SUDDENLY SEQUINED: "LITTLE SHOP OF GYPSIES" TURNS TRAVELLERS INTO DRESSMAKERS

TLC goes behind the seams of the dressmaking business from "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding"

First seen on MY BIG FAT GYPSY WEDDING, British dressmaker Thelma Madine has taken gypsy and traveler women from maidenhood to matrimony with her over-the-top dresses and extravagant designs. As an ardent supporter of women's rights, Thelma now wants to help unconventional gypsies - young women who would rather get hired than get hitched. In LITTLE SHOP OF GYPSIES, premiering on TLC October 11th at 10pm ET/PT, Thelma puts her reputation on the line by taking on 10 travelerwomen as apprentices.

Six months is very little time to learn a trade as intricate as tailoring, but Thelma has never backed down from a challenge. She built her business from scratch after the collapse of her first marriage, and passionately believes women should control their own lives. Her program is rigorous, but will allow traveler women to learn a trade and live for something other than just their families. At the same time, Thelma gains 10 willing hands to help her manage the growing demand for her fabulously theatrical dresses. Not all goes smoothly, though, as the women have difficulty responding to authority, turn on each other - including a pin-pricking attack on one of the apprentices - and face suspensions that threatens the entire experiment. Thelma herself hits her limits, and nearly abandons the business.

Ellen K narrates the four hour-long episodes of LITTLE SHOP OF GYPSIES, which is produced by Firecracker Films. The Executive Producers are Sue Oriel, Mark Soldinger, and Jes Wilkins.