The  Process

Hems are probably the most requested and at times can be the most time consuming alterations task. Over the years I have learned how to do a variety of dress hems such as:

  • lace hem (as pictured)

  • horsehair hem

  • rolled hem

  • pocket hem

  • serged hem

To get that perfect fit also requires a lot of taking apart and sewing back together. I often view this part like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Depending on which areas of the dress are too big or too small, I can :

  • take in or let out sleeves (as pictured)

  • take in or let out shoulder straps

  • take in or let out sides

  • take in or let out waist/hips

  • take in or let out bust/princess seams

  • cut down or reshape armhole

  • take in zipper or replace with a corset

Possibly one of my favorite things about alterations though is when I get brides that want something completely unique done to their dress. Whether it’s adding colorful applique like the dress I’m hand stitching on the left, adding a bustle, or adding a beaded sash to the waist, I love being able to personalize a dress and help another woman’s creative vision come to life.