People often ask me for advice in choosing sewing machines for beginners to dressmaking. This article is designed specifically for those looking to make clothing at home, or starting out on the road through fashion or costume training. There are specialist machines for other jobs like quilting and upholstery but I won’t be looking at...
Posts from Felicity Westmacott
Wedding dress inspiration: Dorothy`s ruby slippers 👠👠
Creating a bespoke look for a styled photoshoot means I really get to let my imagination run wild. I love picturing my ideal client when I design dresses like this - someone bold, who loves colour, couture and a little bit of whimsy.
Would you walk down the yellow brick road in this wedding dress?
This exact dress is currently part of my Sample Sale - follow the link in my bio, so it can finally click its heels and be whisked away to a new home.
#unconventionalbride #redweddingdress #weddingdressinspiration #2026bride
Photography by @adamrowleycreative
MUA @anushasolanki
Accessories @birdsandsirens
Model @elodie.foray
Florist @darvalldesign
You would think something as niche as a red wedding dress would have limited options when it comes to styling, but these two photoshoots prove that is absolutely not the case.
The first shoot was a Christmas Sparkle shoot in London, where the bride stood out, even amongst all the beautiful decorations and glittering lights.
The second shoot was completely different - shot at Proud Cabaret, colourful and fabulous, this shoot was a vibrant celebration of life and love.
Two such different ways to style this dress. But whichever shoot, this look is so bold and modern. If you`re in love with this unique wedding dress, you can find this exact one on sale on my Etsy (for an impressively low price, so you better hurry 😉).
But, I want to know, which styling do you prefer:
Christmas Sparkle 🌟 or Cabaret 🥂?
Christmas Sparkle Team:
Photography by @adamrowleycreative
MUA @anushasolanki
Accessories @birdsandsirens
Model Elodie Foray @elodie.foray
Cabaret Team:
Organiser & hairstylist @bighair.energy
Model couple @michele_and_graziella
Photographer @magpie.eye.weddings
MUA @joannehook_mua
Cake @theblueboxcakecompany
Accessories @thelucky6pence
Styling/floristry @ashdownevents
Streamers @streamadelica_uk
Coordinator @dani.singam
I`ll let Emma explain her alteration journey with me in her own words:
"Thank you so much for the alterations to my wedding dress. I came to you with a dress that didn’t really fit me properly. Having a larger cup size you did your magic and made the dress fit me. Couldn’t recommend enough, so much knowledge and attention to detail. I absolutely loved the alterations to the back and it looked amazing. Thank you for making me feel confident in my dress. Would recommend to anyone."
Emma needed extensive alterations. With her bigger bust and narrow hips, it was unlikely she was going to find an off-the-rail dress that was going to fit perfectly in all the right place. So that`s where I came in!
I took in the dress where it was too big, around the hips and waist. For the bust, I had an extra challenge, since Emma`s dress was backless, so I had less to work with. I added cups for support, and boning for a smooth shape. After a few more structural changes, I finished off with some lace on the straps, for both support and because it looks so pretty.
I think Emma`s words say it all really 🥰 thank you Emma, for trusting me with your wedding dress alterations. You look absolutely beautiful!
I still have some bridal alternations slots for the first half of 2026, so drop me a message to grab one!
Photography - Nikos Pomonis
From every angle, the Poinsettia dress is STUNNING!
This bespoke wedding dress has already been snapped up by a bride, but if you want an outfit that sparkles in the sun during your summer wedding, or that glitters under the lights at your reception, drop me a DM. Let`s make your dress dreams come true ✨
Wedding shoot suppliers:
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride
In association with @HelloDorking
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop
Cake - @PuttyCakes
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt
Make-up - @SiSalon_
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg
🍋La Dolce Vita in Dorking🍋
How lovely to have a destination wedding on your own doorstep. That was the aim of this styled wedding photoshoot - we wanted to bring a slice of Italy to Surrey. A slower way of life, enjoying the small pleasures; the bright yellow of a lemon, the sun of your skin and bringing together of two people who love each other.
I provided two looks for this shoot; my Poinsettia dress and a simple satin shift with a lace capelet. All the drama for the ceremony, and something a little more comfortable to relax in afterwards.
Suppliers
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride
In association with @HelloDorking
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop
Cake - @PuttyCakes
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt
Make-up - @SiSalon_
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg
Vintage elegance with modern tastes 💜
This Bridgerton-inspired wedding dress is now for sale 🥳 I`m currently clearing space in my shop in Dorking, so I have extra room to create even more unique, unusual and quirky wedding dresses.
You can find the outfit on my Etsy (link in bio), where you can purchase either the whole set (dress, bolero, dip dye overskirt), or just the base dress. The stays (corset) and petticoat shift I made specifically to go with this dress are also up there - having the shapewear that would have been used during the period really adds to creating an authentic silhouette.
Tag someone who would look perfect in this outfit!
Emily BThanks so much for this detailed investigation This question is asked so often (almost daily) in sewing forums, and I know I’ll be sending people over here to read this. It’s interesting to see that new Berninas didn’t pop up as ‘recommended for those new to dressmaking’; I’ll hypothesise that this is due to their (higher) price point, even for their current entry-level model (the 215). Fundamentally, they’re not unsuitable for beginners; they’re just a bigger investment to begin with.
Meanwhile, I’m thrilled to see some of my favourite machines on this list. Singer 201s (the older cast iron, and newer aluminium body machines) and the smaller 99s are straight-stitch only machines, but the narrower feed-dogs mean they are some of the most beautiful straight stitches you’ll ever see. I picked up my Elna Supermatic from the tip shop for AUD$15, and after a service it runs beautifully. My students love to sew on my Bernina 1001, too!
To anyone reading this and looking for answers: please take notice. This advice is sound, and has your best interests at heart.
Viv WatkinsI like your advice for using a hair dryer on a machine that has been stored for a long time or in a cold place. Years ago, my engineer told me I must always have my machine at room temperature before sewing and I do that without even thinking about it!
RitaPlease is keyser 69 and pffaf 1212 okay for beginners class? Thanks
woozelsmudgeHi Rita
As I say in the article I actually have very little personal experience with any machines except my beloved Bernina 1001. The Elna supermatic was recommended by several people I surveyed as a very nice little machine. Pfaff also scores highly among sewing professionals as a good brand and looking around there seem to be lots of tutorials and demos using it, I would say yes it will do you very well.Googling Keyser 69 didn’t help me know more either as nothing comes up – except an article with the Smithsonian museum. So from that I infer it’s very much an older machine! And, as long as they are good working order, older machines are usually pretty good. If it does a straight and a zigzag stitch and has a backwards function I should imagine you are good to go! I hope this gives you some confidence – all machines will benefit from a service before use!