ALL THINGS ELGIN
ELGIN'S MASTER SEAMSTRESS
Dianne Dingman
Sew ManyThings - 28 Years and Counting
Location: Sew Many Things - 119 N. Main St.
Interviewer: Brian McKinney
Brian McKinney: Dianne, thanks for sitting down with me today. Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to learn how to sew, and what led you to start So Many Things 28 years ago?
Dianne Dingman: Oh, I guess it would be watching my mother. She had 13 kids and sewed for all of us until we turned 18. Watching her make clothes was the ultimate gift. I started sewing when I was about 9 years old, making little doll blankets and pillows. I’ve always loved creating things with my hands, and sewing became my way of expressing creativity.
Brian: What were the sewing machines like back then?
Dianne: Oh, very different! My mother had a foot operated treadle machine that my dad later converted into an electric one. It’s still working to this day. Can you imagine the patience it took to sew on those old machines? But they taught me precision and care.
Brian: When you started in Elgin, were you in this location?
Dianne: No, I started on East First Street, across from the Prosperity Bank. That first shop was tiny, but it felt like magic to me—a place where I could bring people’s ideas to life.
Brian: Have you always sewn for a living, or did you do something else before this?
Dianne: Before I moved to Texas, I worked at a Mexican restaurant as a hostess. I started sewing my own dresses to stand out. Later, I married a musician and made all his stage clothes. That’s when things really took off, and I opened my first shop. It was such a joy to see my creations under the spotlight.
Brian: What were those stage clothes like?
Dianne: Oh, they were flashy! Bright colors, a little bling—the kind of thing you wouldn’t wear out in public unless you were on stage. But they reflected the personality of the performers, and I loved the challenge of capturing that energy.
Brian: Country music flash?
Dianne: Yup.
Brian: I’ll bet you’ve worked with most every kind of customer over the years.
Dianne: Oh yes! Brides, bridesmaids, musicians, horse riders, bikers, airplane pilots, teachers, police officers, military, business professionals, you name it—people from all walks of life. Each brings their own story, and it’s such a privilege to be part of their lives.
Brian: Any funny or memorable or unique projects that stand out?
Dianne: Oh, plenty! One that comes to mind is a $99 miniskirt wedding dress from David’s Bridal. The bride wanted it turned into a long dress. It turned out so well that she asked me to make all her wedding flowers too.
I’ve also had many moments where I’ve saved the day, like fixing a biker’s zipper at a rally while he waited in the back without his pants on! It’s those quirky, unforgettable moments that make my work so rewarding.
Brian: Have you seen many changes in sewing technology or client needs over the past 28 years?
Dianne: Not really, but new challenges all the time. People bring me all sorts of things—horse blankets, wall hangings, unusual fabrics, heirloom clothing. Everything from worn jeans to expensive outfits. I love testing my abilities with those projects. Sewing is such a versatile craft, and every project is an opportunity to learn.
Brian: What do you like most about your work?
Dianne: Everything. I love what I do. I’ve been sewing for 49 years. It’s been a lifelong passion. I love the sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a piece and knowing it’s exactly what the client envisioned—or even better.
Brian: Do you have a favorite type of fabric or garment to work with?
Dianne: I can work with most any kind of fabric. I’m not a fan of very thin, sheer fabrics or stretchy ones—they have minds of their own, but I work with them all the time. I love working on garments that challenge me, like long dresses. There’s a kind of artistry in figuring out how to make a piece fit just right.
Brian: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your craft?
Dianne: The most important lesson is to always pay attention to detail and have patience. Sewing teaches you to slow down and do things right the first time. Every person’s body is unique, especially women’s. Some of us have fuller busts or curvier hips, and that affects how a garment fits. When I hem a dress, I measure from the floor to the hem all the way around because of those differences. Sometimes, I don’t even need to touch the back of the dress if the curves naturally lift it just right. It’s those little adjustments that make all the difference.
Brian: Has the Elgin community supported you over the years?
Dianne: Absolutely. I have a steady stream of work all the time. When my shop was broken into 14 years ago, the community came together and held a benefit to help me rebuild. That kind of support is priceless. Elgin has always felt like family to me.
Brian: Any plans to celebrate 28 years in business?
Dianne: I celebrate every day by being grateful for the gift of sewing. It’s my art form, and I love it. Maybe I’ll throw a little party at the shop one of these days. It would be nice to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. Not many downtown businesses have been here as long as I have.
Brian: Do you still have clients from the time you started your business?
Dianne: Yes, my very first one. I started sewing for her family when I was still working out of my house.
Brian: How has Elgin changed since you started?
Dianne: Oh, it’s changed a lot. When I first moved here, there were packs of stray dogs on the streets and kids running around everywhere. Over the years, things have cleaned up. The town has grown, and many businesses have come and gone, but Elgin still has that small-town charm. I love how the community has held onto its roots while welcoming new faces.
Brian: I’ve only been here for 12 years so it’s kind of hard for me to imagine packs of stray dogs and small children running around Main Street.
Dianne: Ha!
Brian: Do you have any plans to retire?
Dianne: Not at all. My mom sewed until she was 82, and I plan to keep going as long as my hands let me. This isn’t just a job—it’s my life’s work.
Brian: Dianne, thank you so much. Such a pleasure talking with you.
Dianne: Thank you, Brian. It’s been fun! I appreciate the chance to share a little bit about what I love about my craft and my customers here in Elgin.
Note: Sew Many Things is open Tues. - Fri. 9-5 and Sat 10-12. 512-285-3696 - Email: mz.ripastich@yahoo.com
The Elgin Chronicles
