Say 'I do' with a personal touch Embroidered accessories are becoming a popular way to personalize a wedding. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something ... personalized? For modern nuptials, there's a growing demand for personalized items, and many brides are seeking out how-to information on everything from sewing their own gowns to embroidering table linens for the reception. "More than ever, today's weddings are about personal style rather than tradition," says Dee Foust, editor of the premier edition of Simply Creative Weddings. From handmade favors to antique bridesmaid dresses adorned with silk flowers, the theme throughout this new magazine is express yourself. "What makes it even more tempting to reach inside yourself for wedding inspiration are the advances in sewing machine technology," says Sue Hausmann, senior vice president of education and consumer motivation for Husqvarna Viking sewing machines. "The thought of hand embellishing anything in the wake of impending nuptials could send even the most organized bride into a frenzy, but today's embroidery and sewing machines practically do the work for you." An embroidery sewing machine can play a modest role by monogramming gifts for the bridal party. Or, it can be the tool by which a bride pulls everything together - a chosen motif for her gown can be repeated on the bridesmaids' gowns, table linens, accessories, even the invitations. She has the freedom to design and embellish without the fear of making a mistake. With advances in machine embroidery, a unique, embroidered medallion or an exquisite touch of lace is in the hands of the home creator. These laces and medallions can be stitched directly on fabric or on a dissolvable base to be applied individually. Husqvarna Viking features a selection of lace and medallion collections specifically created for bridal embellishment, like the Lace Collection by Jeanne Harrison. Other design disks address a theme; the new Christmas Lace design collection by European designer Isolde Stabb includes holiday favorites - angels, wreaths, stars, snowflakes, bows and trees - terrific for a Christmas wedding. Applying finished designs to a gown is one application. Adding a medallion to a satin shoe, bridal bag, ring bearer's pillow, bridal hankie or even pew decorations carries a theme throughout. Even a quilted covered hanger, dressed up with individual touches and trimmed with ribbon, can be part of the package. It's a beautiful thing to know there's no limit, and modern brides are beginning to realize that their own creativity goes a long way. For ideas, embroidery designs and instructions on creating your own personalized wedding accessories, visit www.husqvarnaviking. com. Or visit www.bridal.com, where McCall's bridal designer Alicyn Wright shares information on selecting fabrics, construction and appropriate styles for individual figure types, as well as tips for making each pattern. Also, check out a new addition - The Home Sewing Association, a non-profit industry voice, at www.sewing.org. The bridal page includes trend information, projects and links for brides who plan to make sewing a part of their wedding preparations.