Sewing By Karen

08/31/2026

Wedding Dress of the Day: $650
Sophia Tolli
# Aricia 11641
Size 16
White
Retail: $1999
What can be said about this gorgeous dress! She is stunning all the way around! Beautiful lace and tulle! Low Sweetheart bodice, illusion straps with illusion. illusion back with lace and covererd buttons up back. Very full ballgown and heavy, but so pretty. Beautiful Lace hem.
Bust: 41"
Waist: 32.5"
Hip: 44"

08/31/2026

👗✨ Shopping for a Special Occasion Dress? Come Prepared! ✨👗

Whether you're shopping for a wedding gown, Mother of the Bride dress, prom dress, pageant gown, or another special occasion, a little preparation can make a big difference!

💕 **Hit the Dressing Room Prepared!**

To get the best idea of how your dress will look on the big day, consider bringing:

👠 Shoes with a heel height similar to what you'll be wearing
🤍 Shapewear or Spanx (if you plan to wear it)
👙 A strapless bra (if needed)
💄 Your favorite lipstick or lip color
💇‍♀️ A hairbrush or hair tie to style your hair similarly to how you'll wear it

These little details can completely change how a dress looks and feels on you!

✨ **A few more tips from a seamstress:**

• Wear nude-colored undergarments whenever possible.
• If you're deciding whether to wear shapewear, try the dress on both with and without it. You may be surprised which look you prefer!
• Move around! Sit down, walk, raise your arms, and even do a little dance. Make sure you're comfortable—not just standing still.
• Take photos from the front, back, and sides. Sometimes what you see in a photo is different than what you notice in the mirror.

The goal isn't just to find a beautiful dress...

💕 It's to find a dress that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident.

Happy shopping! 😊

08/30/2026

👗✨ 5 Formal Alteration Tips Everyone Should Know! ✨👗

Whether you're shopping for **Prom, Homecoming, a Pageant, Military Ball, Winter Formal, or another special event**, here are a few tips that can save you time, money, and stress!

# # # 🪡 Tip #1: Buy the Bigger Size

Especially if you're ordering online!

Formal sizing almost always runs smaller than regular street clothes. It's much easier (and often less expensive) to make a dress smaller than it is to make one bigger.

# # # 📅 Tip #2: Don't Wait to Book Your Alterations

This is probably my biggest piece of advice!

Prom, Homecoming, and Pageants all happen during our busiest bridal season. Our schedule fills up quickly, and we may not be able to squeeze everyone in.

Planning ahead also helps you avoid rush fees.

# # # 📞 Tip #3: Check If Appointments Are Required

Many alteration shops work **by appointment only**, so don't assume you can just stop in.

Booking early gives you the best selection of appointment times.

# # # 👠 Tip #4: Bring Your Shoes & Undergarments

This is a MUST—especially if your dress needs to be hemmed.

Please bring:
✔️ The shoes you plan to wear
✔️ Your shapewear or undergarments (if you'll be wearing them)

Some seamstresses (including us!) also offer **support cups** that can be sewn directly into your dress. Be sure to ask about your options during your fitting.

# # # 💲 Tip #5: Budget for Alterations

Every dress is different.

The cost of alterations depends on things like:

✨ Number of layers
✨ Beading or sequins
✨ Lace
✨ Boning
✨ Horsehair braid
✨ Construction of the dress

Some formal gowns are actually **more complicated than wedding dresses**, so alterations can take much more time than people expect.

💖 **A little planning goes a long way!**

Buying the right size, scheduling early, and coming prepared to your appointment can make your alteration experience much smoother.

If you're looking for an experienced seamstress for your formal dress, we'd love to help!

💕 **Sewing by Karen**
📍 Napoleon, MI
🪡 Bridal • Prom • Homecoming • Pageants • Mothers • Formal Wear

I’ve been sewing for over 32 years, but it still feels like a joy—not a job. I found my love for sewing in college (where I altered my first wedding dress without totally knowing what I was doing!), and I’ve been working with brides ever since.

