I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer. This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels Assemble ! Each week I plan to focus on one of these amazing people and the character and creation we produced !
Today, let’s talk about The Traveller.
Travelling through time with flare, The Traveller once was a delicate maid, with a flowing dress and gentle smile. She has evolved into a fierce no-nonsense character, with her dress evolving as well into a sharply styled jacket, and worn here with an ivory gown remade into a walking skirt, along with a lovely sleeveless blouse for the times she needs to really move!
The Design:
The Traveller was a bridesmaid in the lovely teal satin dress many years ago. And the dress waited for a new life.
As the Downton Abby High Tea approached, and costumes were on the minds of the attendees, we had some fun deciding to use her dress to make her outfit for the tea!
Striking a poseBridesmaid gown REMADE into jacket
Remake of 2 dresses into Jacket and skirt :
Labour: $945
The wedding dress used to make the skirt was one of the many donated pieces found in the TAV Creations reclaimed textiles stashes and the ensemble came together!
Supplies:
Bridesmaid dress to remake into jacket
Wedding dress to remake into skirt
Blouse– sleeveless shell with ruffle collar Labour = $90
Supplies:
.75m cotton rayon blend
.5m lace for ruffle
White satin wide brim hat with blue accent and lace and satin roses Labour $280
I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer. This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels Assemble ! Each week I plan to focus on one of these amazing people and the character and creation we produced !
Today, let’s talk about The PheonixQueen !
Gold and red, textured silk and embroidered silk satin with elegant feathers, The PhoenixQueen rose to the occasion as a TAV Creations Angel Superhero!
PhoenixQueen – getting casual – because…pants!Dark and Dramatic – absolutely!
The Design
Custom evening ensemble:
Overdress Labour: $550
Pants: Labour $200
Venetia’s two-piece evening set features the comfort of a robe and pyjama pants in luxurious silk. We discussed many options as we were creating this original TAV Creations outfit, and were so pleased with the final look!
On a personal note: the red and gold silks came from a prolific Ottawa performer and teacher, Anjali < Anne-Marie Gaston> who passed away in 2018, after dedicating her life to bringing her love of Odissi and Bharatnyam style dance to Ottawa and beyond. These fabrics would have been used by her for back drops, for future costume pieces, etc. so it was bittersweet to have the opportunity to collect many of her fabrics and give them new life. #phoenix #usewhatyougot
NOTE: Pockets in the side seams of the overdress – yes!
And the Chinese silk collar, made from a small remnant piece of fabric collected years ago, brings colour and softness to the neckline!
Overdress
Supplies:
Gold silk 4m
Red Chinese silk .75m
Button
Pants
Supplies:
Red thai silk 2 m
Elastic
Matching headband $40
Red silk remnants that match
Elastic
Gold and red silk wrap gown over pants – with pockets!!!
PhoenixQueen and Zombie Dragon Girl
Elegance on a floral throne!
Is that.. yes.. Sweet Sarcasm and PhoneixQueen – cut from the same cloth!
I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer.
This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer.
This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels Assemble !
Each week I plan to focus on one of these amazing people and the character and creation we produced !
Today, let’s talk about Zombie Dragon Girl!! The juxtaposition of this superhero: a Darkness that gives Light in creativity and movement.
Zombie Dragon Girl in elegant Darkness she shines..
Zombie Dragon Girl had a clear vision of what her gown could be and the pieces all came together -from two separate donated gowns, a TAV Creations purse created in the 90’s, a sample veil that worked perfectly to enhance her distinct hair style!
TAV Creations sketch from ideas discussed!
Starting from a sketch that gave me the direction to head in, I had assembled the elements for our first meeting, and we kept just raving at how it could all work together!
The Design:
RE-Design and melding of Wedding gowns
Labour: $450
Two dresses, a sash, purse and veil from different sources all came together in the TAV Creations studio!
Zombie Dragon Girl’s Regency inspired silk gown was created by taking 2 wedding gowns , resizing, redesigning and reassembling to create this new piece.
The original silk gown, shown here, had full length set in sleeves, a “v” neckline in front and a lower waist line.
It was recut to remove any unsightly stains, the sleeves made into a new fun style, the skirt regathered into a more back waist emphasis. The train was reshaped to match the lace overskirt that was added.
