Adding a sweetheart to your neckline

One way to enhance your bust line is to add a sweetheart neckline. This will add a bit of flair to an ordinary bridesmaid dress or give you a special added touch to your wedding dress. Here is an illustration of how the process is achieved. The 1st picture is of an typical bridesmaid dress.



This next picture is of the bridesmaid dress turned inside out. You can see the stitching line of how a sweetheart dip is sewn in the center front of the neckline.



Next all of the extra fabric is cut away and the seam allowance is clipped.



And here we have the final results. As you can see this gives the neckline a special touch.



The bride that wore this dress chose it because her ceremony was on a cruise ship. She didn't want a typical white wedding gown and adding a sweetheart neckline made the dress her own.

Bust coverage

Lets talk about bust coverage. So you've got a full bust line. You've had your dress fitted perfectly, but you just seem to be coming up and out the top of your strapless dress. There are some options of things that you can do for some extra added coverage. Depending on how your dress is made will determine which direction to go.

This dress is made of wide cut strips of organza. I used the fabric that I cut from the hem to make a 1 inch ruffle around the top edge. This really fit in well with the design of the dress and did not look out of place.





This bride's dress came with a beaded lace over lay that was to cover the front of her dress. She wanted a plain front bust line and had the lace sent separately. She decided after her dress arrived that she felt to exposed. I used her piece of lace by adding it to the top edge on the front. This gave her the coverage she was looking for and really went well with the dress.

Happy New Year!

Well 2011 has finally arrived and I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I thought I would start out by taking you step by step through fitting a wedding dress and what you need to know so that you can get the perfect fit.

So let's start at the beginning:

The bust line:

The first conversation you need to have with your seamstress is whether or not you will be wearing a bra, inserting bust cups, or going natural. My rule of thumb is that if you are a C cup or bigger, wearing a long line corset type bra is highly recommended for several reasons. One: it helps to keep the dress sitting in its proper position; two: it will lift and support your bust line; and three: it will give you extra structure to your dress, especially if it is strapless. If you decide to wear a bra with your dress it is very important to get the correct size. If you are unsure of what size to get, your seamstress should be able to measure you.

If you are looking for a fuller bust line, then bust cups are what you need to use. There are different styles of cups to choose from. Whether you want a little or allot of extra padding, bust cups work great at enhancing what you already have.

Lastly, depending on the style of your dress and overall desired look you want in your bust line, you may want to go natural. In the end it comes down to what's best for your individual gown to help you look your best.

Now let's take a look at a typical 1st fitting for the bust line. In picture #1 you will see that this bride's wedding dress has been pinned to have the sides taken in and bust cups added.



Another thing that you can do to visually enhance your bust line is to add a sweetheart neckline. This can be easily done on most wedding gowns. You will have to consult with your seamstress if you have lace trim or bead work across the front.



Make sure you take a good look at yourself in the mirror from all angles to make sure you are happy with what your seamstress is pinning or not pinning. It is important to speak up about any fitting concerns you have.



And here in this last picture you can see how all of the fitting issues come together.

End of a great year!

Well as December comes to a close, and as we get ready for the holidays, I just wanted to take a few moments to say what a great year it has been being in business for myself and having my shop inside of Solutions Bridal Designer House. It's been such a pleasure getting to know all of the stylists here at Solutions and working together with them to help all of our clients get just what they need for that special occasion.

The new store, which is now located at the Shoppes of Millenia at 4194 Conroy Rd, suite 103, has been a great move for everyone. My new sewing room is fantastic and the new location is turning out to be a big hit for Solutions. I am here at the store Sunday from 1 - 6pm, Mon - Fri from 11am - 7pm, and off on Saturdays. My phone number has remained the same - 407-760-4886.

So stay tuned for some great fitting advice and lots of pictures of whats been going on with Tears of Joy Seamstress Services.

Bridesmaid Alterations

Alterations can be done about 2 weeks before the wedding, depending on what needs to be done. This can be helpful if you are coming in from out of town and don't have a seamstress in your area. Most of the rules apply for bridesmaids fittings as in for wedding dresses.

If the dress is long, then shoes are a must. If you don't have your shoes, please have a shoe with the correct heal height so that an accurate hem can be pinned. Most long bridesmaid dresses come with a train on the back of the hem. Be sure and check with the bride to know whether or not she wants you to keep the train or that you may have it cut off during the hemming process.

