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Do
It Yourself for the Gown of Your Dreams
(ARA) - For some brides, the
wedding gown of their dreams simply doesn't exist. For some wedding
guests, neither does the perfect gift.
That's when knowing how to sew
can come in handy.
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The Perfect Gown
 Although
making a bridal gown may sound like a daunting task, there are
patterns, specialized accessories and other resources that make
it not only possible, but also the perfect way to get a one-of-a-kind
gown that fits perfectly.
"Often, when a bride-to-be
is shopping for her gown, she'll find one that has a great skirt,
and a different one with a bodice or sleeves she loves,"
says Gayle Hillert, vice president of Marketing Support Services
for Bernina of America. "If she can sew, or knows someone
who can, she can have exactly what she wants in the perfect fabric,
the perfect color and with a perfect fit. And it is easier than
people think." |
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The same idea can be extended
to attendants' dresses, Hillert says. "It's often difficult
to get a group of women to agree on a dress style they like and
think is flattering to them, but getting agreement on a color
and fabric is easy," she says. "If someone can sew
the dresses, each attendant can have the style she wants, but
the fabric and color can still be coordinated."
The Perfect Gift
From a guest's perspective, receiving
an invitation to a wedding may conjure up images of toasters
and place mats for the happy couple-to-be, although often, you
want to give something more personal, more memorable.
Again, sewing may be the answer.
A machine stitched quilt using colors and patterns that will
complement the couple's new home is a thoughtful gift sure to
be cherished for years. Or you could sew table linens to go with
the new set of china, making the newlyweds' table a work of art.
"Of course it's the thought
that counts when giving a gift, but giving one that has your
personal touch adds meaning to a gift -- especially at such an
important event," Hillert says.
You're Not Alone
Even if you don't consider yourself
an expert at the sewing machine, Hillert says resources are available
both online and locally.
"Our site, www.Berninausa.com,
offers free project and gift ideas as well as instructions every
week, along with tips on specialized sewing topics like beading
or the types of thread that work best on different fabrics,"
she says. In addition, the site has a section that allows users
to find local dealers who can provide information not only on
Bernina products, but also on local resources for many specialized
needs such as special fabrics, gown storage or alterations. "Our
goal is to encourage creativity and make it attainable to everyone
through sewing," Hillert says.
Many Web sites provide tips and
information, ranging from how to choose the right sewing machine
to choosing flattering colors and fabrics, that anyone who sews
-- from the beginner to the expert -- will find helpful. "Sites
such as www.Sewing.com,
and www.SewCity.com
are all good resources for making garments," Hillert says.
"For quilters, www.QuiltVillage.com
have lots of tips and ideas." |
Beauty Secrets of the World
