Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Anne Benko.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I fell in love with the art of sewing when I was 5 years old, and my mom took me to a sewing class at our local Joann Fabrics. I continued sewing throughout my childhood, participating in fashion shows organized by the 4-H community. I designed and made my first gown at age 15, my prom dress! I decided to follow my passion through college and graduated from Drexel University with a degree in fashion design and immediately jumped into working in the fashion industry as an apparel technical designer.
While working full-time in the corporate world and learning the ins and outs of the technical side of garment design and pattern making, I still found myself interested in learning more about bridal construction and techniques. In 2012, I made my first wedding gown for a family friend. We used her mother’s wedding gown as the material for her new custom gown. It was a beautiful, hand-made lace, and it was so incredibly special to bring the family heirloom back to life! After that gown, I was hooked.
I began Restitched Designs in 2017 as my creative outlet and a way to showcase my skill set. I love bringing a client’s vision to life and seeing their faces when their dream becomes a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has taken a lot of patience and determination to build Restitched Designs to be what it is today. For the first 7 years of running my small business, I was also working full-time in the fashion industry and building a family of my own. There were years that I needed to slow down and turn my focus onto raising my babies. I have spent countless nights sewing until the early morning hours just so I could meet a deadline for a bride. I can’t say it was smooth, but all of the hard work has been 100% worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Aside from being a bridal gown and formal gown alteration specialist, I am also a dressmaker. I make veils, garters, bridal robes, and countless other bridal accessories.
I absolutely adore giving new life to a family heirloom. I do this in many ways: re-designing the gown, re-sizing the gown to fit a new bride, or making something entirely new using the heirloom. I have made new wedding gowns, bridal robes, veils, baptism outfits, baby bibs, handkerchiefs, and communion dresses using family heirlooms. The possibilities are endless!
I am passionate about garment construction and fit. I have over 25 years of sewing experience and have had the opportunity to expand my skillsets with a combination of hands-on experience and formal technical training.
I have always loved to sew; it’s a part of who I am, and I love being able to bring my client’s vision to life. I am a perfectionist and am extremely passionate about each and every item I create.
I have worked with clients all over the East Coast – from New York to Florida and everywhere in between. When I create baptismal gowns, veils, garters, robes, or anything that doesn’t need a custom fit – we often do not even need to meet in person, so distance doesn’t matter!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up on a small farm in Maryland, and I’m the second child of seven kids! We were all members of our local 4-H club, that’s where I really learned to love sewing and mastered the craft in my childhood. I was a relatively quiet child who loved to sew, dance, and play with my siblings. I made my own skorts in elementary school, my Easter and Christmas dresses each year, and all of my prom gowns. Sewing has been my favorite interest as long as I can remember!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.restitcheddesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restitcheddesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restitcheddesigns/
Image Credits
Sara Vars Photography
Leigh Beauchamp Photo Collective
Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Jacqueline Waters Photo
