Jody Lundberg has been with Angelique’s for over a decade as an independently contracted seamstress. And her experience altering formalwear extends over thirty years! In that time, she has altered many beautiful dresses for hundreds of brides. We asked Jody about her sewing experiences, preferred bridal designers, and favorite wedding trends. Keep reading to find out more!
In a Stitch
When did you start sewing?
“When I was five years old. I was my grandma’s only granddaughter. She was the one who taught me how to sew. She was ill, though, so she only taught me until I was about eight or nine and then I was on my own. By the time I was around ten or eleven I was making my own clothes.”
What was the first thing you remember completing by yourself?
“I made a pretty Easter dress all by myself when I was in 6th grade. I wore it for school pictures. It was very 70’s looking. Kind of like a flower-child dress with lace all around the neckline and sleeves.”
Fashionista
What designers do you like right now?
“I really like Essence of Australia, I think their dresses are very couture. I also like Stella of York and Justin Alexander dresses. On the higher end of bridal fashion, Monique Lhuillier’s dresses are also very couture.”
What did your wedding dress look like?
“I wore my mom’s wedding dress. I was an only daughter, and very close with my mom. It was custom made for her in the 50’s, so it didn’t look like the typical wedding dress in the early 80’s. It was more traditional looking. It reminds me of Kate Middleton’s royal dress in a way. It had long lace sleeves and a full skirt—not too full, but very traditional looking, and French Chantilly lace. I shortened it and changed the neckline, but I didn’t alter it too much other than that.”
Bridal Business
What is your favorite thing to sew?
“My favorite thing is dresses. I don’t quilt or craft, but I really like formal wear! I like the intricate fabrics and design elements, and how working with formal involves thinking outside the box. I just really love working on bridal gowns because it doesn’t get old, and I enjoy working with girls on something that is going to be so important to their day—my job is so fun and exciting!”
What do you think people should be more aware of regarding their bridal gowns?
“Alterations, especially in bridal, are necessary to get a precise fit. I like to say a bride should think of it as customizing the dress. Nobody, not even the most perfect bride in the world, ever fits neatly into one size. Alterations intend to customize a dress to specific measurements so that it fits the bride better than a standard size ever could.”
What recent trends do you prefer in bridal gowns?
“A lot of the current trends are so different from the strapless look that was so popular for a while. I really like the romantic lace look showing up recently. I also like unique shoulder lines and interesting back details. You see the back of a dress a lot during a wedding, so unique backs are very pretty.”
Jody’s lifelong experience sewing, altering, and creating clothes shines through in the way she helps brides adjust their dress to a custom size! Every bride deserves to feel like a princess, and Jody’s alterations are another way we help ensure all brides feel beautiful on their wedding day. If you’re an Angelique’s bride, be sure to schedule time with Jody to customize your gown.