Vintage Alterations

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Hi! I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good person for alterations in the Los Angeles / Orange County, California area?

I'd like to develop a long-time working relationship with someone who understands classic clothing construction and is versatile - I have a backlog of everything from reconstruction projects to mundane button replacement and seam repairs. Thanks in advance for your help!

Jane
 
Jane, I can't recommend anyone in your area but suggest that you look out for an older lady, preferably with a background in dressmaking. I find that the older the lady (and the more she likes hand sewing) the more likely she'll know how to make the best of vintage clothing.

Nicole
 
That's link is beyond fabulous, Laura--thanks SO much for posting it!

I've been growing a pile of projects I need help with but have been putting off doing a thing about because my local alteration ladies aren't exactly confidence inspiring... Using the Association referral list, though, I handily found over 8 women in my area with the specialized skills I need.

(Top priority on the list is finding someone who can custom-make clothing for me from an unprinted pattern; further down the line is getting someone to instruct me in how to do it myself! I just bought the most wonderful pattern for 40s Rosie the Riveter overalls/trousers from JulieW @ Damn Good Vintage, and now my dream of having several perfectly-fitting pairs in various colors/fabrics is actually within reach!

:singing:
 
Thank you - These are GREAT suggestions! It is SO hard to find anyone who likes to do the necessary subtle handsewing some repairs need. I've had things almost ruined by overly enthusiastic machine repairs that repaired the holes but added a new "design." Aargh!

Regards,
Jane
 
I think you may need two people--one for mundane items and another for more technical work. You might consider contacting one of the schools in LA. There are several colleges--Woodbury, LA Trade Tech, FIDM, and several community colleges --in the area.

I know someone in Palm Springs if you are interested. Claire
 
Originally posted by Laura
I suggest looking for a member of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (formerly the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers). There are sure to be many, many members in your area and they have an online referral list broken down by category of sewing.

Good luck!
Laura
Click to expand...

I called Gaye Sunada, the only Alterations Specialist listed for Los Angeles. She was extremely nice and knowlegeable, and I would have loved to use her expertise, but she's booked for the next 2 years! She gave me a lot of friendly and useful advice, and also said that if I could get several people together she would consider teaching a class on alterations.
 
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