Never outdress the bride... but get close!

This is Sue, and she wanted a stunning dress for her best friend's wedding in Manchester. I have to say, getting a bespoke dress for these kind of events is THE best way to not only get a gorgeous dress that fits perfectly and is comfortable for a long day, but to also make sure you never have to deal with the often-dreaded scenario of someone else wearing the exact same thing!

Work in progress

We started by looking at vintage-style dress patterns. Sue (like many ladies) wanted sleeves and a tea-length hem. She chose a Vintage Vogue style with a faux wrap bodice which gives a gorgeous neckline, and short sleeves that I lengthened for her.

I created a mock-up of the bodice part of the dress so that I could make all the adjustments needed to ensure a perfect fit, and Sue choose this beautiful cotton fabric with printed gold highlights.

And doesn't she look divine? Swamped with compliments on the day, she now has a unique and personalised frock in her wardrobe on hand for any event.

Cherry blossom on latex

Experiments with painting latex continue here at the Nim Burgin Studio, with this being the latest result. This is a peplum to be worn over a dress or skirt in 0.4mm jade latex, painted with hand-blended colours to create a gorgeous cherry blossom pattern weaving all across. Watch this space for more developments!

Bento bag sewing workshop

Learn to make a Japanese Bento Bag in just one evening! This is an accessible project for anyone with basic sewing knowledge or above. You can bring your own fabric or a small selection will be available to use.

This endlessly modifiable elegant design is a project that you will want to make in a hundred different ways. In this class you'll learn to make a lined version with a handle.

Originally designed to tie as a wrap for a Japanese bento lunch, you can add handles, make it huge or tiny, lined or unlined, add closures such as ribbons or buttons, or leave open for a tote or storage. It's so versatile!

Available dates:

Thursday 20th April 6-9pm

Thursday 27th April 6-9pm

Location: Nim Burgin Studion, 27 Murray Street, M7 2DX

Workshop cost: £18  Refreshments and home-made veggie sushi will be provided 

Workshop sizes are kept small to ensure a good level of personal tuition.

You will need to bring:

• Sewing machine (limited number available if needed)
• Basic sewing kit (pins, scissors, thread, etc)

Please note, there is a minimum attendance required for these workshops to go ahead.