A Vision in Stitching: Libby’s Custom Sleeves & Bustle Story

Some dresses are perfect from the moment they arrive. Others take a little vision, time, and a lot of love to become just right. Libby came to us with a dream: delicate, floaty sleeves and an elegant bustle for her wedding gown. Over the course of four months and four fittings, we brought that vision to life.

From Vision to Fabric

Libby pre-booked with us in May, sharing inspiration photos and a clear idea of what she wanted. She arranged to order extra fabric with her gown, which arrived in September.

In January, she came in for her first fitting. We experimented with a few different sleeve ideas:

A satin cuff with buttons (borrowed from one sleeve design)

A soft chiffon sleeve head with darts

A gentle puff from another example

Using spare fabric from our stash, we created a Frankenstein sleeve that captured her vision—saving her actual fabric for the final version.

The Fittings: Step by Step

Fitting #2:

We made the final sleeves using her actual fabric and took in the zipper.

Fitting #3:

We checked the sleeve fit, perfected the shape, pinned the hem, and tested the bustle.

Fitting #4:

Almost a year after her first inquiry, Libby picked up her finished gown—complete with cups added and straps taken in. She looked radiant, and everything felt just right.

The Bustle: Elegant, Secure, and Invisible

Libby’s ethereal train would have looked elegant no matter how we bustled it.

But for a night full of dancing (and maybe a little champagne), we went with a full bustle—lifting the entire train off the ground instead of letting it pool.

To make it happen, we:

Sewed two clear organza ribbons underneath

Tied them together to gather the fullness

Hooked three thread eyes on the train to hidden hooks under the pleats of the waistband

Libby’s Bustle Up & Down

What’s Next: Cleaning + Final Photos

Libby’s dress is coming back to us for a post-wedding clean and minor repairs:

Removing dirt from the multiple layers of her train

Treating light tan marks on the bodice

Mending a few spots

Once that’s done, we’ll be updating this post with stunning before-and-after photos and—fingers crossed—some professional shots from her photographer too.

Thinking About a Custom Alteration?

Whether it’s sleeves that feel like you, a bustle that lets you dance, or a full transformation—your vision matters. Libby’s story is just one of many.

Let us help you bring yours to life.