Threads:
Have you ever run into problems that were unforeseen? What were they?

Erika:
Oh sure, a few gowns have had staining that couldn’t be avoided. One customer sent lace from her grandmother’s wedding gown that was so old it tore apart in my hands. I had to reinforce it with layers of silk underneath.·

The original gown for this dress had a very narrow skirt. So instead of gathering the waistline (like the customer originally wanted) it had to be made with a princess waist-line, and we used little pick-ups on the overlay instead.

This gown couldn't have a gathered skirt because there wasn't enough fabric.

I’m a huge believer in the saying “necessity is the mother of invention.” Problem areas demand creative problem-solving; they can produce some of the best results.

Threads:
Does one of the gowns you made have a special place in your heart because it was particularly special to you or to the parents you made it for?

Erika:
The very first wedding gown I converted was worn by three generations of women.·My customer, a local business owner, was a stranger who found me online.·The simple fact that she trusted me was a pivotal moment in my sewing career. I was very nervous and spent more time considering the process than sewing the dress.·She cried when she saw it, and I’ve been hooked on re-creating wedding gowns ever since.

The very first wedding gown I converted was worn by three generations of women.

My customer cried when she saw the gown I had created.

Threads:
Have you ever encountered a wedding gown that just didn’t work as a christening gown?

Erika:
No, never. Even the smallest family heirloom can be made into something beautiful. I’ve made dresses using remnant fabric, shawls, brooches and old handkerchiefs. I’ve updated vintage baby gowns by adding new silk and trims. It’s true: a little creativity goes a long way.

I agree completely with Erika. A little creativity can produce a garment that's equisite sometimes because of it's beautiful embellishments and sometimes because of its stunning simplicity. I hope my conversation with Erika will spur me on to find the courage to envision my wedding gown transformed for my future grandchild, and the courage to cut into it! Or maybe I'll hire Erika and let her have the courage for me!