The First Appointment
When a bride schedules a first appointment with me, my goal is to make her feel special, comfortable and relaxed and for her to know that this is her time, and there is no need to rush.
Then I tell my bride that I have two rules!
The First Rule is that she needs to communicate with me all her desires for her gown and veil so I can create her vision. I let her know that I am a very visual person and that I will have a font of ideas to share with her as to what can be done with her gown. I tell her if there is an idea that she does not like, we just simple move on. I reassure her that she cannot hurt my feelings, because it is not about me it is all about her…The Cherished Bride!
The Second Rule is that we Relax and have Fun, and create some beautiful memories together in the midst of Wedding Planning.
At this point the bride usually takes a deep breath, we share a smile, sometime hugs are even in order, and then we start creating those great memories!
The Threadbender offers a complimentary First appointment!

The Gown Purchase
You have been proposed to! And now you are ready to go gown shopping, What Fun!
This is the most important dress you will ever wear, and also the most emotional purchase you will probably ever make. The sales associate knows this and they will want to sell you all the accoutrements with the gown, such as a strapless bra or corset, and additional crinoline, veil, shoes, garter, purse, tiara and jewelry.
I suggest you wait until your gown comes in to decide on these additional purchases. In my world of wedding gown alterations I will more than likely suggest to you that sew in bra cups are a great alternative as you won’t need that additional layer under the bodice. This is especially true for a strapless gown. You may or may not need an additional crinoline; it is once again another layer. If more ‘pouf’ is needed, I will suggest that I just add it to the crinoline already sewn into the dress. (A lot of times I remove a layer of crinoline!)
As for your veil, I suggest after the bodice fitting, to look at veil choices, you may choose a different length or style. In the comfort of the fitting room, those decisions are more joyful and less stressful.
The Threadbender offers a 40% discount on a custom veil with your gown alterations!

Buying The Wrong Size Gown
Most wedding gowns are sized very differently than street clothes. We ladies can really freak out, looking at size labels. When a bride has worked to be a perfect size 8, and then they tell her she needs to order a bridal size 12 or 14…well here comes the tears! I suggest to my Brides that this is only a number and it is not a reflection on their lovely shape. (Gown manufactures would be well loved by all brides if they restructured there sizing charts!) When a gown is ordered to small, it can be very difficult to get it to fit properly. New gowns usually do not offer generous seam allowances, and once the gown is let out there can be the problem of ‘ghost stitching’, which is the hole marks left by the thread in the original seam. Letting out a gown can also change the drape and fall of the gown as well.
The Threadbender offers a complimentary measurement service.

Diana
Diana Ackerman, The Threadbender, offers a full-spectrum of personalized work for your Modern or Vintage Wedding Gown, Veil and Accoutrements. Diana serves the entire Bay Area and beyond from Redwood City, CA and can be reached at
1 (650) 350-2455.

Alterations
Diana's expertise in alterations allows her to approach classical, traditional, and modern wedding gowns with equal aplomb. She can balance the bustline, enhance the neckline, contour the torso, adjust the waistline, taper the skirt, create the bustle and give the gown a perfect hemline. Alterations are her strongest asset!

Restoration
Educated in sewing techniques from almost every era, Diana can restore your bridal attire or heirloom, using the techniques which originally built the heirloom article. Also skilled in modern techniques, Diana can make changes to your vintage attire to reflect your personal style and flair.

Veils
Diana custom designs and individually handcrafts veils for the Bride. Styles include: Cascade, Inverted, Fountain, Oval, Circle, Cage and Mantillas, with lengths in: Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Waist, Hip, Fingertip, Ankle, Waltz, Chapel, and Cathedral. Veils are available in a variety of fabrics, colors, edge treatments, and embellishments. If you can imagine it, Diana can create it!

Embellishments
Done by hand and with a total attention to detail, Diana can embellish your gown to make it as "one of a kind" as you are. She can use Freshwaters pearls, tiny seed beads, vintage gems, cut crystals and sequins. Other techniques include: ruching, lace appliqué, draping of added textiles, gathered roses and silk ribbon embroidery.

Preservation
Following your wedding, Diana can preserve your dress for the years ahead using Archival Preservation. She uses the finest quality materials so your dress will look as good tomorrow as it did on your wedding day.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take? How many fittings will it take? How much will it cost? If you have a question, Diana has an answer.

Gallery
A picture can be worth a thousand words.

Press
Read what others have to say about Diana.

Location
Diana offers Bridal gown alterations in The San Francisco Bay Area. Living on the Peninsula she is centrally located to help Northern California brides. Although located in the state of California in the United States, Diana takes on preservation and restoration jobs from all over the world. Any client can mail their heirloom to her for a free estimate. For more information, please call 1 (650) 350-2455.

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