Some of you may recognize parts of this video. It is from my early days of uploading when yt had strange limits on what we could upload, duration, files size, etc. And so it was compressed to a lower quality. I have cleaned her up, freshly edited her & uploaded her for you guys to see all of the details & sketches. Enjoy!! ❤✂️🧵❤
I’m so impressed! A friend asked me to shorten a concert dress with a appliquéd vertical lace overlay, which in all my years of sewing, I’d never dealt with that before, Time and budget are limited, so your guidelines are helpful. I just want it to look beautiful and be loved. Thank you!
I get quite a few moderate to lower budget brides. I tend to use industry standard techniques when I can. There are instances where theater costuming magic needs to be employed. I never embarrass or shame a bride for the budget they have to work with. Thanks for sharing your techniques.
Hi… sewing for yrs & can’t understand what I see from some shops. I have an expensive gown now that instead of this method which I also use they cut right thru the beautiful lace, overlapped it on the gown w/ a single stitch straight across. You’re an excellent instructor! And have picked up many tips from you… always w/ your clients budget in mind. Thanks Katie
Also I use a very inexpensive BLACK plastic cutting board behind my work when pinning the lace back on in the right place. Mine is the right size for manageable work space with rounded corners. Helps with the snow blindness, and with pinning.
@@stacirizner4461 This is a great idea! Snow blindness is definitely a thing. I want my next sewing machine table in a dark color, but until then, I will look for dark vinyl or dark contact paper to cover my current table.
Your videos are so educational and I do the same when it comes to prices. For me it makes pricing hard when a bride says, "I'm paying for everything myself"...or I "only paid" this for the dress. Usually I say, "well your hem will cost more than your dress". I am learning to not cut myself short.
Your channel has provided me the information and confidence to tackle the more difficult alterations. I am not ready to go pro but am thinking about it as I get to retirement age.
Hi This is a great video. I have a dress to hem about 8 inches for a bride. It has lace applique all over it and can't be lifted from the waist. I thought I could move some of the upper appliques around but I will ruin the look. I'm going to ask the bride back to have her decide where she wants everything and how much she's willing to pay. Thanks!!
How about a video on removing spots? Blood, oil, makeup- the kind of things we have to deal with from time to time. If you already did that I apologize for having a memory of swiss cheese.
Just did this yesterday! Dress was made with satin up to where a strapless sweetheart neckline would be, then with tulle from the edge of the satin up to the neckline and over the shoulders. The satin was ivory, as was the lace appliqué covering the satin bodice and feathering up over the tulle shoulders. Problem was the tulle was nude colored, and the bride wanted the whole dress to be ivory. We ended up lifting the lace appliqué off of the nude tulle, then removed the nude tulle from the satin. Using the nude tulle bodice top as a pattern, we cut a new one out of ivory tulle, stitched it back onto the satin, and reapplied the appliqué lace. It worked pretty good, there was minimal stretching/warping of the old tulle so the pattern was fairly accurate. We did end up making two small darts when she tried it back on, but as these darts were in lace covered tulle, it wasn’t too bad.
I have also done a hybrid where I lifted the peaks and cut around the main body of the lace. (Especially those dresses with a thousand tiny invisible stitches, UGH!) Saves time and leaves the tulle in tack.
Yes, I do this almost anytime the lace is sewn on too tightly to get it off easily! You end up with extra tulle behind the lower portion of the lace, but it isn’t usually noticeable on the finished dress.
@karen I almost always do this. I would have to stretch my brain to think of an instance where I didn’t!! I really just try not to present too many unnecessary choices.
If I can hem something like that from the waist I do. However that is not always an option. I do always attempt to make the work as inexpensive as I can without losing quality, but there are often choices that the bride can make which will make a huge difference in prices. I try to give them that choice.
I just bought a lace cocktail dress I need to shorten and can't take it up at the waist due to a side zipper. It has a scalloped lace hem and this info will help. Like you said, there are times you can't take up at the waist.