The lace overskirt also offered up some appliqués to add to the donated veil to make it a fun matching headpiece
Supplies:
Donated silk dress
Donated lace on tulle overskirt
Veil redesign –
Labour $30
Donated veil
Using lace from the overskirt, I was able to create a bun wrap shape that kept the veil long and flowing.
I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer.
This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels Assemble !
Each week I plan to focus on one of these amazing people and the character and creation we produced !
Today, let’s talk about The Regal ” Magnificent“…
Wearing beads and sequins on silk chiffon, a glorious green colour and exuding an ageless elegance, Magnificent, AKA Queen Ivy, holds all to a higher standard.
She commands attention to the finest details in her own endeavours and expects nothing less from others. Her superpowers challenge those around her to excellence.
The Design:
Vintage silk beaded dress redesign
Labour: $260 for the second Renovation/ incarnation
This two piece gown is in its third incarnation – having been once a dance costume < approximately in a size 18, worn by 5 feet 8 inches /173cm tall Halyma>, and before that, it had been a two piece set with full sleeves, and a higher front neckline.
The ultimate in upcycling is keeping these vintage pieces in circulation, adjusting in ways that allow for future changes and resizing it for our Magnificent who did not fill it out – in height or width, but it now flatters her frame !
Worn by Halyma back in 2015 for a performance in Ottawa. Photo taken by WTL < darner media.ca>
It was adjusted for size and style once again, and tailored to make it wearable for the Downton Abby High Tea!Magnificent judging you…Using the fullness of the skirt to create a new design of flattering pleats in the back, this helped reduce the size as needed.
We also had some fun at the Capital Wedding Show…Magnificent at the Capital Wedding Show…
One more fun thing that we were able to enjoy at this year’s Capital Wedding Show was meeting and participating in 3DAvatar‘s booth:
You walk into their time machine and are immortalized instantly!
Thank you to my friends who helped me preparefor this weekend! Weeks of fittings, the photo shoots, the working the booth- every part helped create a space that was unique and fun for the brides and their crews coming through! And special note to Michelle, my bride from last year wearing her most amazing co-creation and sparkling personality – you rock!
Thank you to the brides who came with their people and stopped to chat, get more information and ask questions- there is a lot to figure out as you are planning your event, so I hope we were able to provide a bit of reassurance that yes, your dream dress is possible!
Thank you to the other vendors and businesseswho were great to connect with and are open to creating a supportive system in the Ottawa area for bridal parties and beyond!
Thank you to Shelagh Mills and Steve Mills of the Capital Wedding Show and all of their staff, as well as the Freeman staff – you folks ran a lovely show from a vendor perspective and all of your assistance and engagement along the way is amazing!
Thank you to my husband of almost 21 years for his support in the weeks leading up to and the few days in advance of it all- his photography and tech skills help everything look amazing!
Tomorrow I will take some time to process the admin from this weekend as well as take some time to relax before starting back at it this week! Already time to get meeting new clients and get things rolling for an amazing 2019!
I had the pleasure of helping two young ladies feel their best this prom – and that is fine.
Altering one dress to give it more support – there are a LOT of knit lined dresses out there, which is a mixed blessing – there is some flexibility provided by the knit linings and thin boning, but the support is just not the same as a woven inner structure.
Adding extra boning, take in the dress to follow the curves more closely and she’s a statuesque goddess ready to take on the night!
And then there’s the custom dress I began while working with Norde Bridal. Thanks to Meg who found the beautiful beaded fabric for this lucky young woman!
I’ve been posting teaser shots over the past few months:
The fabric laid out for me to percolate
closeup of those lovely beads and sequins
the pieces and beads after I had to do the final internal trimming
the join from the body into the upper straps – as seamless and smooth of a transition as possible!
And then I finished it, after 5 fittings, many small and large adjustments in the process…
Boning on the interlining helps add structure to the inner layers
Soooo many beads…
the inner works…
– how wide should the straps be?
-how deep can the neckline be and still provide a secure fit?
-how much interlining and boning will give the right support without feeling too constricting?
Checking the visual on the strap width while making the dress
Yes, there’s a TAV Creations label in there!
Looking pretty good on the table!
And I had to use a single flap zipper, with added hooks to keep it secure and and smooth.
And then I waited until her prom was over – and her mom started sending me shots right away – which was amazing!
close up of back view – fitting her curves!Back viewAn amazing young woman on her way in the world!
And then she sent me these lovely shots the night of her prom!!
I love the energy and spirit of this woman who came through my studio with such clear ideas of what she wanted! She’ll go far, no matter what she chooses to do!