08/30/2026

Wedding Dress of the Day: $789
Eddy K
Filipa
Size 2
Bust: 32
Waist: 25
Hip: 36
Ivory/Silver/Ivory
Lace/Tulle
New w/ Tags
Retails: $1899
This stunning lace wedding dress is perfect for any bride looking to make a statement on her special day. Designed by Eddy K, the Filipa dress features a flattering V-neckline and intricate lace and sequin detailing throughout. The ivory color adds a touch of elegance, and the fit and flare style complements any body type. The back closure is made up of hooks and eyes as well as buttons, ensuring a secure fit. The sleeveless design allows for comfort during warmer weather, and the train adds a touch of drama to the silhouette. Made of high-quality lace material, this dress is sure to make any bride feel beautiful and confident on her wedding day.
Neckline: V Neck
Detailing: Lace, Sequin
Color: Ivory
Sleeve Style: Sleeveless
Silhouette: Mermaid & Trumpet
Material: Lace
Dress Length: Train
Designer/Brand:: Eddy k
Back Closure: Buttons, Hooks & Eyes

08/29/2026

Wedding Dress of the Day: $700
Christina Wu
19109
Size 20
Bust: 46"
Waist: 39"
Hip: 49.5"
Ivory / Light Gold
New
Retails: $1699
A beautiful, stunning modern sequins lace begins at the sweetheart neckline of this gown and trails down the body of this universally loved fit and flare shape. The hem is finished with a lace border that trails upwards to give this gown the perfect finish.

08/29/2026

👰✨ Thinking About Wearing Two Dresses on Your Wedding Day? ✨👰

If you're considering having one dress for your ceremony and another for your reception, here's something to think about...

🌸 **The Season!**

It's easy to fall in love with that gorgeous satin ball gown...

✨ Long sleeves
✨ Heavy beading
✨ A dramatic cathedral train

And if that's your dream dress...go for it! ❤️

But remember...

Your ceremony may only last **20–30 minutes**...
..while you'll likely wear your dress for **6–8 hours!**

Think about what you'll be doing after the ceremony:

💃 Dancing
🍽️ Eating
🤗 Hugging guests
📸 Taking photos
🎉 Celebrating all evening

A heavy dress can become warm, tiring, and more difficult to move around in—especially during a summer wedding.

That's why many brides choose to:

👰 Wear their dream gown for the ceremony and formal photos.
✨ Change into a lighter, simpler dress for the reception.

You still get the best of both worlds!

💕 A stunning bridal look for walking down the aisle...
💕 And a comfortable dress that lets you dance, celebrate, and enjoy every moment with your family and friends.

There isn't a right or wrong choice—only what's right for **you**, your wedding, and the season.

After all...

We want you to be a glowing, radiant bride...

❤️ **Not a hot, uncomfortable bride who's counting down the minutes until she can change clothes!** 😄

08/28/2026

Wedding Dress of the Day: $750
Christina Wu
#15812
Size 20
Bust: 46.5"
Waist: 39.5"
Hip: 49.5"
Ivory/N**e/Silver
New w/ Tags
Retail: $1899
Because your big day deserves the celebration of a lifetime and a wedding dress to go with it, this heavily beaded strapless sweetheart soft A-line tulle will place a smile on everyone’s face. Sheer bodice, beaded accents around the waist and covered buttons all blend together to make the bride the center of attention. Beaded Lace/All Over Lace/Tulle. A-line wedding dress features a semi-sheer corset bodice in beaded lace, with a strapless sweetheart neckline and a buttoned low back. The beaded waist gives way to the tulle skirt, ending in a chapel train.
Dress Length Long Dresses
Silhouette A Line
Neckline Strapless, Sweetheart
Back Low Back

08/28/2026

👰✨ Is Your Wedding Dress Too Full? Too Heavy? Too Hot? ✨👰

Did you know...you don't have to keep all of the fullness that's inside your wedding dress?

Many wedding gowns have layers of **crinoline or netting** sewn into the skirt to create that big ball gown look.

But if you're thinking...

🥵 "This dress is so hot!"
😅 "It's so heavy!"
🚶‍♀️ "I can barely move!"
👗 "I wish it wasn't quite so full..."
..we may be able to help!

