1.   Do you do alterations?

Yes, concentrated mainly on dressmaking.

Alterations and can custom made bridal gowns, eveningwear, cocktail dresses, and pageant gowns.

Alterations of men’s suit jackets and hemming of sleeves. 

Hemming of pants.

2.   How long before the wear date should I schedule alterations?

Approximately 6 weeks.  Busiest time is March through October.

Sometimes, just 2 weeks notice, or less, depending on the time of year.

3.   What are your qualifications?  How long have you been sewing?

Over 35 years sewing and clothing construction expereince.

Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Fashion Design.

16 years as head of a clothing design workroom for a large manufacturer. 

Worked with the Ralph Lauren design staff for several years. 

You are in good hands, if I do your sewing and alterations work.

4.   Where are you located?

I am located on Grand Ave., South End of Cumberland, Md.

Call 301-759-2742 for an appointment and I will give specific directions.

5.   All fittings by appointment.  What time can we meet?

10AM until 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

I can make special arrangements for weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule.

 6.  How much will it cost for my dress to be altered?

Bridesmaids average alteration cost is $25.00 to 60.00 depending on what needs done to the gown.

Bridal gowns average alterations cost is $40.00 to $125.00 depending on what needs to be done and how the dress is made.

7.  What do I need to bring for the fitting?

For the pinning/fitting, it is very important to bring the shoes and undergarments that you plan to wear with the dress on the day of the event.

8.   How long will alterations take?

It takes 20-30 minutes for a fitting.

Sewing work is scheduled according to wear date deadlines.

It depends on how busy and what time of year you need the work done.

November through February are slow months.

9.   How long does it take to custom design a Bridal gown or dress?

It depends on how it is made.  I break the cost into material and labor.

In general, it takes 6 to 12 weeks and 3 fittings.

10. How does the custom design dress process begin? 

There are 3 fittings.

First fitting --Start by having a consultation on the dress design and fabric options.

Take your body measurements.

Make a muslin copy of the dress; this is a mock up of the dress in a plain sheeting fabric.

We schedule a second fitting. 

Fit the muslin to the customer.

Then the gown is cut out in the real fabric and sewn.

The third and final fitting is scheduled to mark hem length.

The gown is completed and ready to be picked up.

11. How much is a custom made dress?

For a lined dress that is made to your body measurements, it costs approximately $400.00 labor. 

Fabric costs vary depending on quality and fabric types.

There is no cost for a consultation, bring your ideas and we can discuss them.