Hardenburgia

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on October 31, 2014

31 Oct

I can’t seem to go past a lovely bouquet without posting it, this blog was supposed to be about dressmaking…

This bouquet has caught my eye because it uses a local native flower. I am always pleased to see Australian native flowers used in floristry, especially unusual species. This one is really special because it is a local species I remember picking for in wildflower bouquets as a child and still see flowering on the side of the road now. The trailing purple vine is an Australian species Hardenburgia violacea.

The fantastic floral designer who used these is based in San Fransisco (her blog here). It seems an that the American floral industry is growing species that we should be embracing and using more. American brides also seem to use wattle and eucalyptus more than Australian brides.

Modern Crochet

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on October 31, 2014

31 Oct

I love crochet and am happy to see it find its place in the world of modern weddings.

The star of the crochet resurgance is this lovely cotton and crochet gown by Jane hill. It has been featured recently on the final episode of the block. I had seen it before and fell in love with the way the crochet was mixed with other laces on a base of cotton voile.

For a more lavish use of crochet I cant go past this Alexander McQueen couture gown. The crochet detail is made of small motifs that have been attached to the dress at only 1 point allowing the crochet to be lifted up from the surface.

I also found this sweet little tee shirt with a lace panel on the back. With the right panel this idea would work beautifully for a wedding dress allowing a little glimpse of skin.

Lastly this little crochet cocktail frock, perfect for the reception. Crochet given a little edge with threads pulled across the lace.

I would love the chance to work with a bride to use some crochet panels in a gown. I can crochet myself but if there is an Aunt or Nana in the brides family who can crochet I dream about working with them to create lace panels to be incorporated in a wedding dress.

This method of using panels of crochet will also work if a bride has a special piece of family lace, The lace can be gently included without any damage to it, ready to be passed on in the family.

Carnivorous bouquet

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on October 5, 2014

05 Oct

During a lazy sunday Pinterest session I came across something I would never ever have considered. Equally staggering was how beautiful they are.

Carnivorous pitcher plants included in wedding flowers. How amazing are these! I love the complex web of veins contrasted against white.

Dressing a baby bump

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on October 5, 2014

05 Oct

If you or your bridesmaid are pregnant, surprise or not there is no reason to worry that the expectant mum wont look amazing on the day.

The dresses I have featured are not my work (and not all pregnant), I am just using them as examples of ideas and shapes.

Ist trimester – If you will only have a little bump then it is often possible to simply shape the style you would otherwise have chosen to fit. When making the dress a little extra is left in the seam allowances so the dress can be let out a little if needed. Lacing at the back can also be great as it means the dress can be tightened as little or as much as needed. Special consideration will also need to be made for larger and possibly uncomfortable breasts.

If you are hiding your bump then a little soft gather or ruffle across the tummy will do the trick. (Also plan a signature cocktail that can be made without alcohol and will still look exactly the same as what your guests are drinking)

2nd trimester – A medium size bump still leaves a lot of room for style choice. Again lacing at the back is a great option when a dress is delivered weeks before the wedding. If you can have the final fitting in the days before any closure will work. Gathers are a great way to leave a little extra room for a bump, as is stretch fabric. (most sequin fabrics like the mini dress above have a stretch fabric as their base). A 2nd trimester bump can also sit a lot lower than a larger one so a nice fit around the chest is possible allowing a perfect fit for strapless for any size.

3rd trimester – For a larger bump the style and fabric chosen will be a little more limited. Planning is Key. A dress fitted around the bust and draped or gathered over the bump is an easy choice. An addition to this is to consider having a full skirt like the tulle gown below. A dress can also be shaped to allow room for a bump if you want a more modern simple style like the layered Dior dress below.

A strapless will only work well for smaller breasted ladies, the structure needed to keep a larger bust from being over squished isn’t possible with a larger bump. A little extra support over the shoulder is all that is needed, asymmetric , fine straps, halters and fine fabrics will all do the job.

Having a dress made is a wonderful way to remove any stress around dressing a baby bump.

Pink Peppercorn bouquet

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on October 4, 2014

04 Oct

I have a love for peppercorn trees. I have vague memories of climbing them in the hot sun somewhere in central Victoria at second cousins houses. The smell of the leaves, the papery crunch of the little pink berries and the twisted branches are all wonderful.

When I noticed these bouquets using pink peppercorns I needed to share. I dont know if your florist could find them but if you have a tree available consider including them. As well as the leaves, green corns, pink ripe corns there are also tiny little white flowers that would be lovely as bouquet filler.

image above from an Australian beachside wedding on ruffled.com

Below are a few ideas, photos link to original sources.

I love this moody colour palette, perfect for a winter wedding. Warm mulled wine before dinner and a handmade pack of spice mix for making your own as a gift on each plate.Fantastic tutorial for a garland using silver eucalyptus and pink peppercorns.

Pink flowers and pink peppercorns with a hint of orange.