Wendy Cettina Original Designs

Phone: 848-218-6851

Email: wendysewsstuff@gmail.com

Website:​ sewwendy.com

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About Me:

 

Q. When and why did you first start sewing? 

A. My mother taught me how to sew when I was 8 years old. Both my grandmothers sewed, and I remember them sewing in their sewing rooms. This is when having a sewing room was very common! I had a doll (similar size to an American Girl doll), I think it came with sewing patterns, and we made clothes for it. My mom made a lot of clothes for me and I remember cutting some out with her and learning the basics such as the importance of carefully pinning the cloth together and ironing every seam.

 

When I went to college I brought my sewing machine with me. Some stuff I made was kind of wacky, like a skirt from curtains (aka The Sound of Music) and a dress from some random fabric an old boyfriend had used for a toga. I remember I made a drop-waist dress for a dance with these big flowers at the waist. A couple of my roommates wore it to other events after.

 

It wasn't until after college when I was working for a construction management firm that I began sketching clothes and sewing my own designs, not just straight from patterns I had purchased. I began accumulating fabric and supplies ( important for the creative process!) and learning better techniques. This is when I took a class in Baltimore by Sarah Veblen, professional sew-er, nation-wide instructor and author. It all clicked for me and the world of sewing and creating whatever I wanted cracked wide open! Since then I've taking several design classes from Sarah, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and at ASDP conferences. Now, I sew most of my clothes.

 

My business started while I was staying at home with my son. The word spread that I sewed, and people would ask if I would do various projects for them. My business was formed! My business name is Wendy Cettina Original Designs, LLC. Most of my clients are referrals or repeat clients. I’ve been a member of ASDP for five years and have been on the New Jersey chapter’s board serving as 2nd Vice President for about 3 years. I feel that being a member is wonderful credential and gives another layer of professionalism to my business. I enjoy the variety of my business, a mix of tailoring, original clothing, christening gowns and home decorating items.

 

Q. What do you like most about the profession? 

A. I truly enjoy sewing and make most of my own clothing so it is a pleasure to spend time in my studio surrounded by my fabric and tools. What I enjoy most is the flexibility and creativity of my profession. Everyday is different and I enjoy that.

 

Q. What is your favorite type of project to work on?

A. I prefer having a mix of projects. After working on a custom garment it is nice to do something more basic such as a pants hem. I would rather have each sewing day be different then work on the same type of projects every day.

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Q. What is the most challenging project you’ve ever undertaken?

A. A wedding dress. From the outside it seems effortless but the inside of the dress had several layers and and an inner corselet with boning to achieve the skimming the body appearance.

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Areas of Specialty: 

• Alterations 

• Bridal Alterations

• Christening Gowns

• Designing

• Education

• Formal Wear

• Home Interior Sewing

• Knitwear