As a tall high school student, Joanne Cotter said it was hard to find clothes — especially pants — that fit properly. So, she started sewing her own.

“I kept plugging away and learning techniques,’’ said Cotter, of Reading. “Each thing I made got better and more refined.’’

She attended the School of Fashion Design in Boston, and then worked for a company making custom bridal gowns.

Cotter also made her own wedding dress, as well as her mother’s and sister’s outfits for her big day.

She became a physical therapist 26 years ago and continued sewing “as a sideline.’’ Recently, she launched Custom Christening Creations.

Q. Getting started?

A. My first client had the wedding dress of her aunt, who died young, which her uncle gave her to use as she wished. She wanted a christening dress for her daughter.

Q. Process?

A. I create the christening outfits using fabric from the gown and any lace, beading, and buttons. It can be dressed up or down. It’s completely up to the client — keeping in mind what is appropriate for a baby. If there is enough fabric, I can make two outfits. Turnaround time is about three weeks. Any unused fabric is returned to the client.

Q. Items?

A. Unisex gowns, girls’ gowns, and rompers for boys, which are pretty damn cute. Matching bonnets for girls and hats for boys. And, communion dresses.

Q. Unusual requests?

A. A friend’s mother-in-law’s dress was ruined and her daughter was getting married and she wanted me to make a little purse. I used lace from the dress as the lining of the bag.

Q. Condition of dresses?

A. There has to be enough usable fabric that is not damaged. Most people have their dress cleaned and preserved. It stays in their closet or a box under the bed in case their daughter would want to wear it. But who knows if the daughter will get married, or like the dress, or it that it will fit? This is a way to keep something meaningful in a family.

Q. Clients?

A. All [religious] denominations.

Q. Cost?

A. $200 and up, depending on the level of intricacy.

Q. Bottom line?

A. It’s creative. And, I get to meet new people and make something for them that keeps memories of their wedding [alive] and creates a family heirloom.

Wendy Killeen

Wendy Killeen can be reached at wdkilleen@gmail.com.