Phyllis Sullivan says that her alterations shop brings in approximately 55 customers each week, up from the 40 she averaged per week last year. Sullivan hasn’t had time to slow down since people started heading to their own closets instead of heading to the mall.
She says “we’re turning around like a top” as she bustles from sewing machine to serger then back again. Mending military uniforms has kept over a dozen nearby alterations businesses busy over the years, but these seamstresses and tailors are finding that the recession is bringing in customers in increasing numbers to save money by extending the life of clothes they already own.
Typically, for less than half the original cost of an item, a pair of slacks can be altered to fit an increasing (or decreasing) waistline and a zipper can be repaired. Instead of tossing clothes that are ripped or no longer fit, they can be brought back to life much cheaper than they can be replaced.
Another new trend is price conscious shoppers who purchase gently used clothes at consignment stores, or deeply discounted clearance items, then have them altered to fit. The result is a custom tailored outfit for much less than retail.
Sullivan says her prices generally start at around $6 and that alterations take from three days to a week, although same day service is available. Read more about Sullivan’s business in The Beaufort Gazette or check out AlterationBiz.com for information on how to start your own alterations business.
Archives for February 2009
College Student Surprised By Flood Of Sewing Machines
Tariro Mupombwa is a 21 year old student at the University of Pennsylvania who is working on a major in biochemistry. A couple of months ago she visited her native Zimbabwe and witnessed the effects of the cholera epidemic that started last August, along with the major economic issues the country is having.
In an effort to “contribute something positive to the society” she came up with a plan to collect donations of sewing machines and then export them to Zimbabwe for the creation of a non-profit that will make school uniforms and clothes for infants.
Residents of a home affiliated with the Salvation Army will be trained to make pleated skirts, khaki pants, blazers and button down shirts. Many of the residents are retirees with no family to help support them in a country where 80% of the population is unemployed and malnutrition runs rampant.
Mupombwa had hoped to collect 25 to 35 sewing machines when an article ran about her project in The Philadelphia Inquirer, but she has been “a bit overwhelmed” by the outpouring of over 120 calls and emails and the offers of new and used sewing machines.
To help out, she has now recruited seven of her classmates who are also responding to the emails and calls. One of her professors has even offered to help store the machines until she can have them shipped. Read more here or contact Tariro Mupombwa for more information on how to donate at tarirom@gmail.com or 215-417-8679.
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Part Time Fashion Designer is Creating Her Own Dream
Sarah Jo Saunders has been sewing since she was a teenager and says she is “completely self taught” when she talks about her fashion design. Saunders never wanted to settle for mass-produced clothing so she got started by designing and sewing her own outfits. She has since decided to go for her dream and opened Jo Clothing, an independent design company that is run out of her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Saunders’ goal is to create comfortable fashions that are also flattering. She currently also works part-time as a hairstylist, but spends the majority of her time on fashioning her clothing line, which she sells on Etsy.com and at local art fairs.
Her funky, layered fashions include tunics and stylish dresses in a wide range of sizes, typically made from stretchy jersey fabric for comfort. The cozy designs are also made for women of all sizes, and Saunders makes custom outfits in a wide range of sizes.
All of Saunders’ designs are created on a serger from her own original patterns and she says she learns a lot from trial and error. Features like oversized collars and cowl necks are catching the eye of people all across the country and in Canada through Saunders online store at joclothing.etsy.com.
Saunders credits the other designers who sell fashions on Etsy with inspiring her to follow her creative passions and she encourages others to follow their dreams as well, “just make what you love making and keep looking for new ways to improve it.”
Read more about Saunders in The Grand Rapids Press or visit her Jo Clothing store online at joclothing.etsy.com.
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Make Something Special For Your Child
There are so many things that you can make for your child — for a birthday or just because you want to let them know they are special!
Snake wall pockets are sure to make a child smile — AND might even encourage them to keep their room a little cleaner by utilizing the pockets for storing “stuff”.
For complete instructions for making the snake wall pocket see the free tutorial at PatternsThatFitYou.com. You’ll find many tutorials and patterns at the free classes category.
In addition to toys and razzle dazzle shoes instructions in the free classes category, PatternsThatFitYou.com also has information on how to make a child’s cardigan out of an old sweatshirt.
You may also want to teach your child how to make leather beads — working together with the child on simple projects might just kindle an interest in crafts / sewing that will last for the rest of their life!
Encourage your children to do craftwork and sewing by making items for them when they’re small, then begin teaching them how to do simple little projects as they grow. Eventually they will be able to help you in your own sewing and craft business — and they will LOVE working with you. You’ll be surprised at how a little praise and encouragement raises their self esteem.