Buy your wedding gown without breaking the bank
18.05.12
It used to be that bridal salons, in all their finery, stood alone on a pedestal. But in the past several years, bridal entourages have turned their attention to mass-market apparel chains, which show off more affordable styles. While American women spend an average of $1,121 on their wedding gowns, according to a recent survey by TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com, elegant dresses go for less than half that amount at department stores and other off-the-rack retailers.
Below are Cheapism’s top picks for brides-to-be on a budget.
J. Crew wedding dresses (starting at $298) were among the first to attract frugal brides, who praise the sophisticated design and excellent quality. The line has expanded from only two styles in 2004 to more than 50 dresses available online. Brides can try on gowns in person at stores that carry the wedding collection. ( Where to buy ) Nordstrom wedding dresses (starting at $178) receive glowing reviews for their flattering fit and design
Source: msnbc.com (blog)
Church's sewing circle stitches threads of love
18.05.12
SNOW HILL -- Janine Dufrene's fingers gingerly guided her needle into the soft, cotton face of the quilt stretched on a quilting frame.
Around her, half a dozen ladies worked, their short, even stitches creating textured designs in the open fields of white on the bed covering.
Every stitch came with smiles, conversation, love and fellowship. Just as it should be at the monthly sewing circle at the Snow Hill Mennonite Church.
Only one in the room has been here since the group began serving their community in 1953. Barbara Kurtz, 85, sat at the frame, her fingers slowly, gingerly, working to add another stitch to the design before her. Her daughter, Mary Hostetler, who sat beside her, helped her mother rethread the needle.
Quilting has been a mainstay of church women of various denominations over the years. Yet here, in the countryside of open fields and forests of Worcester County, quilting has spiritual overtones. It comes with a shared interest in sewing that brings strangers, family and church members together.
Source: Bethany Beach Wave
