We often hear about the ‘dreamy’ qualities of our bridal fabric but this dress is possibly the dreamiest! Dressmaker Jo Figgett told us that her gown “sewed like a dream, felt like a dream and washed like a dream!” - we adore this amazing gown, which is the pinnacle of Jo’s long time as a tailoress, following in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother.
Jo has been designing, making and altering bridal wear at her premises in Tewkesbury for more than 30 years so is something of an authority on the subject. When the time came around to create her own gorgeous gown to sashay down the aisle in, she knew exactly what she was looking for and hit the internet to track down the best fabric she could find.
After discovering our website, Jo was quickly absorbed in our vast and varied selection of bridal lace, embellished fabric and accessories including lace appliques and trim. She ordered a choice collection of samples, commenting on how impressed she was at their large size and superior quality. From her samples, Jo decided that Marina wedding lace was the one for her.
A dense and complex floral pattern is the signature of Marina ivory lace, which has scalloped edges on both identical sides. A soft and tactile background weave has been enhanced using luxurious embroidery thread, creating a lace that has a marvellous drape, regal and rich. Highlighting the many various petals and leaves is the finest of cording, further embellished with pearls, beads and a selection of subtly-attractive sequins.
Jo told us that she found Marina lace to be particularly easy to attach around the neck and hemline of her gown and simply perfect for the sleeves. The colour of the exquisite beads in the lace exactly matched the cultured pearls in the necklace proudly worn by Jo, which belongs to her mother. With some fabric left over, Jo got creative and made confetti cones with is, also using some as a complementary tablecloth for her delicious wedding cake!
The dress wasn’t completed until the night before the wedding, due to dressmaker Jo’s skills being in high demand and her having to continue work on garments for other brides. After attracting much admiration from those present at the wedding, especially her husband who won’t let her pack it away just yet!), Jo has decided that she cannot bear to part with the dress and will be altering it, shortening the train and skirt to wear at the Captain’s Table on a planned cruise in 2016.
We asked experienced tailoress Jo if she would recommend Bridal Fabrics. She wrote back: “I would definitely recommend Bridal Fabrics, it was pleasant to talk to knowledgeable staff and the parcel arrived next day. The fabric was top quality and I have seen many more expensive readymade bridal dresses of a far lesser quality. To be able to handwash it instead of costly drycleaning was a bonus!”
Inspired by Jo’s dreamy dress? Drift into your own dream now and check out our newest collection of bridal lace.
