Hi and Happy 2016!

​I's been ages since I've blogged and I missed doing updating this space so much pretty much because I was occupied with work and, well, any spare time left was spent with loved ones. Things have progressed so much since my last post- from getting a new job at a bridal boutique to finally meeting that special person who means so much to me now and is now my fiance.

So I'll start off with sharing one major life event recently, well not really about the event, but about the outfit I made for my engagement recently in December 2015.
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I used a light turquoise Duchess/Bridal Satin to make a multi-layered peplum top and I wore it with a turquoise skirt which I already have. It was a good coincidence because I was working and probably could only spare one day per week to work on this piece.

This piece probably took me less than 2-3 whole days from scratch including pattern drafting, and hand sewing of the embellishments such as the lace along the boatneck neckline, wrist beadings, pearl buttons and attaching the Swarovski crystals.

The multi-layered peplum bottom came about because I wanted to fully utilise the remaining fabrics and give it fullness and structure at the bottom.

It was a small and intimate event between our families and so thankful it went well. Alhamdullilah.

My makeup was done by my quirky and talented MUA friend, @vainbrained, and I'm so glad I engaged her to doll me up that day.

​Makes the day feel even more special to have someone around you can entrust to make you look good.

More updates on upcoming works to come, In Syaa Allah.

Love,
Sarah Zainal

Hey there :)

Working on this one was really quite a journey- initially the doubts were there but it became clearer yesterday and today on how I wanted this to be. 

This piece means so much to me in so many ways, to be in line with my goals and the values I believe in.

I wanted it to be modest, all covered up, but still look stunning for a special occasion. 

Eventually, I'll be responsible for the modesty of the wearer. It is easy to fall into creating something revealing which will turn heads and get the attention but I don't want to be held responsible for the wrong kind of gazes.

I'd just like to keep working on in this direction- to come up with creations that are sophisticated, classy, elegant, respectable- and it can easily be worn with a headscarf or hijab if the wearer wants to :)

Pretty much had put my heart and soul into this one.

And I'm still going to add more Swarovski crystals to the gown! Love how it sparkles and have a rainbow effect.

Love,
Sarah Zainal

Edit (16/2/15):

Below are the latest result with added Swarovski on the sleeves and back as well!

This was inspired by the mermaid shape bridal silhouette. I wanted something elegant, timeless and suitable for evening wear. Something well-fitted and with clean lines. Perhaps my entire collection will be based on this as a guideline. I love the off-shoulder look. And to play around with circular elements such as ruffles as well.

But first... can you believe this scissors costs $25.90? Bought it anyway cos mine broke at the handle and the other one was losing its sharpness. They didn't even cost beyond $5 I suppose.

I took about a week of break before completing this dress due to my commissioned works of the wedding gown and 7 sets of costumes. Still have a few commissions in queue so I'm going to get back on completing those first before starting on my next dress!

Love,
Sarah Zainal

Just a day after moving in to my very own 'sewing studio', I'd received a request from a friend's friend who needed to get her wedding dress altered and her big day was just 2 weeks away! It was a pretty exciting project for me and I'm appreciative of the trust given to alter the dress as desired. It was such an honor for me!

Let's begin with the background of the wedding dress. It was purchased from an online website which appears to be more on the reputable and trustworthy side and the dress was very close to the pictures online. Quality was good in terms of the Chantilly lace they used, good chiffon, lined well, neat sewing, French seams and some nice beadwork. So I'd say it delivered what was promised.

Probably a few minor alterations needed and it'll fit much better for her. The sleeves were a little to wide and not long enough for her. And the placement of the belt looked a little off because it positioned a little too high in the front. So it was an issue with proportions and measurements. I also noticed a missing hook closure for the back and I found it odd that they have the material tag label sewn at the side where u can see it from outside since its sheer netting- the kind of label that says like 100% polyester, hand wash, etc. Also noticed that the button hoops stretches a lot revealing gaps at the back when worn.

I tackled the main issue first- the I'll fitting sleeve that is too wide and wrinkles a lot! The reason it appeared so wrinkled was because the entire sleeve was made up of two layers of netting so they did not seem to sit well together or was not flushed well to each other, hence, the wrinkly appearance. I removed one of the layers, and it look much better when the lace is placed on a single layer base so that the lace will stand out a bit more. I also shortened it to become 3/4 sleeves which is more flattering for her and finished the edges with lace borders instead of the usual straight hem.

I'm sure the bride will look ethereally beautiful on her big day. My buddy Dan Yao (http://www.daniellezhao.com) will be her makeup artist! Thanks to her for getting me connected with the bride-to-be as well. Can't wait to see the photos of the actual wedding! 

Love,

Sarah Zainal