A letter from the seamstress:

It’s a bit comical the amount of times I’ve used the word “we” on these pages. This wasn’t without intention, as my dream for Of Earth + Thread is to eventually grow beyond needle and thread and beyond myself. For now, however, it’s just me. A small-in-stature, not-small-in-much-else creative who is thrilled you’ve found your way here!

I studied fashion design and business in college, but began dreaming up and making my own dresses a few years prior. Quite frankly, I don’t remember learning to sew. My grandmother was an incredible seamstress and at an early age sewing tools and practices became commonplace in my life. During my studies, I was able to travel and show my original pieces through the International Textile and Apparel Association and various fashion shows, where I was awarded for both craftsmanship and design. I later interned under bridal designer Leanne Marshall in Manhattan, New York. Her etheral gowns and Earth-friendly design approach sparked my affinity for the bridal industry and grew my understanding of gown construction and veil-making. I’ve been altering bridal gowns for over four years now, and have been in full-time business for two. My favorite commissions have been making or altering gowns for dear friends and meeting in my home studio. Here lies the freedom to collaborate, laugh, and work through each fitting with a level of comfort and creativity that enables an authentic work process. This is the avenue by which I’d like to invite you to Of Earth + Thread. I want to act as a resource and friend, offering my very best to create the look you’ve envisioned in your mind. (As you can see from my original work below and to the left, I’m still a designer at heart and invite whatever out-of-the-box idea you may have!)

Whether you’re a future bride or just dream about weddings, I hope my mission is clear and life-giving to you. Of Earth + Thread is the means by which expert alterations and details of an already dreamy day turn into opportunities to change a world that isn’t quite as shiny. As a bride, you do not have to choose between quality and purpose. I want to give you both. In pursuing fashion, I knew that creating beautiful dresses wouldn’t be enough for me if the outcome was only thread-deep. I invite you to join in this mindset as you plan your day, and truly cannot wait to transform your dress to look like it was made for you!

Yours,

Sarah Ann Blanke