Weddings are some of the most beautiful celebrations one can experience in their life (usually). The deep connection between two lovers taking physical form in a ceremonious act for all to see is one that a lot of couples look forward to.
However, it also comes with months upon months of planning, stress, and even more planning. The one thing that a bride cannot go without—the special dress. Whether it be white, maroon, black, fluffy, frilly, or form-fitting, it must make the wearer feel likе the most beautiful woman in the whole entire world.
Some brides take the plunge of crafting their own dresses, be it for the challenge, for the love of the craft, or both. Today we delve into the story of Veronika Lindberg Heino, or Kika, who knitted her special gown for her big day in 6 weeks. She was kind enough to answer some of Bored Panda’s questions so let’s get into it!
Veronika Lindberg Heino, better known by her nickname Kika, decided to take up the challenge of knitting her own stunning wedding dress
Image credits: kutovakika
If you were given 2.5 kg of yarn and 250 hours, what would you create? Mayhaps a blanket, mayhaps a 3D portrait, or maybe a knitted wedding dress. Seeing as you clicked on this article for a very particular reason, you probably know by now that we’ll be speaking about the last option.
Opening herself to the challenge was Veronika Lindberg Heino, better known by her nickname Kika, who documented the birth of her special white dress, sharing the ups and downs with her followers on Instagram (which she started in 2017) and YouTube.
This project came about when she and her husband-to-be were both moving house and planning an impromptu wedding, making for a very stressful 7 weeks
Image credits: kutovakika
For what was already an intense project, life decided to add an extra bit of *spice*: they were moving house and planning their wedding, happening 7 weeks later, at the same time, so why not add in a project of great significance on top of it all? Unless you’re as skiIIed as Kika, I wouldn’t recommend it!
“I do love a challenge and I’m often a little bit over-ambitious, and the thought felt so wild and inspiring that I just decided to take the risk and do it,” the Finland-based knitter told Good Morning America (GMA). “I ordered 2.5 kg of pure silk yarn and announced my crazy plan on Instagram, and knew right then, there was no turning back anymore.”
She ordered 2.5 kg of pure silk yarn and announced her plans to her followers on Instagram, getting the project officially started with no way to turn back
Image credits: kutovakika
Kika based her design around Dior, Chanel, and Ulla Johnson’s dresses. She then sketched and planned the patterns. After all that, the knitting began!
Image credits: kutovakika
Nothing worth doing ever comes easy. It was a struggle finding time to knit in between moving, planning the wedding, and publishing her first book
Image credits: kutovakika
Instead of throwing Kika off balance, this added project seemed to have the opposite effect: it kept her grounded through the tumultuous time, at least for a while. Nothing worth doing comes easy, and this project was no exception, especially as she’d never knitted a dress before.
“The process was definitely intense, and the biggest struggle was to find enough time for knitting since we were in the process of moving and organizing the wedding at the same time,” said Kika. “Plus I published my first-ever knitting book, so it was definitely hectic. But, I also enjoyed it immensely and loved seeing my vision come to life in the process.”
Image credits: kutovakika
Then a big setback occured—her bodice was far too big, requiring her to rip it all up and start again. Her sleeves then kept slipping off, which took lots of time to fix
Image credits: kutovakika
Glaring issues started appearing about two weeks in when Kika had finished the bodice and tried it on for the first time—it was way too big. Disappointed, but not defeated, the bride-to-be ripped it all up, starting all over again, describing it as “a tough and frustrating moment where some tears were shed.”
One more issue came along with the slippy sleeves that kept on slipping, revealing a tad bit too much, which Kika found hilarious yet time-consuming to fix. “I made sure to film all my mistakes so I could be real and honest with my viewers, rather than only showing them the picture-perfect moments,” she told Insider.
Not having any other option (you typically can’t just go and buy a dress off the rack, as those require alterations, which take a long time), she kept moving forward until it was one week til the wedding. Encouraging messages from her followers kept her spirits up, the promise she’d made to the project at the very beginning providing her with a sense of accountability.
However, “the biggest motivator was definitely seeing for myself if I could pull my idea and vision off, and the thought of having the dress as a memory for life really kept me going, too.”
But all that didn’t deter her! Just 4 days before the big day, the dress was finished and Kika got to have a well-deserved rest
Image credits: kutovakika
Everything was done. She finished her dress on Tuesday, feeling more tired and frustrated than elated, but once she put it on for the ceremony, she couldn’t have been happier with the end result.
