Goth Wedding Gown
This project is a custom-designed Goth wedding gown based on photo references and discussion with the client. I modified the inspiration dress design to be more flattering to her figure. She is short-waisted, has a large bust and narrow hips, and her shoulders are quite different in height due to a car accident. I lowered the waistline a bit and used the vertical striped fabric in the bodice to elongate her torso. The full, gathered skirt (worn over a purchased hoop skirt) and bustle provide the illusion of both hips and a tapered waistline. In addition, the neckline curves at the top of the bodice are very slightly different on each side. This small asymmetry distracts from her uneven shoulders. The steel-boned, corset-style bodice is made of silk jaquard taffeta and the skirt is hammered acetate taffeta. The bodice can be laced tight enough to smooth her torso and give a defined waistline. One of the detail photos shows the seams inside the bodice hand-tacked to the underlining so they don't shift and disturb the smooth face of the bodice. Another photo shows the custom cording made from bias strips of the striped taffeta that defined both the top and bottom edges of the bodice. The elbow-length veil and separate sleeves are made from strips of soft nylon tulle sewn together in alternating black and purple stripes. A Victorian butterfly bustle in silk dupioni completed the dress. In addition to wearing the gown for her wedding, the client wanted to be able to wear it for her live action role-play character, so it was made to last!
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About Me
I have over 40 years of fine sewing and handwork experience. My training includes couture bridal sewing with Susan Khalje, contributing editor to Threads magazine, and custom pattern fitting and drafting with Professor Kenneth D. King from FIT. I've attended numerous workshops given by professionals in the sewing industry and participate on Sewing Pattern Review discussion board.
About My Work
For the last 7 years I've been making dreams come true for everyone from anime cosplayers to brides and bridesmaids. I work primarily from inspiration drawings and photographs to create unique clothing that fits your style and flatters your figure. My specialty is fitting curvy women.
- BE
Brandon Emry
For Prometheus hoodie5.0Barbara was fantastic working with me on this hoodie. She was very busy, but still found time to work with me and the turn around time was super fast, and so was shipping. Got the hoodie today and it is fantastic!! Couldn't ask for a better product. Fantastic maker!!
- R
Rosanne
For Rosanne's wedding dress5.0Barbara Hilow is a wonderful professional couture level dress maker. She took my vision and created a black suit which was influenced by a Chanel dress I had seen. Barbara was a pleasure to work with and I would recommend her to anyone who has a special dress making project. If you are a bride to be, a business woman, a lady looking to create with a good resource, Barbara is just that. You will have fun with your project and I know you will be happy with the results. Rosanne Wagner.
JMJohn McMinn
For Cowl Neck Hoodie5.0This took me some time to write only because I've been buried with a ton of work. That being said, Barbara made the best Hoodie for me and exactly to my specifications. I used it constantly during the holiday season and during my winter travels. Also, I work in a cold office so it really came in handy there as well. Barbara had many projects going at once and constantly kept me in the loop. She even got very sick and still managed to find the time to work on all her projects, including mine. Very happy with the outcome and definitely look forward to having another piece custom made.
- D
Dan
For Renessaince Shirts' with embellishment5.0I had chosen Barbara, primarily for her knowledge and zeal/passion/desire to do this work. I wanted something a little out of the ordinary """ Custom"".. In every aspect Barbara delivered when i asked if something could be done.. Can't beat that....ever. That's the best, i plan on having her make a few more things for me in the future.
HSHolt Starck
For Cowl neck hoodie4.8Barbara is such an amazing women. She made me the coolest hoodie known to man and I couldn't be more grateful. She was extremely nice during the whole process, walked me through all the steps of how my project was to be tackled and made a very high quality final product. I would definitely recommend Barbara if you are looking for a professional to make you any kind of custom made clothing. A+++
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