Like most women, I can sew an unraveling seam, replace a button and do some very basic sewing tasks when necessary. I even had my Mom's old sewing machine for a few years, but it really just made seam-sewing faster. I never attempted anything more complex and eventually sold the machine in a garage sale. My mom used to do a lot of sewing, and of all the things I learned from her, that wasn't one of them. Now I wish I had. This is for all you brides-to-be who CAN sew or have a close relative or friend who can sew. You can have a gorgeous, designer wedding gown at a fraction of the cost simply by making it yourself. Here are a few tips for stitching together the gown of your dreams:

--Honestly assess your sewing skills or the skills of the person you've asked to sew your gown. You should at least have experience sewing seams, fitting garments to your size and shape and adding closures like zippers and buttons. Remember--you and that gown are going to be the center of attention for several hours.

--Start early. Don't procrastinate! Give yourself plenty of tiime to work on your gown slowly and only when you're in the mood. This should be a happy experience and a labor of love, not a stress-filled chore.

--Get help. There may be others you know may be willing to sew a sleeve or a section of the dress for you.

--Determine the style you want. Sleeves? Strapless? Sheath or A-line? Long train? Beaded and embroidered? You should have a good idea of the dress style that flatters you most.

--Pick a pattern. All prominent pattern companies--Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, Butterick--have wedding dress patterns. Shop online or flip through the catalogs at a fabric store. If you're interested in vintage or period dresses, an online search should yield several possibilities. Choose a pattern that meets your skill level.

--Fabric. Big skirts, heavily gathered ballroom gowns and long trains require more fabric than a sheath, and bridal gown fabric can be expensive. Choose a pattern and fabric that work within your budget. You'll need to consider color (white, ivory, champagne,) thickness (does it need a lining?), price and additional notions (lace, trims, buttons, beading, crystals, zippers, etc.) The pattern should provide suggestions and information on what fabrics and notions will work best.

--Test the pattern. Get some cheap cotton or muslin and make the gown before you cut into the expensive fabric. The extra time and money this takes will be well worth it to make sure the pattern and the style work for you.

And by the way, there are bridal shower favors and wedding favors that can call attention to your dress, start the conversation and have all your family and friends impressed and amazed at the beautiful wedding gown your created yourself! "The Dress" Satin Gown Favor Bag is a lovely way to start the buzz at your bridal shower--just let your bridal shower host know about them! And at your reception, the Wedding Gown Candle in the Designer "Window Shop" Gift Box will have everyone's head "bobbin" in agreement that you are a talented, creative and financially prudent woman, and he's lucky to have found you!

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