Kika got married to her husband Jukka Heino on Saturday, September 10, at their new home (which inspired the cottage-themed wedding tone), just 4 days after she’d finished her dress. Although her partner was a bit more skeptical about her last-minute knitting project, “in the end, he was super impressed and proud of me, and thought it looked really good too,” Kika said.
Image credits: kutovakika
Kika told Bored Panda that they’d met back in Spring of 2020, when she moved back home to Finland from London, as the pandemic put the world in lockdown. “Just a few months after moving back I met Juki and for our first date we walked around in Helsinki for hours since all cafés and bars were closed due to the restrictions,” she said.
“I was immediately drawn to his humor and often colorful stories of his adventures which made me laugh, and of course I found him really handsome. I think he was drawn to my enthusiasm, something we both have in common and my positive attitude towards life.”
She married Jukka Heino on Saturday, September 10, at their new home. Everyone loved her dress, praising her for all the effort she’d put into it
Image credits: kutovakika
“Over the course of the day, guests would come up to me and immediately feel the dress and comment on it. It sometimes felt likе they were more interested in the dress than in me, but I love talking about knitting, so I didn’t mind too much,” she told Insider.
The entire process demanded around 45 days, roughly 250 hours, and 1.5 kg of pure silk yarn, costing 300 euros, or around $295, which is a bargain when it comes to wedding dresses, which go for $1,800 on average. Her 149k followers on Instagram absolutely loved the journey, jumping in with suggestions and support any time she needed it.
The entire process demanded around 45 days, roughly 250 hours, and 1.5 kg of pure silk yarn, costing 300 euros, or around $295
Image credits: kutovakika
The 46-minute vlog of the whole journey posted on YouTube has garnered over 3.4M views, quickly becoming the highlight of her channel, which has over 253k subscribers that look forward to her knitting tutorials. “I’m absolutely amazed by all the positive attention the video and my dress has gotten, wow!” said Kika.
“I’ve received messages from people all over the world telling me I’ve inspired them to take up knitting again or to learn it, which makes me so glad. I’m also proud that I’ve maybe been able to push the boundaries and show what is possible using knitting.”
According to Kika, “knitting was actually done primarily by men at some point in history, so the fact that knitting nowadays is associated with something mostly feminine hasn’t always been the case.” Knitting is not just for grandmas, y’all!
The 46-minute vlog of the entire process garnered over 3.4M views on YouTube, inspiring hundreds of people to take up or go back to the craft
Image credits: kutovakika
What began as a bonding activity with her grandma when she was 5 years old has become a lifestyle, bringing together likе-minded people from all over the world. The one lesson she’d always kept was to be playful with the craft, rather than searching for perfection.
“With knitting there are a lot of ‘rules’ or principles that come with the territory which sometimes can make it feel likе you’re not doing things the right way,” she told Bored Panda. “My grandmother always encouraged me to make things without getting hung up on perfection, being creative and playful was more important.”
She hopes her followers and those who jumped on the bandwagon to see the final dress get inspired to embrace creative projects they might feel tempted to try—“even if it might feel a bit ambitious, I say go for it!”
We wish Kika and Jukka all the best for their future together and can’t wait to see what’s coming up for them next!
Image credits: kutovakika
A post-pandemic resurgence of knitting is a very welcome sight for many who are getting into arts and crafts for the first time or returning back to the familiar time-passing activity. Recent research shows that knitting has a measurable effect on calming anxiety, relieving stress, and aiding with chronic pain, as well as helping one build a community of friends. And you end up with a cute hat and mittens in the meantime!
“I think knitting as a craft teaches you a lot about patience and really makes you think about what kind of garments you most likе to wear,” Kika said. “When you’re going to spend 40-60 hours making a sweater, you really want to make sure it’s something that is going to stay in your wardrobe for a long time, which makes knitting a very sustainable practice, too.”
Honestly, what’s not to love!? We wish Kika and Jukka all the best for their future together and hope to see many more exciting knitting projects! Let us know your thoughts on the dress in the comments below, and I shall see you in the next one!
People have absolutely loved this project and the final dress. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
My Rich DIL Invited Me to Dinner to Purposely Embarrass Me – I Taught Her a Lesson She’ll Never Forget
I never expected my rich daughter-in-law’s fancy dinner invitation to turn into a nightmare. But when she abandoned me with a $5,375 bill, I knew I had to teach her a lesson she’d never forget — I just didn’t know how it would end.
