[.ca] Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns ... (ISBN 0801987571)

From Amazon.com:
Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction, this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves, and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation; and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles. The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here, and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not required--the author works her transformations on purchased patterns. If you're ambitious enough to make your own wedding gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you're hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you'll find this an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career should have this important reference work on the shelf. --Amy Handy

Everthing I hoped for!:
As an experienced amateur seamstress I was looking for a book that would guide me through both designing and sewing a wedding dress for my 6'3" daughter. This book was exactly what I needed to accomplish my goal. Step by step I was able to complete each part of the gown. The final product was stunning and much of the beauty of the gown was because of the construction techniques on the inside that no one would know about eg. lining the fabric (bodice only) with white baby flannelette and treating it as one piece. The beautiful, smooth, princess seams were perfect. In reading the details and applying them to my situation I was able to create a lovely gown. With a good sewing background, a passion for perfection, love for my daughter and her dream dress AND this wonderful book it was everything I had hoped for and would highly recommend it.

Wrong, and Incomplete Information in this book:
You cannot find A-Line skirts being discussed in the book. It is not in the index, it is nowhere to be found anywhere in the book. The author states that "gathered" skirts are the most popular style and therefore doesn't say anything about the wildly popular A-Line's that many brides prefer. Hasn't she ever checked out the designers' dresses? There is even a whole category on A-line cut dresses on David's Bridal, Jim Hjelm, ... fill in the rest of the designer's names. Surprise! Her portfolio of dusty, old looking dresses all have gathered skirts and a few sheaths. Very, very boring styles. Very simple looking skirts. She has done one blue number with a sheath and a skirt (2-piece); ohh, you have to see the skirt!.. Box pleated ugliness that is so simple and unflattering!.. Very plain jane cuts!... Couture, this book is NOT! You may want to leaf through it anyway but be forewarned there is wrong, and incomplete information so this book should NOT be the only one you consult.

NO DETAILS FOR THE NOVICE IN THIS BOOK!:
I can't believe the reviews people have given for this book. Trusting these reviews, I got it and was totally surprised. There is NO DETAIL, just a few pretty pictures. Take for example, lace appliques cut out from an Alencon Lace Trim. Nobody shows you how to actually apply it on the dress. Can I cut the applique anywhere? I am afraid it is going to unravel and I just paid 90 dollars a yard. NO ANSWERS!@ What if I had bought the unadorned (cheaper) version of Alencon and apply the French sequins and pearl beading myself, how do I do it? NO ANSWERS!... She doesn't want to give away her secrets I suppose. Now Ms. Susan Khalje will tell you how to pronounce Alencon or Guiperre Lace correctly which some may find extremely helpful. I did not! .....

Excellent resource:
As an experienced seamstress, I found this book to be an excellent resource for the beginner as well as the experienced. It starts from the beginning stages, learning about fabrics. The pictures were excellent and instructions were well illustrated and clear. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in understanding how gowns are made.

A MUST HAVE for all sewing enthusiasts:
I bought this book never having heard of the author before. I was fairly "blown away" by the high quality of the information offered, the wonderful works shown and the fact that this author obviously cares about those who will use her book. She provides her readers with some of the best, complete and accurate information I have ever seen written in a book. The reader (in this case me) knows that she/he is being provided with information of the highest standard, the author doesn't withhold important facts and obviously loves what she does as seen in the quality work she produces. Sewing from the soul. I don't do Bridal Sewing but am interested in Couture Sewing. This book is one of the finest on the subject. I highly recommend it.