July-November 2023
Sleeves and Veil on a Wedding Gown
Here are progress and final product photos for creating custom cathedral sleeves and veil for a wedding gown.
This process included patterning for both pieces, dying the mesh and appliques to better match the colors of the original dress, hand sewing appliques to the sleeves and veil, and attaching the sleeves to the gown.
The gown was also hemmed, under sleeves were attached, and a bustle was created to complete alterations of the gown. The bride traveled at a set schedule from Memphis to Nashville for fittings, so I was required to stay on schedule at each stage of the project.
Before- front
Before- back
Under sleeve test
Cathedral sleeve pattern fitting
Under sleeves attached, excess mesh removed, cathedral sleeves basted on and appliques pinned for reference.
Veil cut out, first applique test arrangement. More appliques would be bought, dyed, and arranged to fill all edges of the veil at bride's request.
Veil applique arrangement detail
Base sleeves and select appliques dyed. Appliques hand-sewn to sleeves and sleeves attached to dress.
Final sleeves
Sleeves completed and dress hemmed- front.
Sleeves completed and dress hemmed- back.
Final sleeves, veil, bustle and hem.