My name’s Ruth, and I’ve just hung up my chalk after 40 years of teaching. My son Michael’s wife, Veronica, invited me out to celebrate. She’s this hotshot lawyer, all designer suits and power lunches.
“Don’t worry about the cost,” she said on the phone. “It’s my treat.”
A woman inspecting her cellphone | Source: Pexels
I should’ve known better, but I was so touched by the gesture that I ignored my gut feeling. Little did I know, this dinner would change everything.
“That’s very kind of you, Veronica,” I replied. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely,” she insisted. “You deserve it after shaping young minds for so long.”
The restaurant was the kind of place where the menu didn’t have prices. The maître d’ looked me up and down as we entered, her eyebrow arching slightly at my sensible shoes and department store outfit.
A maître d’ shows restaurant guest to a table | Source: Pexels
We were seated at a table near the window, overlooking the city skyline. I felt out of place among the crisp white tablecloths and crystal glasses.
“So, Ruth,” Veronica said, perusing the wine list, “how does it feel to be retired?”
I fiddled with my napkin. “Honestly? A bit strange. I’m not sure what to do with myself.”
She nodded absently, then turned to the sommelier. “We’ll have the 2015 Château Margaux.”
We chatted about family, my old job, her work. For once, I thought we were bonding.
Red wine being poured into a glass | Source: Pexels
“You must be glad to be done with all those unruly kids,” Veronica said, sipping her wine.
“Oh, I’ll miss them,” I replied. “Teaching was my life. Each student was unique — a puzzle to solve.”
She nodded, but I could see her eyes glazing over. When the waiter came, she ordered without even glancing at the menu.
“The usual,” she said with a wave of her hand. “And for my mother-in-law — ” she paused, looking at me expectantly.
“Oh, um, I’ll have the chicken, please,” I said, flustered.
A waiter takes a customer’s order | Source: Pexels
The waiter nodded and disappeared. Veronica launched into a story about her latest court case, barely pausing for breath.
I tried to follow along, but my mind wandered. I thought about my classroom, now occupied by a younger teacher. Would she care for it like I had?
“Ruth? Are you listening?” Veronica’s sharp tone snapped me back to attention.
“Sorry, dear. Just got lost in thought for a moment.”
She sighed. “As I was saying, the judge completely ruled in our favor. It was a landslide victory.”
A restaurant diner talking to an unseen companion | Source: Pexels
I smiled and nodded, not entirely sure what she was talking about. As the evening wore on, an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. Something was off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
After we finished eating, Veronica excused herself. “I’ll just pop to the ladies’ room,” she said. “Be right back.”
Fifteen minutes passed. Then thirty. The waiter kept giving me the side-eye, his polite smile growing strained.
Finally, he approached. “Madam, are you ready to settle the bill?”
A waiter discusses something with a restaurant guest | Source: Pexels
My heart nearly stopped when I saw the total: $5,375.
“I — I’m sorry,” I stammered. “My daughter-in-law invited me. She said she’d pay.”
The waiter’s face hardened. “Perhaps you’d like to call her?”
I did. Straight to voicemail.
That’s when it hit me. She’d planned this all along. The realization felt like a punch to the gut. But as the shock wore off, a different emotion began to take its place — determination.
A woman looks askance | Source: Midjourney
I took a deep breath and smiled at the waiter. “It seems I’ve been abandoned,” I said calmly. “But don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
I handed over my credit card, praying it wouldn’t be declined. It wasn’t, but I knew I’d be eating ramen for months.
As I left the restaurant, my mind was already spinning with plans. I may be old, but I’m far from helpless.
The next morning, I called my old friend Carla. She owns a cleaning service and has a wicked sense of humor.
A woman making a phone call | Source: Pexels
“Carla, I need a favor,” I said. “How’d you like to clean the biggest house in town?”
“Ruth, what are you up to?” she laughed. “This doesn’t sound like your usual request.”
I filled her in on my plan, and she was more than happy to help.
“Oh, honey,” she said, “I’ve got just the team for this job. We’ll leave that place sparkling — and maybe hide a few surprises.”
As I hung up the phone, a small smile played on my lips. Phase one was complete, but I wasn’t done yet.
A woman sitting on a sofa, smiling | Source: Midjourney
Next, I called Charmaine, my lawyer friend from our book club. She’s always had a soft spot for me, ever since I helped her daughter pass her English exams.
