The Mother of the Bride Made it

Christine Boyle

Creative Director - Sewing Tutor

At Colour and Cloth Sewing Courses, we believe that every stitch tells a story. This is how my Advanced sewing student Gayle designed and made her own Mother of the Bride outfit.

The Mother of the bride MADE IT

FROM “Can You Make It For Me?” to “I Made It Myself”

At Colour and Cloth, where dreams become dresses, we believe that every stitch tells a story. This one is Gayle’s.

It started with a phonecall in January.

Gayle had a daughter getting married and, like any proud mother, she wanted to look the part. She reached out to ask whether I made custom designs for MotB. I do – and I was happy to talk her through the costs and what was involved. But as we chatted, something else came up.

“Have you ever thought about making it yourself?” I asked.

Gayle told me she had sewn at school, years ago but had not really sewn much since. Then she told me that her parents had bought her a sewing machine for Christmas!

“Gayle! That’s your sign loud and clear” I said. You are going to make it yourself and you will gain your sewing skills and lots of confidence.

By the end of our phonecall, Gayle had signed up to the Advanced Course and started that week.

With the wedding in just 4 months, we got to work straight away.

💡 Christine's Tip Use the right needle, test your interfacing and lining.

THE ADVANCED COURSE

Gayle came to class with her new sewing machine, some calico fabric and a screenshot of her vision.

The Advanced classes mean students are working with structured fabrics, linings, fitted silhouettes and made to measure. There is a lot more handsewing. There are no shortcuts, and often it involves more than 1 toile and many pattern adjustments. Students learn patience and precision, and gain a willingness to unpick and re-do when a seam isn’t quite right.

Gayle had all of that. She just didn’t know it yet. What I gave her, was TRUST. We could do it. She WOULD do it.

"I felt fantastic. Loads of compliments - and gasps when the guests heard I had made it"
- GAYLE, BEGINNER STUDENT

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BACK YOURSELF

Gayles dress started with a sketch and some calico. No paper pattern, no measurements, just Gayle’s body. Breaking her dress design into 3 sections made things easier : A bodice, a waistband and a skirt. Work on each part separately, then bring it all together.

By week one she already had the first toile well under way.

Gayle worked at her design at home, cutting, tracing and tacking so it was ready for the next stage in class.

Week by week, Gayle’s outfit came together.

The fabric toile was used to create a paper pattern and Gayle learnt thread tracing, invisible zips, lining and many more advanced techniques.

She had to test out interfacings, stitch lengths and needle size. 3 toiles were made to ensure the fit and style lines were as required.

Delighted with her new Brother AE1700 sewing machine, she decided to invest in an overlocker and chose the Brother M343D an easy threader, and a great way to ensure a professional seam finish. With a few setting adjustments, Gayle was able to make a beautiful rolled hem on the skirt. The finishing touch!

On her daughter’s wedding day, Gayle walked in wearing something no shop could have sold her.

A silver-blue satin. A fitted bodice with a soft V neck front and back. A full circle and a half skirt with a fabulous drape. And the finishing touch…Gayle added a plumage of matching feathers that made her whole look unforgettable.

She had imagined it, planned it, made her own pattern, cut it, and sewn every stitch of it herself.

In her own words “I felt fantastic. Loads of compliments – and gasps when the guests heard I had made it”.

Visit Our Sewing Shop

Second toile fitting

Second toile fitting back view

Alterations to the first toile

Making a pattern from the toile

Fabric pattern pieces

Marking the seam lines

Ready to cut the cloth

Deciding the stitch length and needle size

Deciding what interfacing to use

Gayle looking absolutely stunning wearing her own design

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   Ann Gillespie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had my Janome sewing machine serviced by Brian. He did an amazing job, within 24 hrs, and my machine is now like new.  Brian and Christine are such a lovely couple, friendly and welcoming, very knowledgeable and professional.  I found them inspirational.  Christine demonstrated stitches and types of needles and at the end a little gift which means so much to me.  I would recommend them very highly. Ann
  
 
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   Georgia McStravick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot thank Christine and Brian at Colour and Cloth enough! They recently repaired my Granny Teresa’s vintage Singer sewing machine, which holds so much sentimental value for our family. I felt in such capable, knowledgeable hands from first speaking with them. They explained every detail clearly and made sure to show me the machine working perfectly before I left. A huge bonus was their amazing website—being able to check live updates on the progress of the repair was brilliant and kept me informed every step of the way. Outstanding service, I couldn’t recommend Colour and Cloth more!
  
 
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   Danni 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've just completed a 6 week beginners course with Christine in Colour and Cloth. I had never used a sewing machine before booking the course and was nervous going into it but Christine put me at ease from the very beginning. The course was really enjoyable and the 6 weeks flew in, I learned so much during my time and made a lovely skirt for myself. I would definitely recommend Colour and Cloth to anyone interested in sewing. Christine's knowledge was invaluable and I will definitely be booking another course.
  
 
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   Jackie O'Hara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service … very fast turn around .. great reception.. Brian cares about sewing machines.
  
 
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   Janet McNamee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Left two sewing machines in with Brian for repair/servicing.  His knowledge and attention to detail was very reassuring.  Both machines are now working perfectly.  I would thoroughly recommend.
  
 
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   Elaine Price 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What lovely people to deal with. I left in my sewing machine to be serviced. My machine is  an older singer model. Im so happy that Brian was able to do a good job servcing  it and  sort out its problems within the mechanism. Also lots of great advice. Great job. Thank you. Very happy
  
 
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   Lucy Johnston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Contacted Brian to book in my Pfaff machine for repair. He got back to me almost immediately and had it fixed within 48 hours. An excellent job and customer service. Brian and Christine are such a lovely couple and it was a pleasure to meet them. I'll definitely use the service again.
  
 
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   Cal Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was such a wonderful experience! The skills and knowledge I have taken away will propel any future creations immensely. I’ll never look at the Sewing Bee in the same light! I honestly believe these are life skills, honed and taught in the most easily understood way by Christine… such an honestly beautiful person who truly has the patience of a saint. These past 6 weeks will stay with me a lifetime… tho I do hope to complete another course at some stage again. Highly recommend to anyone with no or a lot of sewing skill or knowledge. You will thoroughly love it!  Fabulous!!! Also had my sewing machine given the once over… cleaned and serviced… by Brian - again, highly recommend! My sewing machine now runs so smoothly, with an excellent timely turnaround. Thank you both of you!
  
 
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   Caroline Colgan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a lovely time with Christine.  She helped me on a mission to adjust and repair jeans I had been looking to have fixed for a long time. Christine's advice was incredible and I went home and completed the adjustments. I also bought a fabulous sewing machine which has been brilliant
  
 
  
  
 
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