I have made three in the past year: one for myself (for my wedding last July) and two for others. They have all been the same style - fingertip length, modified mantilla veils with light gathering at the top, alencon lace trim and metal combs. With the help of a good friend and her mother, we perfected the top of the veil, using the gathers to make the veil and lace lay nicely while trying to prevent puffiness in the tulle at the top of the head.
I love alencon lace, but I was so disappointed when shopping for wedding veils and realizing most $400 veils used cheap beaded lace that was glued to the tulle. So I figured it might be worth trying to make one on my own.
Nice lace should always be respected by being sewn on.
And I love the fringes that exist on good quality alencon lace.
But it is interesting to read about the real history of Alencon lace, and how it is made. It is an amazing art, one that deserves a lot of respect.
This is so lovely. Can you advise me what shape I would have to cut the veil. I've not made one before and as I am getting married in the near future I would love to make one for myself :-)
ReplyDeleteA veil like this is actually wider than it is long. For a fingertip-length veil, the shape of the tulle is an oval that is 6ft wide and 3ft long, with the top 4 feet gathered at the comb. If you are interested in making one for yourself, I can give you more specific directions.
ReplyDeleteIs there a pattern available for this shape that you can recommend?
DeleteThis is stunning! Do you have a pattern, more specific directions? I would love to make this for my own wedding. :)
ReplyDeleteHello! Beautiful veils-
ReplyDelete'm going to try to make a drop veil with Alencon lace- but I'm concerned about how to keep the lace from puckering, as it will be sewn on a curve- how did you prevent this?
to prevent puckering, just make sure you pick a lace type that is no more than 2-3 inches wide at the widest parts. The alencon lace I used here is varies from 1" wide to 2.5" wide, and it is able to be sewn to a curve without puckering. I have tried this technique with wider lace, and it does become more difficult to get the lace to lay correctly.
ReplyDeleteAlso remember that the veil will be hanging freely when worn, and not laying flat, so what looks like puckering when the veil lays flat often becomes invisible once it is hanging.
This veil is beautiful! I have been trying to find directions to make this type of veil for myself, but haven't had much luck. The few books I found at the library are pretty early 1990's, and not at all what I am looking for. Did you gather the veil and sew on the comb before you sewed the lace edge on? If it is not too much trouble, would you be able to give me some more detailed instructions on how to go about making this veil? I would really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteDo you sell like this but cathedral lenght?
ReplyDeleteThanks
I would be interested in making one for myself, can you give really specific directions. That is just the style I'm looking for.
ReplyDeletethis is beautiful! i would love more details to make my own - i have tons of extra lace from my dress to use!
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother is making my veil and this is exactly what I am looking for! Can you please advise if there is a pattern that you would recommend to get this shape and size? Also how have you attached to the comb to ensure the top of the veil (where sits on the head) lays as flat as possible like true Mantilla veil. I do not want it all poofy on top of my head.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!