Create bespoke garments that fit and flatter!
In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips.
Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to create the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabric.
There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats.
You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment. Alternatively, you can even create a skirt as a separate garment, simply by adding a waistband or facing.
The language of sewing and dressmaking is demystified at the beginning of the book, as well as the equipment you need to get started.
Nothing is left unexplained; and stunning images of the finished dresses, on a mannequin and on a model, are interspersed throughout the book to inspire your own finished pieces.
Table of Contents
Introduction 6
Tools 10
Your sewing machine 14
Sewing know-how 18
Fabrics 24
Sewing language 32
GETTING STARTED
- Sizing 40
- Pattern cutting 48
- Adjusting your blocks 52
- Making your sample 60
- Altering your sample 74
MAKING YOUR DRESS YOUR OWN
- Adapting the pattern 92
- Necklines 92
- Sleeves 104
- Skirts 122
- Drafting a collar 136
- Drafting pockets 139
- Finishing your dress 142
- Constructing your garment 142
- Zip closures 146
- Separates 154
- Tops 154
- Skirts: adding a waistband or facing 156
- Taking it further 159
Index 160
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About Helen Rhiannon
Helen Rhiannon is an award-winning designer specializing in bespoke wedding dresses.
Helen was fortunate to grow up by the picturesque coastline of Gower in Swansea, Wales, where she still lives. She creates beautiful, timeless, handmade gowns from her studio. Helen has gained a solid reputation for her superlative dressmaking skills which has led her to naturally share her knowledge and passion through teaching.
As a fully qualified teacher and lecturer, Helen Rhiannon set up the ‘All Sewn Up Wales’ sewing workshops in 2010, designed to help people learn and develop new skills, whilst meeting like minded creative people. She runs sewing workshops regularly, teaching people how to make items such as bags, toys and naturally garments. Helen enjoys being able to inspire others from aged 6 to 106!
Her expert tuition has attracted students from around the world and she regularly makes guest appearances on national television.
For more information on Helen’s work, visit www.allsewnupwales.co.uk where you can also find an extensive online sewing shop, a wide range of tutorials and Helen’s YouTube channel.
Her bespoke bridal wear website can be viewed here: www.helenrhiannon.com
Follow Helen on her social media channels: www.facebook.com/AllSewnUpWales and www.instagram.com/all_sewn_up_wales/
Helen's first book for Search Press, Sew Perfect Pets, has sold almost 9,500 copies to date.
