Conversations with Daci
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
answered by Daci
Do I need to be an experienced seamstress?
You don’t have to be an experienced seamstress, but you need to know how to use your sewing machine, serger, sew a zipper, understand a pattern, be familiar with fabrics, have a designated area or place to sew, etc. When I designed and created my first wedding dress in 1996, I didn’t call myself an experienced seamstress. I knew the basics of sewing, patterns and I could visualize the proportions. Looking back I can say that I had some courage to start on a wedding dress without a mentor. The wedding dress looked and fit the bride perfectly. But the stitches and the “behind the seams” process was far from being perfect. Took me a few years to perfect that.
What if I don’t know which session I need?
Tell me about your project and what you’re hoping to accomplish in the contact form. I will help determine which session would be best for you.
What can I bring to our FaceTime session?
Bring whatever helps explain your project—sketches, inspiration photos, patterns, fabric, measurements, photos of your progress, or simply your questions. You don’t need to have everything figured out beforehand.
Can you help me with a plan to design a wedding dress from scratch?
Yes, I would love to do that! We can start with an idea, sketch, inspiration, or even just a feeling of what you want your dress to be. We can work through the design and create a plan for making it.
Can you help me alter or remake an existing or heirloom dress?
Yes! We can look at what you have, discuss what you’d like to change, talk through what is realistically possible and come up with a plan.
Can you help me find fabric and other materials?
Yes, I can help you determine what materials would work for your design and point you toward places to source fabrics, lace, trims, and other specialty materials.
What if I have only one or two questions?
That’s exactly why I offer the “Quick Help” FaceTime and E-mail sessions. You don’t need to have a big project or fill an entire hour. Sometimes one good answer is all you need to move forward.
What if I start my gown and realize I can’t finish it?
If you contacted me before starting your gown we will go over everything and we will discuss a plan B. There are times when for whatever reason you cannot complete your project and there is an important deadline coming up. Before you start your project I always recommend you get in touch with a local seamstress, or someone else who knows how to sew and could possibly take over your project if needed. If your project is something I can take over, you can send the partially completed gown to me. I will assess where things are, discuss what needs to be done, and let you know what I recommend before any work begins.
Can you help with fitting?
Yes. We can discuss fit concerns and, when possible, use photos, measurements, and video to work through adjustments and possible solutions.
Is this a sewing class?
No. There is no set curriculum or lesson plan. These are one-on-one conversations focused on your project, your questions and what you need at that moment.
Do you only help with wedding dresses?
For the most part yes! Wedding dresses are a natural part of what I do, but I’m happy to answer questions and work with other meaningful or creative garments as well—gowns, special occasion pieces, costumes, heirloom transformations and other creative sewing projects.
Do you only offer virtual sessions or in person sessions as well?
For the time being the sessions are completely virtual or over e-mail. You can work with me from wherever you are.