Veggie Trades for Sewing Lessons

In 2023, Nickie walked into my sewing studio with an eager smile and a beginner's spirit. She had just signed up for my You Decide sewing course and was ready to take her first steps into the world of garment making. Her project for the course was a Peppermint Magazine Wide Strap Maxi Dress. It was an ambitious beginners project, but I was yet to learn that Nickie never does anything in halves. The final night of the course deserves a special mention – not only because we were on track to finish albeit a little late into the night but because I had decided to provide a couple of glasses of bubbles for a celebratory touch! Let’s just say it turned into a hilarious mission to finish that dress on time (with a few mistakes), but we did it, and it was perfect. 

Little did I know, that night would be the beginning of a truly special journey. A few months later, Nickie reached out to me with an exciting, slightly daunting, and totally inspiring request: she wanted to create her own wedding dress. I was all in, of course! We had a lot of online chats to discuss patterns, fabric choices, and design ideas. Nickie was passionate about bringing her dream dress to life, but like every perfect project, it needed careful planning.  

Our first step was a private sewing lesson then another *You Decide* workshop, and another round of *You Decide* workshops. And a few You Decide Quickie classes. The sewing sessions became more frequent, and so did our bond. Along the way, Nickie traded fresh produce from her garden in exchange for lessons a few times. I wanted to give free lessons at this stage because I loved the project and the company so much but she always reimbursed me for my time.

Now, let me tell you about Nickie’s wedding dresses. Yes, two. She made not one, but two stunning wedding dresses. The first was an elegant, long gown made on the bias, with a high neck, a low cowl back, and buttons running down the side. The second dress was a more playful style, with a gathered waist, princess line bodice, and an invisible zip. Both dresses were by patterns from @lizziedesignstudio which we altered to suit the design Nickie had in mind and both were absolute showstoppers and fit Nickie and her vision perfectly. 

But of course, there were some bumps along the way. In fact, there were spills of oil, blood (we both pricked ourselves a few times), glue, and all sorts of other gunk. It’s amazing how much mess you can make while trying desperately not to get a spot on it. Whenever a stain would threaten to derail us, I’d try come up with solutions, calmly on the exterior but panicking on the inside. There were tears and then big sighs of relief when miraculously the fabric held strong and returned to cream. 

The fabric itself was also a challenge. It frayed at the slightest touch, and hemming was a total nightmare. Every step of the way, we both had to stay patient, flexible, and focused. And communication in between lessons was peaking! But with every try-on as the gowns neared completion, the excitement grew, and so did our friendship. By the end of it all, Nickie not only had two gorgeous wedding dresses that fit her perfectly but also gained an incredible set of sewing skills.  

The most heartwarming part of this entire experience? Nickie invited me to her wedding! I was beyond honored to be a part of her special day in such a personal way. 

So, here's to the magic that happens when passion, patience, and a little bit of bubbly come together.  

Cheers to you, Nickie, and your beautiful, handmade wedding dresses! Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible journey. Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and creativity.