The Only Sort of Wine I Prefer

A long time ago, well a couple of years back, a young woman contacted me through the website I had so happily just built. She wanted a couple of dresses: a latin and a ballroom dress. She was student, so also on a budget. She really liked my designs and wanted to work with me but did not live in the same state.

At the time I was doing only in-state sales. I was too nervous to deal with whatever out of state fittings would be comprised of. After all, how was I to fit someone when I couldn't put the pins in myself? I still do love the detail of fitting a person in person. So, needless to say, I was all ready to say no.

I took the time to listen to what she wanted. After all, creative curiosity was still very prominent at that time. I needed to be sure I knew what I might be saying no to. Something simple but wine red. That sold me. It's a color I enjoyed, but definitely would never wear. Here was an outlet for a color I always wanted to work with. I took it.

I dug in. Got the measurements, made the sketches and it was back and forth for months. Challenge: attain the right wine to match her complexion. Nailed it. Next match nude without being able to match it by eye. Nailed it. Send dress back and forth to fit with client who knows nothing about sewing, accomplished with difficulty... This was one of the most challenging dressmaking experiences. It was also very rewarding as a learning experience.

I received this lovely message after she had competed a few times in her dresses:

“Thanks again--I competed again today and so many people said my dresses were dynamite!”

Nothing more satisfying than to see people enjoying your work.