Hi, I like to know that if I want to hem the front of the bridal. how far should I take it hem, just hem it to the side or over a little bit of the side?
Trying to help my friend by taking care of the hem for her , but it covered in black tool with black lace appliqués and sequins flower petals that stand up . how the heck do I hem that ???? thank you in advance !
I don't really give prices because it varies by region & yt has an international audience. The numbers just don't line up from location to location. To figure out what it should cost for you, see my video on block scheduling. It goes into pricing.
Do you use clear thread? I am working on a 4 inch horsehair braid that used clear in top and the bobbin thread organza fabric. Practice stitching is resulting in a little bit of gathering. Any suggestions to keep this from happening?
I do sometimes. I prefer to use my gutermann ivory thread when I can. I have a verrrry exciting video coming up about using inv thread for applique' THIS WEEK!! Yay!! In the meantime, the biggest thing I have found with inv thread is to gently hand wind the bobbin. There's nothing like it to me. I also always loosen the top tension a little as well. Inv thread is stretchy, so it can be problematic.
I can manage the invisible thread in the top, but have never been successful in using it in the bobbin. Hats off to y’all who have figured out how to sew with invisible thread in the bobbin! 😅👍🏻
Really depends. Every local economy is different. I have a video on how to set your sewing rate. Once you figure that out, you just multiply that by how long it takes you.
@@BridalSewing Thank you. Where do these dresses go then? Trying to find other options of where to buy applique wedding dresses that don't break the bank. LOL
I have been sewing for over 55 years. I do vrry extensive work and I would never shorten a dress at the waist. You change the entire shape and drape of the sk irt that way. A big NO
@@BridalSewing the seamstress I went to for a dress like this to hem, said that if the embroidery is not sewn on she won’t be able to shorten it and would have to her higher heels… do you think a second opinion is worth it?
I'm guessing she means, if the hem edge isn't an applique'. That's not altogether true. She can cut along the top edge shape of the lace and then raise that up- essentially "making" an applique. Everyone is not comfortable with cutting like that, though. So offer for her cut if need be. If she's uncomfortable, then you could look into finding someone who isn't. This also depends on your height. Dresses are made for 5'10" so, if you are 5'2", it's unreasonable to expect you to wear 8" heels. Lol
Some of you may recognize parts of this video. It is from my early days of uploading when yt had strange limits on what we could upload, duration, files size, etc. And so it was compressed to a lower quality. I have cleaned her up, freshly edited her & uploaded her for you guys to see all of the details & sketches. Enjoy!! ❤✂️🧵❤
Great advice! Love how you are concerned about the bride's budget and not just insisting on the "right" way to do the alteration!
I’m so impressed! A friend asked me to shorten a concert dress with a appliquéd vertical lace overlay, which in all my years of sewing, I’d never dealt with that before, Time and budget are limited, so your guidelines are helpful. I just want it to look beautiful and be loved. Thank you!
I get quite a few moderate to lower budget brides. I tend to use industry standard techniques when I can. There are instances where theater costuming magic needs to be employed. I never embarrass or shame a bride for the budget they have to work with. Thanks for sharing your techniques.
Hi… sewing for yrs & can’t understand what I see from some shops. I have an expensive gown now that instead of this method which I also use they cut right thru the beautiful lace, overlapped it on the gown w/ a single stitch straight across. You’re an excellent instructor! And have picked up many tips from you… always w/ your clients budget in mind. Thanks Katie
Eek.
I’ve never bought of popping that bobbin thread!! Learning every day!
Also I use a very inexpensive BLACK plastic cutting board behind my work when pinning the lace back on in the right place. Mine is the right size for manageable work space with rounded corners. Helps with the snow blindness, and with pinning.
I often use my skirt, too!
@@stacirizner4461 This is a great idea! Snow blindness is definitely a thing. I want my next sewing machine table in a dark color, but until then, I will look for dark vinyl or dark contact paper to cover my current table.
