Hi Mammas. I am looking for someone that can do a professional-looking tailoring/alterations job for me. My mother was just diagnosed with cancer and is in the midst of a very slow recovery from surgery (she is 77). My 80-year-old father has been taking care of her day and night (she is up every two hours). My brother and I are doing our best to support them through this difficult time and one of the ways I am trying to help out is to get this project done for my dad. He bought a track suit two months ago and it was still hanging in the closet with the tags on because the pants are three and a half inches too long. He has not had the time to find a place that does alterations and to take it in. So, I brought it home (Huntington Beach)with me and want to get this done for him. The only complication is that there is a zipper down the length of the pants, so it is not just an easy hem job. He also has a shirt with elastic cuffs that he would like taken off and hemmed up. I cannot afford to pay a regular alterations place because chances are they would charge more to hem the pants than the whole outfit cost (from Wal-Mart). SO, if you or someone you know does alterations anywhere near Huntington Beach (or near any of the major Orange County freeways) and might be interested in taking on this project, please let me know. I will compensate you, of course, but am hoping to find something that I can afford. Alternatively, if you know of an inexpensive shop somewhere in OC, I can also try that. Thank you so much!!
Just want to let everyone know how wonderful and useful this site is. Within a matter of days I received a number of responses to my request, with direct offers of help and numbers to pass along. Thank you to everyone who wrote. Katherine M did an absolutely beautiful job for me....even matching the odd thread day-glo thread and saving the functionality of the zipper. I cannot thank her enough and my dad was SO pleased! For those who are interested...my mom is about the same, not quite strong enough yet to withstand chemo, but we are still hopeful. Thank you again for all of your support.
My name is K., I sew a lot. I had a job in the fashion indrustry a while back so I am a very qualified seamstress. I live in Tustin, very near the 5 and the 55 freeways. I would be happy to take a look at what you have and see what I could do for you.
I am sorry your parents are having such a hard time and I think it's commendable you are there to help them. While I am not a seamstress I can offer you basic sewing advice. There are a couple of problems with the items you are talking about. The pants with the zipper all the way down the side may require a whole new zipper. It could however be a rather simple alteration of opening the leg and laying it flat. Keep the zipper tab up the leg and don’t let it come off the end after you cut off the unwanted leg. Then you would fold up the hem and sewing across the whole bottom of the leg and through the zipper itself. As far as the sleeves go it could be tricky. When you shorten sleeves you must consider how the sleeve tapers. When you cut off a lot you loose the taper and get a much blocker look to the sleeve. Sometimes, depending on the garment, it looks fine that way. If you are particular about these items looking like they did form the store then they probably will need extensive alterations that would require a good tailor.
Lori,
I am sorry to hear about your family's situation. I think it's so great that you are there for your parents. I have a recommendation for a seamstress. Her name is Marge and she did alterations (from her home) for my wedding dress and some of my bridesmaids dresses. I was very pleased with her work and she was a FRACTION of the cost of having the alterations done anywhere else. She lives off the 55 freeway near Chapman in the city of Orange. This was over two years ago, but assuming she still lives in the area I'm sure she's still doing alterations...her number is ###-###-####. Good luck to you and your mom and dad!
If your willing to drive to the long beach are off of the 605 freeway and carson street I have a neighbor who has sewn for like all her life, she does not charge an arm or a leg, let me know and I will send her phone number if you are interested
T Miles