“Charmaine, how much would it cost to sue someone for emotional distress?”
She chuckled. “Ruth, you’re not serious, are you? This isn’t like you.”
“Dead serious,” I replied. “But I don’t actually want to sue. I just need to scare someone.”
“Ah,” she said, catching on quickly. “Well, in that case, I think we can whip up something suitably terrifying. Pro bono, of course.”
A woman in an office, on the telephone | Source: Pexels
A week later, I invited Veronica over for tea. She waltzed in like nothing happened, her heels clicking on my linoleum floor.
“Ruth, how lovely to see you,” she chirped. “I hope you enjoyed our dinner out.”
I smiled sweetly. “Oh, I did. In fact, I have a little something for you to say thank you.”
I handed her an envelope. Her perfectly manicured nails tore it open.
As she read, her face went from smug to shocked to pale.
A woman looking worried | Source: Midjourney
“You — you’re suing me?” she sputtered, her composure cracking.
“Unless you agree to my terms,” I said calmly, channeling my best stern teacher voice.
She glared at me, her lips pressed into a thin line. “What terms?”
“First, you’ll publicly apologize for what you did. Second, you’ll reimburse me for the bill and any legal fees. And third, you’ll start treating me with respect.”
Veronica looked like she’d swallowed a lemon. “You can’t be serious. Do you know what this could do to my reputation?”
A worried-looking woman sitting on a sofa | Source: Midjourney
“Try me,” I said, my voice steel. “I may be retired, but I still know how to deal with troublemakers.”
She stared at me for a long moment, then deflated. “Fine. I’ll do it. But this stays between us, understood?”
I held out my hand. “Shake on it?”
She did, her grip limp and clammy. As we shook hands, I wondered if I had pushed too far. Would this plan backfire spectacularly?
The next day, Veronica’s social media was ablaze with her apology. My bank account was suddenly $5,500 richer. But the best part was yet to come.
A woman holding a bank card with a laptop computer in the background | Source: Pexels
Carla’s team descended on Veronica’s mansion like a swarm of cleaning bees. They scrubbed every surface, organized every drawer, and left no corner untouched.
And in the master bedroom, they left a beautifully wrapped package.
Inside was a list — every snide comment, every eye roll, every backhanded compliment Veronica had ever thrown my way. And a note: “A clean slate for a fresh start. Let’s treat each other better from now on.”
A woman holding a hand-written list | Source: Pexels
I was sipping tea when my phone rang. It was Veronica. My heart leaped into my throat as I answered.
“Ruth,” she said, her voice thick. “I — I don’t know what to say.”
“How about ‘I’m sorry’?” I suggested, keeping my tone light.
There was a long pause. Then, to my surprise, I heard a chuckle.
“You really got me, didn’t you?” she said. “I never thought you had it in you.”
“Just a little reminder about respect,” I replied. “And never underestimate a retired teacher.”
An elderly woman placing a phone call | Source: Midjourney
“I deserved it,” she admitted. “Can we — can we start over?”
I smiled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “I’d like that, Veronica.”
From that day on, things changed. Veronica started calling more often, asking for advice, even inviting me out for casual dinners — which she actually paid for.
Last week, she asked me to help plan Michael’s surprise birthday party.
“I need your expertise,” she said. “You know him best, after all.”
A woman on the phone at home | Source: Midjourney
As we sat at her kitchen table, poring over party plans, I couldn’t help but marvel at how far we’d come.
“You know,” Veronica said suddenly, “I never thanked you properly.”
I looked up, surprised. “For what?”
“For teaching me a lesson I’ll never forget,” she replied, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “You’re tougher than you look, Ruth.”
I laughed. “Well, I did wrangle middle schoolers for four decades.”
She grinned. “Remind me never to cross you again. I still can’t believe you pulled all that off.”
A woman chatting to another, unseen | Source: Midjourney
“Let’s just say I had some practice dealing with troublemakers,” I winked.
As we went back to our planning, I felt a warmth in my chest. Sometimes, a little tough love is exactly what’s needed to set things right.
And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll even tell Michael about our little adventure. But for now, it’s our secret — a reminder that respect isn’t given, it’s earned.
Even if you have to teach that lesson the hard way. I may have left the classroom, but I’m not done teaching just yet.
What would you have done? If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you about a woman whosebrother kicked their grandma out of the house because she had no money left.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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