Gown Alterations by
Weddings, Galas, Homecoming, Prom and All Formal Occasions
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (for women of all ages)
(937) 470-1116 Please leave a message.
Call soon!
Limited availability.
Alterations are the
heartbeat of my business!
At Gown Alterations, I want you to feel as if you are the only person, the only bride, the only client the focus is on! Whether you are getting something small altered, or you are looking at an intricate custom design or redesign, I treat everyone the same - Special! A good seamstress with reasonable prices is difficult to find! So, I want you to be confident in knowing that your alteration needs will not only be done well, but you will know your costs up front. If a change is necessary, you will always be notified before proceeding or being charged!
Secret!
I will let you in on a little "secret" about Seamstresses and Tailors - no one person can do everything equally well, no matter how well-educated, experienced or talented they may be. I have been sewing for 4 decades, and have made quilts, designed outfits and costumes for productions, made a prototype for a Soccer Ball Company and have altered countless items. I have made my own duvets, comforters and curtains, table covers, arts and crafts, you name it! But, I can tell you, I definitely have a niche in 2 areas in which my gifts shine the most - #1: making something better out of something "meh"! I love to redesign! Redesigning is different than repurposing in that the item - whether clothing, bedding, or whatever - still retains its original purpose, but it is made to be a one-of-a-kind. I also enjoy #2: Alterations - making the necessary changes resulting in a dress tailored to your body. Those are my two greatest strengths as a Tailor and Seamstress.
You might have heard Tailor used instead of Seamstress. "What is the difference between the two?"
Generally, seamstresses can make clothes from patterns, sew with many fabrics and make a variety of cloth items like curtains, duvet covers, and so on. A Tailor's exclusive specialty is clothing. So, tailors can not only alter and follow patterns, but they do more challenging sewing with clothes such as designing and making unusual clothing items like costumes for plays and musicals, ball gowns, runway items and so on. Often, people say Seamstress when they mean Tailor, and vice versa.
What is a "Master Seamstress"?
Recent definition: "A master seamstress is a highly skilled professional who specializes in creating, altering, and repairing garments and other fabric-based items, often possessing expertise that extends beyond basic sewing tasks. They are typically experienced in garment construction, pattern making, and working with diverse materials and styles, including women's clothing, evening wear, wedding gowns, and specialized items like costumes or handbags. While a seamstress generally focuses on sewing, mending, and altering existing garments, a master seamstress often takes on complex projects, may mentor junior staff, and can oversee production or design processes. Their work requires a deep understanding of fabric behavior, precise attention to detail, and advanced technical skills, both by hand and machine. The term "seamstress" specifically refers to a female professional, with the male counterpart traditionally being called a "seamster".
What does Couture mean?
Couture is the French word for dressmaking, and haute means high. So, haute couture means high-end dressmaking. (It also usually means high end price!) A haute couture dress is one of a kind, usually made for a specific client using unusual or expensive fabrics in construction. It is started from scratch. I never do this anymore because, frankly, it costs more to start from nothing than to redesign an existing dress! It also is ridiculously time consuming (which is why it costs more!) A completely new wedding gown can cost in the thousands of dollars, especially with fabric supply stores like JoAnn's closing down!
A redesign is not considered haute couture because it is not made from start to finish, but is a reconstruction of an existing item (which can also be altered using exquisite fabrics. This can elevate the value - and cost.) Redesign requires more skill than general dressmaking, since the Tailor/Seamstress needs to know which changes will work and how these changes will flatter the client. Also, redesign requires creative thinking which is different than the skill needed to follow a pattern.
Pricing
My "How Much Does It Cost?" Notebook has a fairly detailed list of the alterations which are asked for most frequently. When you come in for your fitting, if you have something specific in mind which is not listed, let me know and I am sure I can be of help. I am very up-front with my pricing and services. I am required to charge State and County sales taxes, which are currently 7.5% here in Greene County, Ohio. I accept cash, credit cards, checks, Venmo and Paypal. Keep in mind, when you pay for alterations, you are paying for the seamstress' time and skill. I aim to be honest, hard-working and to treat everyone with respect and kindness as I help you transform your dress to be what you want for your special day!
I hope this overview was helpful to you! I look forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings,
Debra B.