🪡 We can often **remove some or all of the inner netting** to give your gown a softer, more natural A-line silhouette.

The benefits can include:

✨ A lighter dress
✨ Less bulk
✨ More comfortable to wear
✨ Easier to walk and dance in
✨ Cooler for summer weddings

And in many cases...

💕 It can actually be **more flattering** for certain body types by creating a smoother, less bulky silhouette.

Every gown is different, so we'll discuss your options during your alterations appointment to determine what will work best with your dress.

Sometimes a small change inside the dress can make a **big difference** in how comfortable—and confident—you feel on your wedding day! 🤍

08/27/2026

Wedding Dress of the Day: $700
Adore by Justin Alexander
#11250
Size 20
Bust: 44.5"
Waist: 36.5"
Hip: 48"
Pink Champagne / Ivory / N**e
New w/ Tags
Retail: $1499
Perfect for an outdoor ceremony, this romantic organza A-line wedding dress is dreamy and light. With a timeless V-neckline, it has sheer straps that give way to an illusion back. The bodice is detailed with a Chantilly lace underlay that extends to the side seams. Tonal beaded and sequined embroidered appliqués are placed overtop before cascading down the airy skirt. It's complete with organza covered buttons down the back and has a sweep length train.
SILHOUETTE: A-Line
NECKLINE: V-Neck
WAISTLINE: Natural
TREND: Flirty Backs, Impossibly Chic
FIGURE: Curvy
FABRIC: Beading, Lace, Net, Organza, Tulle
TRAIN LENGTH: Sweep

08/27/2026

👰💕 How to Avoid Wedding Dress Regret 💕👰

Over the years, I've had the privilege of altering hundreds of wedding dresses. One thing I've noticed is that many brides who come to me with a **second dress** often tell me the same things they wish they had done differently.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid "dress regret."

💕 **Keep Your Entourage Small**

Bring two to four people whose opinions you truly value. The more people you bring, the more opinions you'll hear—and sometimes that makes it harder to listen to your own heart.

💕 **Don't Feel Pressured to Say "Yes" Today**

If you're unsure, sleep on it.

Your dream dress will still be beautiful tomorrow. If you're hesitant, there's usually a reason. Give yourself permission to think about it.

💕 **Try On Every Style**

Even if you're convinced you only want a fitted gown...try on a ball gown.

If you think you only want sleeves...try strapless.

You might be surprised! Many brides fall in love with a style they never expected.

💕 **Take Lots of Pictures**

Front, back, sides, close-ups...

Have one person designated as the photographer. Looking back at the photos later often makes your favorite dress stand out.

💕 **If You're Indecisive, Find a Salon That Allows Photos**

Being able to review pictures at home can make a huge difference if you're struggling to decide.

💕 **Be Honest With Your Consultant**

Don't be afraid to say:

🤍 "I love the neckline."
🤍 "I don't like the lace."
🤍 "The skirt feels too heavy."
🤍 "I wish the back was lower."

The more honest you are, the easier it is for your consultant to help you find the perfect dress.

💕 **Ask Questions About Alterations**

Almost anything **can** be altered...

…but that doesn't always mean it **should** be—or that it will fit your budget.

If you're considering major changes, ask to speak with the salon's alterations specialist if they have one. If they don't, consider consulting with an experienced local seamstress before purchasing.

A simple conversation can save you hundreds of dollars and help you avoid disappointment later.

💕 **Keep an Open Mind**

Your consultant sees hundreds of brides every year. Sometimes they'll pull a dress you never would have chosen—and it ends up being "The One."

❤️ **Most Important of All...**

Choose the dress that makes **YOU** smile.

Not your mom.

Not your bridesmaids.

Not your future mother-in-law.

Not Pinterest.

When you look in the mirror, you should feel like the best version of yourself.

Enjoy the experience, eat before you shop, wear comfortable undergarments, bring a strapless bra if you have one, and most importantly...have fun!

✨ **And of course...if you're still looking...**

At **Sewing by Karen**, we have **over 350 beautiful, name-brand wedding dresses** in stock...

💕 **All priced at $800 and under!**

We'd love to help you find the dress you'll never regret saying "YES!" to. 💕