is and help professionals to achieve it. This book is definitely a must have for anyone involved in making a wedding gown, whether you are a bride or a seamstress.
56 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As an experienced amateur seamstress I was looking for a book that would guide me through both designing and sewing a wedding dress for my 6'3" daughter. This book was exactly what I needed to accomplish my goal. Step by step I was able to complete each part of the gown. The final product was stunning and much of the beauty of the gown was because of the construction techniques on the inside that no one would know about eg. lining the fabric (bodice only) with white baby flannelette and treating it as one piece. The beautiful, smooth, princess seams were perfect. In reading the details and applying them to my situation I was able to create a lovely gown. With a good sewing background, a passion for perfection, love for my daughter and her dream dress AND this wonderful book it was everything I had hoped for and would highly recommend it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
So much information - Not for the beginner
I can't say enough good things about this book. She goes into such detail on everything from the beginning to the end of making a gown. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Desiree Ferraro
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bridal Couture
I liked the book but not the price I paid for it. The list price was 29.99 but I paid over 100 dollars for it. Read more
Published 29 days ago by Alenoosh Avanessians
5.0 out of 5 stars
Satisfied Customer
This book helped me with the final touches for my daughters wedding dress. The stitches, the bodice. Read more
Published 12 months ago by HappyGirl
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's everything I read it was.
I went on the look-out for a good instruction manual for sewing my own wedding dress. I have read about altering patterns, beyond basic sewing techniques, and this was my final... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Misty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bought on CD
I saw another review about buying it online, so I just did. It was $39.95 + $5.00 shipping. I will continue this review when I receive the CD. Read more
Published 20 months ago by L. McCool
5.0 out of 5 stars
There's another way to purchase this book for MUCH less!
This out of print book is available from the author as a CDrom disc to play on your computer. I paid 39.95 and 5.00 shipping. Read more
Published on May 19, 2011 by J. Monroe
5.0 out of 5 stars
A priceless gem of a book
I made my daughter's wedding dress last spring and could not have done it without this book. I used other books and magazines as back-up guides, but this book was the one I kept... Read more
Published on December 10, 2010 by EllenM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Book!
This book is so wondeful! All 160 pages are filled with information. Infact I believe that this book is worth $200. Read more
Published on July 30, 2010 by Great Buys
5.0 out of 5 stars
Create your wedding gown
This book is outstanding if you are an accomplished seamstress. You can see what the author has done and your creative juices just start flowing. Read more
Published on August 11, 2009 by Embellish Me
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic read, very informative!
I got this book mainly for help with my own wedding dress, but I know it will be a great help not only with future wedding dresses for others, but also for any formal or highly... Read more
Published on June 30, 2009 by Cisa Kubley
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