If you are a C cup or bigger, then a bra would be helpful. For a full bust line, the correct fitting bra will give you lift and a good profile. Those who are looking for a more fuller figure profile, having padded cups sewn in is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Usually it takes 2 fittings when having your bridesmaid dress altered. At the 1st fitting your seamstress will talk to you about how you want your dress to fit, pin your dress as needed to be taken in, and pin a hem as per the brides instructions. Please speak up with any concerns or suggestions you may have. For strapless dresses, one important component in having your dress sit properly on you is with an inside belt. This may need to be added to the waist of your dress before an accurate measurement can be taken of your hem. Also most strapless dresses will come with a set of straps that can be attached for added comfort and fit.

Depending on the amount of alterations will ultimately determine how many fittings you will need. Your seamstress may wait to alter the hem until after your dress has been refitted and is sitting on you properly. You also need to get your weight as stable as possible. A drop or gain of more than 10 pounds will result in a major change in how your dress fits and will end up costing you more in alterations for numerous changes.

Lastly, the cost of alterations can run you anywhere between $25 - $150, but will ultimately be determined by the amount of work you have done. Your seamstress should be able to give you an estimate of the cost at your 1st fitting.

A New Beginning

Well its been a while since I've posted in this blog of mine. Life with me has been very busy. My daughter graduated high school, my parents came for a visit, my husband and I redecorated the patio, and my son became a father. Yes now I am a grandma and loving every minute of it. His name is Jackson Alexander Diehl and he was born on June 25, 2010.

Also my store along with Solutions Bridal, moved to a brand new location. We are now inside the Shoppes at The Millenia Mall at 4194 Conroy Road, Suite 103, Orlando, FL 32839. You can check out all thats going on at Solutions website at www.solutionsbridal.com. I am really very excited about being in this new location and so far I think its been a great move for all. Come check us out and I will do my best at keeping this blog updated.

Wedding Dress Fittings

You should schedule your 1st fitting for your wedding dress about 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding and shoes are a must. If you have not found the shoes you are going to wear on your wedding day, then you need to have a shoe with the same heel height so you get an accurate measurement on your hem. If you decide to change shoes to a different height, whether it be shorter or taller, you must let your seamstress know, for it can make the difference in having a dress too short or one that you will trip and fall on the day of your wedding.

When it comes to whether or not you should wear a bra, one suggestion I can make is that if you are a C cup or bigger, then a bra would be helpful. Some wedding dresses have a built in corset and a bra is not needed. But for a full bust line, the correct fitting bra will give you lift and a good profile. For brides who are looking for a more fuller figure profile, having padded cups sewn in is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Depending on the style of dress, wearing an extra petticoat or crinoline can give you a fuller skirt. It may also alleviate the need for a hem adjustment if it is less than an inch too long or if the hem is one that can't be altered because of a lace edge or beading that will all come apart when altered. You also need to get your weight as stable as possible. A drop or gain of more than 10 pounds will result in a major change in how your dress fits and will end up costing you more in alterations for numerous changes. Also remember that your dress is very fragile and if it is needed to be let out, the stitching lines or creases from pressing may show.

Usually it takes 2 fittings when having your wedding dress altered. At the 1st fitting, your seamstress will pin your dress as needed to be taken in and talk to you about how you want your dress to fit. Please speak up with any concerns or suggestions you may have, and if you wish to add anything to your dress such as straps, trim, or cap sleeves. For strapless dresses, one important component in having your dress sit properly on you is with an inside belt. This may need to be added to the waist of your dress before an accurate measurement can be taken of your hem. Also your seamstress will talk to you about what type of bustle will look best for your dress. Whether you chose a French or Traditional bustle, it should compliment the look and style of your dress.

Alterations will then be made to your dress and a second fitting will be required. Depending on the amount of alterations will ultimately determine how many fittings you will need. Your seamstress may wait to alter the hem until after your dress has been refitted and is sitting on you properly. If at all possible, bring someone with you to your last fitting. Your seamstress will want to teach you and whoever is with you how to get into your dress, how to do up the bustle, and care instructions for your dress until your wedding day. Your dress should be pressed and ready for you to take home.

Lastly, the cost of alterations can run you anywhere between $300 - $500, but will ultimately be determined by the amount of work you have done to your gown and by how much time it takes. Your seamstress should be able to give you an estimate of the cost at your 1st fitting.