Here Comes the Bride
Wardrobe Update, Special Edition
Recently I became engaged to be married; and, being an incurable crafter, I nearly at once began dreaming up things to make for the bridal trousseau. There is a nugget of superstition around brides making their wedding clothes, but I will have none of it. I can only suppose this nasty little idea was dreamt up by the bridal salons to sell more dresses.
Although I will not be making my wedding dress—I will have the honor and privilege of wearing my mother’s—it is not so uncommon an endeavor, even today, as one might suppose. My own sister walked down the aisle in a dress whose skirt was made from a sail once belonging to her husband’s boat, and looked very beautiful doing so; and every knitter’s heart must stop with delight and admiration, at the dress conceived of and knitted by Veronica Lindberg for her own wedding. She documented this fascinating process in a video well worth watching. Historically, most brides simply put on a favorite dress and walked to the church; and very likely these were often homemade dresses, at least in certain eras.
And how much more pleasant, if one has the time and inclination, to sit sewing or knitting, in the comfort of one’s own home, than to be drowned in an ocean of dresses one hot and humid afternoon, under blaring fluorescents!
Well, but I shall not be making my wedding dress. What, pray tell, shall I be making?
In short: my veil, a pair of wedding stockings, and a wedding handkerchief. I shall also be altering a ready-made dress for the rehearsal dinner.
Lacy stockings were a favorite item for young women to knit in the 1800s, and we have some fine examples still extent. Some of these were for everyday, but many were knitted for weddings. I will be knitting my own pair from this luxurious Merino/silk yarn:
My fiancé is of Irish descent, and there is a charming Irish tradition that the bride carries a lace handkerchief down the aisle, which then becomes Baby’s first cap. I was tickled by this idea, and found the perfect linen and lace to use for a border in my stash:
Last, but not least, I picked up this absolutely gorgeous silk wedding gown at my local thrift shop for the princely sum of nine dollars. It is exquisitely worked, and in excellent condition:
The embroidery and beading in particular is breathtaking:
Although this will not be my wedding dress, I plan to alter it just a little to wear at the rehearsal dinner. I am still mulling over how to do so while honoring the beauty of the dress as it is now. Rest assured, I shall take you along for the ride!
I hope you have enjoyed this special edition wardrobe update. I’ll be back next week with some original writing. In the meantime, I hope you have a satisfying week!
Congratulations!