SAVED FROM THE SCISSORS

You know how I love lace.
The other day. someone reminded me about a wedding dress I was given a few years ago. The owner was going to dump it, as she know longer felt particularly sentimental about her wedding (another story, I suppose.) A mutual friend asked if she could rescue it and give it to me to use in my crafts. It was guipuire lace, with pearls sewn on. Over the years, I have actually used quite a bit of the lace section.

It got me thinking about my own wedding dress.
Bernie and I have been married for nearly 42 years.

My dress consisted of a satin sleeveless dress in a sort of Princess line, and over it a long sleeve coat with a short train in a lovely ribbon lace.

 It was very modest compared to the dresses brides wear today (I always think they must spend their wedding hours hoping nothing 'pops out') It was not overly expensive, and I did not agonise over its purchase. In fact I do believe it was the first one I tried on in the first shop I visited.
For years after our marriage, the dress was in a box in a high cupboard in the office at Fletcher Christian. I never got it down to look at it. I remember someone telling me they thought the rats had been in the cupboard, and I was too scared to look.
Then about 15 years ago I brought it over here to "Devon". I had a quick look inside the pillowcase in which I kept it, and ascertained it was not in too bad a state - just a couple of stains, but I did not open it right out. Perhaps I felt it would be kind of strange seeing a garment that was 3 or 4 sizes smaller than I wear now!!
Anyway, back to this week. Thinking about that wedding dress, I decided I would cut it up. The ribbon lace would be lovely to use in collages and some of the little things I make. I knew it would take a little bit of courage to make the first cut, but I did not think it was such a special or unique garment that it was worth preserving for posterity. By the way, that is no reflection on our marriage - my husband is definitely a 'keeper!' And I did feel very special in the dress on the day!
Anyway, only this morning Kim asked me about it. She said there was a Fundraiser coming up where old wedding dresses would be paraded and displayed. And she asked if I could show her mine.
So out it came. I was pleasantly surprised. There were still a couple of fairly  inconspicuous stains, and a yellowing in some parts - but not too bad. And I still had the veil and headdress too.
Kim tried it on. It was an absolutely perfect fit on her!

 My kitchen is not a very glamorous or romantic background, is it?

 Sorry - but looking at these pictures, the outfit reminds me a bit of a nightie and dressing gown! Perhaps the bouquet and hairstyle gave it a different look! Or have I been looking at too many strapless and off the shoulder wedding gowns that show far more flesh than mine did??

Kim was appalled when I said she was lucky I had not taken the scissors to it only yesterday!!!
So perhaps it is going to have one more special outing!
Will I cut it up after that?
The jury is still out on that one.