Close up of Bridal Show Dresses

Here are some pictures that go along with the Bridal Show from Jan 29, 2012

My original idea was to take an old wedding dress and reconstruct it to showcase that I can remake a mother's/grandmother's weddign dress for a bride. But when I was looking they either didn't have enough material or details to work with, or they cost way more than I was willing to spend. So I decided to make a bridesmaids dress instead.

I bought a light pink layered dress at the thrift store for about 3 dollars.

Front view

The dress had multiple layers as well as long sleeves and a few other details

Shoulder lace detail

Buttons on the sleeves

Front view

I kept it more simple in the front because you'll see that the back is quite detailed

It has a gathered waistline as well as gathered on the sides.

This was the first "draft" of how the back looks. It ended up not having the extra fabric connecting the lace and the bodice, the lace directly connected to the bodice. The buttons are from the sleeves and the lace from the shoulder. I really liked how this dress turned out even though I made it so last minute. And I got a lot of compliments (which always makes you feel good)

This vintage inspired wedding dress was designed mostly by playing with the lace a bit and keeping a simple design with a few beautiful details. The lace was an old fabric my mom had forever (so I guess it is vintage). and the only fabric I had to buy was the chiffon for the skirt.

The front has a high neckline to offset the design in the back. The sleeves are a short flared style which could be altered if the bride wanted a cap or even "tank" style. The belt is removable and gathered in four sections and connects in the back.

If you look at the blog about the actual show, you'll see that the skirt is a three layer design. It is sheer at the bottom so you'd be able to see your shoes. Again that's a detail where I could lenghten the underskirt to cover the shoes.

For the back I wanted to create this beautiful deep V design to showcase the bride's back. It's a design feature that isn't too elaborate but sure does make a statement. I absolutely love how it turned out.

Hope you enjoyed these close-ups!

~JV

1.29.12 Bridal Show

Yesterday was my first ever bridal show. It was through Unique Weddings and Events. It was at the Shriner Silver Garden Center (beautiful venue uniquely structured building with so much space inside). I was in the main room with about 20-some other vendors. And there was a stage set up where they had a fantastic fashion show.

I showcased the two wedding dresses I had made previously and then also a new gown, a new bridesmade dress and an older "bridesmaids" dress (which was actually a dress I wore for my brother's wedding). 

Here is a picture of my table, my sister modeling, and myself.

I had pictures of some of my creations, a portfolio, comment cards, business cards, and also some fruit snacks for those health conscious brides :)

I am also wearing a bridesmaids dress I created from an old dress I found at a thrift store. And I am standing next to the lasted gown I created, a vintage lace inspired gown.(I'll blog about these two dresses next)

A close up of the vintage/lace dress

A close up of the first wedding dress I made

Me and my fans!

Thanks for coming out in the blizzard.

The experience was something new, scary, and exciting. I was super nervous the days before and even while I was there. We had expected a lot of people but the weather was pretty bad which prevented us from having as many brides as we wanted. When I think it over, I'm ok with it having been slow, that way I was able to see how bridal shows work without being overwhelmed by a million brides.

It was a learning experience and now I am able to see exactly what I need for the next show. I'm thankful I had my family and friends there to support me and encourage me. They back me up (and man the table when I want to eat something).

Now I just have to come up with more dresses to showcase at the next event!

~JV

Fun Clutch

I started teaching classes back in October at JoAnns. So far I have enjoyed it a lot and have been gaining credit and acknowledgement for doing really well and bringing class registration up.

I have done quite a few projects and just now thought of posting pictures of them. That way I will actually update this blog on a regular basis.

This small clutch is from Teen Sewing 201 called the Zip It Up Bag. 

(Funny thing is the two students were actually adults- but hey it works)

 It's about 3'x7" with a pocket in the front. 

It doesn't take a lot of fabric and you can use the cute fashion zippers they sell at JoAnns.

I did purchase more fabric to make another one so I'll have to post that when I make it.

Hope you like it :)

~JV

P.S. I teach at the Roseville JoAnns if you wanted to take a class. I teach all the sewing classes

And sorry about the phone pictures. Makes it faster to just upload it like that.

Sneek peek

This weekend is an exciting time for me. I will be attending my first bridal show as a vendor. I'm not sure what to expect or if I'll even get any clients from it but I am sure that it will be a great learning experience for me. So wish me luck :)

The event is being run by Charlene of Unique Weddings and Events, whom I do freelance work through. She is a big promoter of helping local up and coming businesses (although I wouldn't quite say I have a business yet). She will be doing four bridal shows this year and her first is "All About the Dress" 

Shriners Silver Garden Events Center of Southfield, MI

January 29, 2012 12pm to 4pm

Check out more information at the website

http://www.uwevents.com/

and also in The Knot (Michigan)

I have been trying my hardest to get more dresses done to display at the show but have been so busy I haven't quite made as many as I would have liked. But I keep telling myself I have three more shows this year to display my skills. I had started to make these beautiful flowers to add to a dress but haven't gotten to it. So instead I am going to pin them around my booth to add a little flair.

 I will definitely end up using them on a dress so I'll put that up as soon as I make it.

And the future shows are as follows (I'm really excited about the last two)

April 29, 2012 "Brides Just Wanna Have Fun" Carpathia Club, Sterling Heights

August 26, 2012 "Moroccan Theme" Eastern Market Sheds 3+4, Detroit

October 21, 2012 "Tying the Knot" Detroit Princess Boat

I'll let you know how it goes and have some photos too!!!

~JV

My First Quilts

As my previous post stated, most of my December consisted of making presents for Christmas. That also included making a few for others to give their loved ones. These quilts were made for my aunt to give her two oldest sons for Christmas. They are the first quilts I ever made and I think I did a pretty good job :) 

They were both made from old hockey jerseys that they had laying around. The binding was created using extra fabric cut from the jerseys. 

#1

#2

The backing I used on them was a black fleece. I just wanted something that would keep the boys warm and the black went with the colors of the jerseys I used.

I love how they turned out!!!!

~JV

Fireworks Black Shirt

I really am horrible about this blogging. But can you blame me with the holidays? No you can't :) So I'm back and ready to show some of the things I created over the last month. First and foremost I need to track down the gifts I made and take pictures. So for now I'm posting a shirt I wore over the holidays.

This shirt I created about a year ago for a friend's birthday get-together. I wanted something I could wear over leggings or with some skinny jeans and a cute pair of boots I had gotten. I love to wear dark clothes in the winter but still wanted some vibrancy to it. I absolutely love this print, I call it the fireworks print because that's exactly what it looks like (with some hints of a floral design).

It is a very loose fit but looks super cute with a belt.

See? And I have so many belts to wear with this, it's nice to switch it up.

Butterick 5496 View C

I altered the pattern a bit by not doing the elastic around the waistline. I wanted to be able to but the belt where ever I pleased

Enjoy!

I'll get those Christmas gift pictures asap so you can see how busy I really have been :)

~JV