What is an Author doing in the Bridal World?

I could probably author a book about unique bridal ideas or events, but I know you didn't come here for a book. You want the nitty gritty of knowing if I am a real person. You know, one with ideas that will help in planning your big event. So I'll be right up front about my bridal experience. I know your time is limited. You may be just starting to plan. You could be in the middle some where or need a last minute unique idea. It could be that final finishing touch. Inquiring minds want to know what an author like me can do for you.

My name is Vicki Hasemann. I've been growing my bridal business 25 plus years. I started out years ago working in the industry for others. It was the 8 - 5 routine. I love fashion because it lets out the creative side in me. It is two fold though. Standing with good posture and no tip toes I am pushing 5'1". I am a tad too tall for petite sizing. You may have already seen this; "ready to wear" is phasing out this size range from its departments. My problem is I am also too short for regular sizes. I am in between sizes. I know there are many people who struggle with this issue.

Will I Ever Find Clothing to Fit Me?

I purchase very few garments that have the fashion fit I am after. This brought me to one of my first endeavors "Alterations". It is still one of my passions to this day. I started with doll clothes, my own clothing, then family and friends.

In the doll stage, my mom always wondered why her sewing machine was not the same as when she left it. Man, I needed to know what every button or knob did on that machine. The sewing machine has changed drastically over the years. It's technology. You can hate it or play and learn from it for business or pleasure. Hey, you never know where it might lead you.

I took Home Ec in high school. I probably taught the teacher as much about sewing as she taught me about cooking. We both knew which semester brought out our unique and creative juices. I grew up on a farm. There were more interesting things to do than cook. To this day I'd rather be creating and altering bridal or street wear than be in the kitchen.

Who is Hiring?

I received my degree in Fashion Merchandising. My direction at the time was a buyer for clothing stores. I married after college and hitched up with a farmer. That put an end to the city life as this author might describe it. Now in my spare time I drive truck for harvest.

After our last child the baby sitter was bringing home almost what I was. Don't get me wrong. Our baby sitters were worth their weight in gold. The one we had could probably author a book about taking care of children. It was then that my husband suggested working from home. I was already into bridal events on the side. It was 1988 when I ventured out on my own and Sewing Unlimited was born. I now had a sewing studio in my home.

Will Joining A Professional Organization Help Me?

Professional Association of Custom Clothiers was a huge learning curve for me. As a charter and formal member it is an organization that kept me motivated in a world that is very isolated. Many of the members work in unique and creative home studios. Some of them have authored books. I attended several Educational Conferences through PACC. I Apprenticed with Kathleen Spike from Portland, Oregon. When ever I left for educational conferences, my children were always a big welcome coming back home. I also helped organize a chapter in Nebraska known as the Great Plains Chapter.

As I grew so did the business. In the process, the business name didn't seem to fit all I was accomplishing. In 1996 the business name changed to Designs Unlimited. I was no longer just sewing. The professional level led me to altering special occasion and street wear. I was also changing design details and mastering custom garments. Restyles are also one of my specialties. I learned early that if garments didn't fit or feel just right, my closet wore them more than I did.

Designs Unlimited Moves Store Front

In 2003, after our children were grown, I moved the business from my home studio to a store front. I added

that one stop shops have available along with my previous services. If it relates to attire, I can get you where you want to go or know someone who can.

So there you have it - almost a book. I am much better coming up with unique bridal ideas and planning events than I am at authoring books.

Just so you can put an author with a face, I included our family picture. I am wearing a custom garment of my own. Not that I planned that for the picture, we all just decided to wear something blue coordinated. With their work/college schedules I was happy they showed up. I'm sure you can relate to an occasion where getting every ones' schedule to coincide is next to a miracle happening.