Create bespoke garments that fit and flatter!

In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips. 

Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to create the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabric. 

There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats. 

You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment. Alternatively, you can even create a skirt as a separate garment, simply by adding a waistband or facing.

The language of sewing and dressmaking is demystified at the beginning of the book, as well as the equipment you need to get started.

Nothing is left unexplained; and stunning images of the finished dresses, on a mannequin and on a model, are interspersed throughout the book to inspire your own finished pieces.

Introduction  6

Tools  10

Your sewing machine  14

Sewing know-how  18

Fabrics  24

Sewing language  32

GETTING STARTED

Sizing 40Pattern cutting 48Adjusting your blocks 52Making your sample 60Altering your sample 74

MAKING YOUR DRESS YOUR OWN

Adapting the pattern 92

- Necklines  92

- Sleeves  104

- Skirts  122

- Drafting a collar  136

- Drafting pockets  139

Finishing your dress 142

- Constructing your garment  142

- Zip closures  146

Separates 154

- Tops  154

- Skirts: adding a waistband or facing  156

Taking it further 159

 Index  160

Helen Rhiannon is an award-winning designer specializing in bespoke wedding dresses.

Helen was fortunate to grow up by the picturesque coastline of Gower in Swansea, Wales, where she still lives. She creates beautiful, timeless, handmade gowns from her studio. Helen has gained a solid reputation for her superlative dressmaking skills which has led her to naturally share her knowledge and passion through teaching.

As a fully qualified teacher and lecturer, Helen Rhiannon set up the ‘All Sewn Up Wales’ sewing workshops in 2010, designed to help people learn and develop new skills, whilst meeting like minded creative people.  She runs sewing workshops regularly, teaching people how to make items such as bags, toys and naturally garments. Helen enjoys being able to inspire others from aged 6 to 106!

Her expert tuition has attracted students from around the world and she regularly makes guest appearances on national television.