And today, I returned the key to the adorable little bridal store on Cumberland AKA Norde bridal, Formerly the Handmade Bride, as the owner’s own journey is taking her focus to her ArrohandBow business < congrats and all the best to you Meg!>
In the den of my wonderful apartment are 3 garment racks.
Filled with costumes that I am transitioning through as I retire from teaching belly dance classes after this spring session, the realization that some of my Bollywood costumes will never fit me unless I work really hard and give up certain foods I really like < still deciding on that>, and an assortment of TAV Creations original clientele pieces and previously Norde, now TAV Creations client pieces.
In my studio is another 72 inch high rack that has this week’s dresses on, and the calendar is filling up.
I am super grateful to have met and worked with Meg, Erin, Tegan and Victoria, as well as the original crew that were at the Handmade bride when I started with them back in December of 2016 – Jenna, Chelsea, Amalia, and Kessia < am I forgetting anyone?>.
It has been a pleasure and an adventure, and I have worked with some amazing brides, and look forward to continuing on the journey with this still in progress and those I am to meet in the future.
So, this weekend being a very powerful one for folks of religious persuasion, it also marks a wonderful transition for me.
You need some work done? Head over to my contact page then drop me an email!
Happy Chocolate Consuming weekend – I’ve got dresses to go sort, and fabrics to store!
And changes flow through my life constantly; I think that’s why I live by appointment and booking, in order to maintain some sense of control 😉
The end of 2013 was marked by taking a break from working steadily with a local bridal salon that I had previously enjoyed working with, for about 3 years. As their needs shifted, my time with them also shifted to occasional referrals and job opportunities, which enabled me keep close ties with the lovely owners.
While I really enjoyed the creative adventures I was able to go on with my clientele – nuns, dancers, and brides alike – and I did need the break from the constant tulle, I did miss working with Luxe Bridal‘s owners and clientele. But the change of pace and more colour in my sewing space was a much needed benefit!
2014 brought about some major changes in my living quarters/ workspace, bringing about a move to a new apartment building and some financial juggling. And as mentioned, I was still working on occasion with Luxe…
The view from my new TAV Creations home studio is great!
After some preliminary discussions at the end of 2014, and some soul searching on my part, we determined a win-win situation where I can once again enjoy helping some of their lovely brides get the final tweaks on their dresses. I have really had to determine my own strengths and establish some systems to maintain a healthy respect for my own creative process and time.
So in January of 2015 – after one last “referral” dress, I began my 3 month trial of working part time, in-house at the Luxe Bridal Dalhousie location. It’s a bit of a joke about it being that 3 month probation period since I have worked with them in the past, but this is a new journey on so many levels for all of us!
The Industrial Juki
Yay for thread organization
And here we are at the beginning of April 2015.
April brings a shift in their world as the shop has moved to a new location, out of downtown < boo, I could walk to the other location>, with a fresh approach to more appointment based bridal service that will allow them to focus even more on the brides who book time to come in and receive their own personalize time with the consultants. Be sure to check them out online and on Facebook to find out more!
Working hard
733 B Ridgewood
No Skateboarding outside the shop!
Lisa and Madeleine
Dominique and me – Crew!
Behind the Big Desk with the Boss ladies!
And I’ve now done my first bit of sewing in the new place – after setting up my own chair 🙂 . We still have stuff to figure out with the new location, but I am looking forward to the adventure and maybe even cycling there in a few weeks when the weather is warmer and the bike paths have cleared!
My title, remains, Couturiere... or… if you have trouble with pronunciation, I’ll accept, while within the walls of Luxe Bridal, Alterations Specialist.
Note: I’m more than a seamstress, I’ve got paperwork that proves that, and while seamstresses are already a force of awesomeness, I’ve done my time to push myself to a slightly quirkier level… 🙂
And yes, TAV Creations is still rocking the creativity…
If you need some sewing done – be it creative design work or you are shopping for a wedding dress, I continue to be available to serve in whatever capacity helps bring your dream garments to life – costumes, bridal, religious, or otherwise!
I’ll just be found working in the back of Luxe Bridal on Wednesdays and Thursdays and some Saturdays…so forgive me if I don’t reply to emails as quickly on those days!
And, Lisa and Madeleine, thanks for inviting me back to the whacky fun!
The spirit of the Luxe Selfie!
Specializing in Custom Designed Garments since 1988
