UPDATE: See behind the scenes of the RSN Embroidery Studio with Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, Julie Montagu!

Spring is upon us, and for the RSN Embroidery Studio, that means wedding season!

From restoring treasured bridal heirlooms to creating something entirely new, our skilled team of studio embroiderers ensure every stitch tells a story of love, tradition, and celebration. Read on to hear more about some of the latest wedding commissions undertaken by the RSN Embroidery Studio!

One stunning veil for two sisters

For one family, we were delighted to prepare the veil for each of their two daughters, both wishing to use the treasured veil, but each wanting to wear it in a different manner.

The veil was washed and steamed and a few tiny repairs undertaken before it was temporarily fitted to a hair comb. The combs vary in size and will be wrapped in ribbon before the veil is stitched carefully to the ribbon, protecting it from the comb. Each time, the bride to be has been to the Studio to have the comb positioned and fitted. We love this as it makes us feel part of their special day, and we always look forward to seeing pictures of the occasion.

This particular veil has been worn over many generations including grandmother, mother, aunts and cousins. The family have pulled together photos of every bride that has worn the veil and attached them to the lid of the conservation box the veil is stored in. This is a tremendous record and ensures that the information stays with the veil for generations to come.

The start of a family Heirloom

The RSN Embroidery Studio were approached by a bride who wished to personalise her new veil. The machine embroidery on the veil was such that it scooped around creating a central space into which we perfectly fitted the bride and groom’s initials.

The initials were sized and positioned to be discreet and not over whelming or overpowered by the surrounding machine embroidery. It is always tricky to transfer the design onto the net but our talented team have their special ways to do this. The letters were embroidered onto the net using padded satin stitch, giving the letters some weight, so it is readable from a distance as she walked down the aisle. The embroidery was not too heavy as this would cause distortion to the veil in the surrounding area and in time cause greater wear and tear. As this will be a future heirloom it is important that the embroidery does not jeopardise the longevity of the piece.

A Family Chinese Wedding Dress

Amongst lots of white then came the most incredible Chinese wedding dress that had been used by the customer over 30 years ago and was to be used by their future daughter-in-law.

It was to be worn for the traditional tea ceremony held prior to their wedding day. The dress consisted of a skirt and jacket and was embroidered in couched silver thread on a red silk fabric. The dragons were padded and although generally in a good condition the silk thread used to couch the silver had started to break particularly in areas of wear and tear such as under the arms and down the sides.

The red silk fabric needed some general attention and a running repair at the waistband where the skirt had parted from the band was reviewed. The team decided to remove this repair and reworked it so that it was stronger and not so visible, and then renew one of the fastenings and generally tidy the others.

Do you have a wedding object you would like made, restored or conserved?

Contact the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration and conservation services.