Your videos are so educational and I do the same when it comes to prices. For me it makes pricing hard when a bride says, "I'm paying for everything myself"...or I "only paid" this for the dress. Usually I say, "well your hem will cost more than your dress". I am learning to not cut myself short.
Brenda you are so thoughtful with sharing your insights xx
You are a real gem, Brenda! Thanks for your insight.
Your video is so clear and very cute.
Your channel has provided me the information and confidence to tackle the more difficult alterations. I am not ready to go pro but am thinking about it as I get to retirement age.
Rock on! 🤗
Thank you for this!!! New subscriber here from The Philippines.
Hi This is a great video. I have a dress to hem about 8 inches for a bride. It has lace applique all over it and can't be lifted from the waist. I thought I could move some of the upper appliques around but I will ruin the look. I'm going to ask the bride back to have her decide where she wants everything and how much she's willing to pay. Thanks!!
How about a video on removing spots? Blood, oil, makeup- the kind of things we have to deal with from time to time. If you already did that I apologize for having a memory of swiss cheese.
ruclips.net/video/7VTVvRGFI94/видео.html & I have one specifically on blood as well. Go to my uploads page and search "blood."
I would love to see a video about how to remove or adjust sheer on the front of a bridal dreas
Just did this yesterday! Dress was made with satin up to where a strapless sweetheart neckline would be, then with tulle from the edge of the satin up to the neckline and over the shoulders. The satin was ivory, as was the lace appliqué covering the satin bodice and feathering up over the tulle shoulders. Problem was the tulle was nude colored, and the bride wanted the whole dress to be ivory.
We ended up lifting the lace appliqué off of the nude tulle, then removed the nude tulle from the satin. Using the nude tulle bodice top as a pattern, we cut a new one out of ivory tulle, stitched it back onto the satin, and reapplied the appliqué lace.
It worked pretty good, there was minimal stretching/warping of the old tulle so the pattern was fairly accurate. We did end up making two small darts when she tried it back on, but as these darts were in lace covered tulle, it wasn’t too bad.
I have also done a hybrid where I lifted the peaks and cut around the main body of the lace. (Especially those dresses with a thousand tiny invisible stitches, UGH!) Saves time and leaves the tulle in tack.
Yes, this saves a lot of time.👍🏻
Yes, I do this almost anytime the lace is sewn on too tightly to get it off easily! You end up with extra tulle behind the lower portion of the lace, but it isn’t usually noticeable on the finished dress.
@karen I almost always do this. I would have to stretch my brain to think of an instance where I didn’t!!
I really just try not to present too many unnecessary choices.
If I can hem something like that from the waist I do. However that is not always an option. I do always attempt to make the work as inexpensive as I can without losing quality, but there are often choices that the bride can make which will make a huge difference in prices. I try to give them that choice.
Just perfect! Great timing for me right now; just what we needed to see. Thank you! 😊
I just bought a lace cocktail dress I need to shorten and can't take it up at the waist due to a side zipper. It has a scalloped lace hem and this info will help. Like you said, there are times you can't take up at the waist.
Your the best !! I love your videos and come to you first. Thank you 😊
Thank you!!
Great video. You are an excellent teacher.
Thank you!
Thank you so much! This was so helpful. i love watching your channel 🥰
Thank you, just sew at home, help friends out. Video very helpful.
Great video Brenda.
Love your explanations! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this video. Can I ask how you shorten with a high peak lace hem??
I have the same question!
Can you tell me what foot you use for aplícate the lace
Please
For my juki, I use a narrow l/r inv zipper foot, but raise the presser foot half way. For my old singers, I use a singer applique' foot.
This one: amzn.to/3JiJ3Lx
Hi, I like to know that if I want to hem the front of the bridal. how far should I take it hem, just hem it to the side or over a little bit of the side?
You have to ask the bride. They all feel differently.
