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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: gacantre
Date: 07-05-2006, 12:05 PM (1 of 11)
I have an old wedding dress what my mother made (my mother is now dead). My niece is getting married in July and I was wanting to make her something (small) with pieces of my wedding dress that would be very sentlemental. Any idea's?
User: gacantre
Member since: 06-29-2006
Total posts: 1
From: MJADAA
Date: 07-05-2006, 12:28 PM (2 of 11)
How About A Ring Pillow Or Cover A Photo Album,cover A Photo Frame,make A Wedding Garter.
User: MJADAA
Member since: 03-09-2006
Total posts: 22
From: Bama
Date: 07-05-2006, 02:02 PM (3 of 11)
Those are good ideas. :up:
I heard of someone making an angel for the top of a Christmas tree for each of her children from a wedding gown.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-05-2006, 08:10 PM (4 of 11)
A hankie is also a great idea for a bride to carry.. Especially if there is some lace on the dress to trim it with.... I used to watch Martha's sewing room all the time, and I used small batiste or broadcloth squares to practice her heirloom directions on, and then I finished them into hankies ... They made a big hit for special Bride's gifts.. I usually attached to the bow on the package..The lace insertions ones were so very popular with my friends and their daughters..If the youngsters don't like them, give them to old ladies.. They still love hankies instead of Kleenex.. My Dear Mom always carried a clean hankie in her purse.LOL I talk like I'm young, don't I ??? :bg: :bg:
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: paroper
Date: 07-06-2006, 09:05 AM (5 of 11)
When you cut out your project you might want to consider making a baby dress or christening gown from the garment with the remains if it is in condition to allow that.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Sew-Enchanting
Date: 07-06-2006, 10:25 AM (6 of 11)
This is actually where the majority of my business comes from - and the part I think I like the most!

I used my mom's wedding dress (that her sister, my aunt also used) to trim the lining on my own wedding dress.

A hankie with embellishments is always great - and if you take it back (briefly) after the wedding, with a couple of stitches you can have a baby bonnet that their child could wear at a christening (if they are having children, if they are being christened, etc). Decent instructions can be found here: http://www.sew-whats-new.com/bonnetpoem.shtml

The other wedding ideas are terrific - ring bearer's pillow, gloves (I hate making those, but if you're handy they can look really pretty), garter.

The christening gowns (dedication gowns, blessing gowns) are always popular, as are doll dresses. Christmas tree skirts, Christmas ornaments (I'm making these with what's left of my mom's dress for all the kids of the two women who wore the dress), Christmas angels for the tree.

Good luck! It's a blast to go through a dress and find the best use - gives a lot of creative power. ;)

Have fun!
Kris
User: Sew-Enchanting
Member since: 12-28-2005
Total posts: 53
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 07-07-2006, 11:27 AM (7 of 11)
I had a friend bring me her old wedding dress and I made 3 ring bearer pillows from it. One for each of her grandchildren for when they get married. Her dress was 50-60 yrs old and had some stains on it but I got enough fabric and lace from it to do the pillows. It took me several days to get over not wanting to cut into the dress as it was beautiful.

I've got enough left I'm going to make her an evening handbag.
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004
Total posts: 80
From: Bama
Date: 07-08-2006, 12:39 PM (8 of 11)
I made a satin teddy bear for a friend once that her 2yo nephew carried in her wedding in place of a ring pillow. She tied the rings around the bear's neck with a ribbon.
I think a teddy bear would be pretty made form an old wedding gown.
I keep looking at my wedding dress wondering what I might make with it some day. :dave:

There was an article posted here once (seems like Mary posted it, can't remember) about a woman who makes memory bears for people using all sorts of old clothing and other items. Wedding gowns, military uniforms, coats, favorite outfits, old quilts & blankets, etc.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: MariLynntex
Date: 07-08-2006, 01:50 PM (9 of 11)
When I was still sewing bridal things, I used most of those ideas for various brides with their mother or grandmother's wedding dresses. Another thing I made were satin bows trimmed with lace and narrower ribbons, tiny flowers, sequins, pearls, etc. to go around the brides bouquets. And I made mitts of satin and lace for those who didn't want to wear gloves. MariLynntex
User: MariLynntex
Member since: 01-05-2006
Total posts: 107
From: bridesmom
Date: 07-12-2006, 01:30 AM (10 of 11)
I had a teddy bear made out of the satin and organza from my daughters wedding dress, then embelished it to look similar to her dress. Another idea is a small purse for the bride and/or the bridesmaids. My sister did this for her daughter in law and her bridesmaids, they were adorable little purses, with really unique handles that she found on the net. And she embroidered the bride/groom's names and wedding date on the inside of each purse.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 07-13-2006, 12:46 PM (11 of 11)
Oh, you've just given me an idea for something else. I'm making several handbags as Christmas gifts. I'm going to embroidery my initials on the inside pocket.
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004
Total posts: 80
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