The Sewing Lab

The Sewing Lab The Sewing Lab is a Feilding-based bespoke alteration studio, specialising in precision bridal tailoring to achieve a flawless fit for your wedding day.

12 years ago today, I left London to head home and complete my fashion degree in Wanganui after the most incredible inte...
06/07/2026

12 years ago today, I left London to head home and complete my fashion degree in Wanganui after the most incredible internship with Halfpenny London | Wedding Dresses & Separates

It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years—it genuinely feels like yesterday.

That experience shaped so much of who I am as a bridal seamstress and designer. I came home with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a deep-rooted love for bridal that has never left me.

Looking back now, it’s incredible to see how those few months became the foundation for the business I have today. Every bride I work with carries a little piece of what I learned during that chapter.

Forever grateful for the opportunity, the people I met, and the inspiration that still influences my work all these years later. 🤍

Happy New Year! ✨Not January 1st... but BRIDAL New Year! Tomorrow marks the start of a brand new wedding season.One of m...
30/06/2026

Happy New Year! ✨

Not January 1st... but BRIDAL New Year! Tomorrow marks the start of a brand new wedding season.

One of my favourite parts of this time of year is retiring last season’s diary and moving back to carrying just one… my tote bag suddenly feels a whole lot lighter after carrying both these past few weeks, and there’s something so satisfying about opening a fresh diary filled with new names, new love stories and another year of beautiful gowns.

To every bride and client who trusted me throughout the 2025–2026 season – thank you. It has been such a privilege to be part of your journey.

And to my 2026–2027 brides... let’s do this! I can’t wait to meet you, alter your gowns, solve the tricky fitting challenges, and help you feel incredible on your wedding day.

Here’s to another wonderful season. 🤍

28/06/2026

“It’s only taking in the sides...” 👀

Six hours later...

Bridal alterations are often so much more than they appear. Every seam, layer, bead and lace motif has to be carefully dismantled and reconstructed so the finished dress looks untouched—only the fit has changed.

Here’s a glimpse into what really goes into creating that perfect fit. ✨

Shortening suit sleeves isn’t as simple as taking up a hem. The buttons are removed, the sleeve length adjusted, and eac...
25/06/2026

Shortening suit sleeves isn’t as simple as taking up a hem. The buttons are removed, the sleeve length adjusted, and each detail carefully reinstated to maintain the garment’s original finish.

Not all ivory is the same... 🤍This photo shows just a handful of the veil tulles available in the studio. Online ‘ivory’...
19/06/2026

Not all ivory is the same... 🤍

This photo shows just a handful of the veil tulles available in the studio. Online ‘ivory’ or ‘white’ may sound like a match but when placed against a wedding gown the differences can be surprisingly noticeable.

One of the biggest challenges with purchasing a veil online is colour matching. A veil that’s too bright, too creamy, too pink, or too champagne can completely change the look of your gown and stand out for all the wrong reasons.

When you’ve invested so much time and money finding the perfect dress, it’s worth making sure your veil complements it beautifully.

In the studio, I have a range of tulle samples and veil options available to try alongside your gown, allowing us to find the right colour, drape and style for your overall bridal look.

Because the perfect veil isn’t just about the length—it’s about the colour too. ✨

One of the most common things I hear is:“I didn’t realise I needed to book alterations so early.”The busiest months fill...
17/06/2026

One of the most common things I hear is:

“I didn’t realise I needed to book alterations so early.”

The busiest months fill first, especially weekends and after-hours appointments.

If your gown is ordered and your wedding is on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start planning alterations.

Not sure when to start? Get in touch and let’s make a plan 🤍

Every gown has its own little bead container, because it’s only a matter of time before we find beads on the floor.These...
14/06/2026

Every gown has its own little bead container, because it’s only a matter of time before we find beads on the floor.

These dresses are unpicked, turned inside out, upside down, pulled through, and handled repeatedly throughout the alteration process, so it’s completely reasonable to expect a few beads to come loose along the way.

What’s not reasonable? Returning a gown without sewing every single one back on.

Thankfully, I have a very sharp-eyed daughter who loves hunting for runaway beads, and at the end of each alteration, I carefully sew every one of them back where it belongs. ✨

It’s one of those tiny details most brides will never notice—but that’s exactly how it should be.

12/06/2026

✨ GIVEAWAY TIME ✨

We’re excited to be exhibiting at Hitched - Manawatu Wedding Showcase Wedding Showcase next month, and we’ve got 2 General Admission tickets to give away!

As a little extra from us, the winner will also receive a $100 Bridal Alterations Credit to put towards their wedding gown alterations.

To enter:
💍 Follow The Sewing Lab, and Hitched
💍 Like this post
💍 Tag your wedding planning bestie

For a bonus entry, share this post to your story and tag us.

Winner announced Sunday 21st June 8pm

Good luck, and we can’t wait to meet so many wonderful couples at the expo! ✨

This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook. Entries valid across all social media platforms of The Sewing Lab. NZ residents only. Non transferable or redeemable for cash. Valid for 2 x adult tickets to Hitched - The Manawatu Wedding Showcase, plus $100 thesewinglab_nz voucher towards your bridal gown alterations.

A beautiful backyard wedding, a fun couple, and a celebration that sounded every bit as joyful as it looks. ❤️It was a p...
10/06/2026

A beautiful backyard wedding, a fun couple, and a celebration that sounded every bit as joyful as it looks. ❤️

It was a pleasure to play a small part in preparing for their special day.

Bridal gown alterations completed by Gina as part of our collaboration with

Congratulations to the happy couple, and thank you for allowing us to share these beautiful images.

Gown from .auckland
Over top from
Photography by

The smile that says it all ✨Our beautiful bride, absolutely beaming on her wedding day.We made a few fit adjustments, he...
09/06/2026

The smile that says it all ✨

Our beautiful bride, absolutely beaming on her wedding day.

We made a few fit adjustments, hemmed the gown, and added a bustle to ensure everything sat perfectly from ceremony to celebration. Doesn’t she look radiant?

Thank you for trusting us with such an important part of your day. 💕

Alterations done by Gina at The Sewing Lab, as part of our collaboration with

Photography by Kate Little Photography

Address

26 Stafford Street
Feilding

Opening Hours

Tuesday 3:30pm - 6pm
Friday 3:30pm - 6pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Sewing Lab posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Sewing Lab:

Share