How do you keep the applique from fraying where you cut it if you're cutting into the applique pattern?
Just go over it a little more in that spot.
Camille Hizon
Hello! I find your channel very helpful. What do you call the invisible tulle or fabric almost unseen in gowns
Respect and appreciation!🌟 Thank you so much for detailed recommendations!
Trying to help my friend by taking care of the hem for her , but it covered in black tool with black lace appliqués and sequins flower petals that stand up . how the heck do I hem that ???? thank you in advance !
You have to DM me pictures on insta. I cannot help you in youtube comments
Are you using a special/clear thread for sewing on the face of the lace?
Sometimes transparent thread. Sometimes ivory gutermann thread
Fabulous video as usual! Thank you so very much. ♥️
This was really helpful. Would appreciate how to price the one where you pick off an 8 inch appliqué. $$$
I don't really give prices because it varies by region & yt has an international audience. The numbers just don't line up from location to location. To figure out what it should cost for you, see my video on block scheduling. It goes into pricing.
On a home sewing machine without a knee lift - is applique free motion still possible?! 🤔
Yes! A lot of them have a sliding button on the back that drops the feed dogs. Also- check out my Singer videos where I set them up for applique work.
This is very helpful! Thank you! 💕
Do you use clear thread? I am working on a 4 inch horsehair braid that used clear in top and the bobbin thread organza fabric. Practice stitching is resulting in a little bit of gathering. Any suggestions to keep this from happening?
Did you try adjusting your tensions?
I do sometimes. I prefer to use my gutermann ivory thread when I can.
I have a verrrry exciting video coming up about using inv thread for applique' THIS WEEK!! Yay!!
In the meantime, the biggest thing I have found with inv thread is to gently hand wind the bobbin. There's nothing like it to me. I also always loosen the top tension a little as well. Inv thread is stretchy, so it can be problematic.
@@BridalSewing Thank you, will try hand winding the bobbin for the next practice session. I really appreciate the time you put into your videos .
@@terrymccann7044 you are welcome. Just make sure you don't stretch the thread at all while you wind it. :)
I can manage the invisible thread in the top, but have never been successful in using it in the bobbin. Hats off to y’all who have figured out how to sew with invisible thread in the bobbin! 😅👍🏻
How long does it take to pick the lace off?
It really varies
How much you charge for this
Really depends. Every local economy is different. I have a video on how to set your sewing rate. Once you figure that out, you just multiply that by how long it takes you.
Do you sell any of the dresses you work on? It looks beautiful!!
I don't. Sorry. Thank you!
@@BridalSewing Thank you. Where do these dresses go then? Trying to find other options of where to buy applique wedding dresses that don't break the bank. LOL
They are already owned by brides. They went shopping. Lol
Friend
I have been sewing for over 55 years. I do vrry extensive work and I would never shorten a dress at the waist. You change the entire shape and drape of the sk irt that way. A big NO
You can only take it up at the waist if it’s a waisted dress for the (haters) 😂😂
Actually no.......
😇 oh no am I a hater???
No no as I put ( haters) in brackets it meant I was joking. Sorry I didn’t mean to offend anyone 🥲. Please accept my apology ❤️❤️
How much you charge for this
@@ninapostelnicu3732 I would like to know the same. Just to get an average idea
Avg is probably around $250/350
@@BridalSewing thank you!
@@BridalSewing the seamstress I went to for a dress like this to hem, said that if the embroidery is not sewn on she won’t be able to shorten it and would have to her higher heels… do you think a second opinion is worth it?
I'm guessing she means, if the hem edge isn't an applique'. That's not altogether true. She can cut along the top edge shape of the lace and then raise that up- essentially "making" an applique.
Everyone is not comfortable with cutting like that, though. So offer for her cut if need be. If she's uncomfortable, then you could look into finding someone who isn't. This also depends on your height. Dresses are made for 5'10" so, if you are 5'2", it's unreasonable to expect you to wear 8" heels. Lol