South Alabama Sewing

04/21/2026

I absolutely had a blast doing this costume. He and his wife posing during Mardi Gras.

03/18/2026

Queen T-shirt quilt, 75”x105”. Oh boy, this is so much fun and has been about two years since I’ve completed. I sold my long arm so I had to quilt this monster on a domestic machine.

02/27/2026

I have come to LOVE Margi Gras. This year I was honored to sew ~40 costumes.
Mardi Gras costumes, the hidden labor of the festivities. These took me 2 months to assemble. I made the brown costume from measurements and the others were given to me to assemble.

02/07/2026

My sewing machine travels with me, along with a few tools.

I always hear, I just need a hem, nothing complicated. So, what does it take to do a “quick” hem? It depends on the hem. Here is a wind breaker pant as an example.
1. A marking tool, chalk or fabric pen will do.
2. A cutting tool. 90% of the time I prefer a rotary cutter. This requires additional tools, a ruler and rotary mat. Scissors will work but are not as precise if you’re not proficient.
3. Sewing machine, proper needle and thread (set up is important! You can’t use a quilting needle if you’re sewing denim).
4. Pins, these are used to baste the hem after ironing.
5. Iron and ironing board. Pressing the fabric will insure an even hem.

I’ve got a mini iron and board, my trusty Juki (this is my primary sewing machine), and a sewing box full of the tools mentioned above.

You can use hem tape in a pinch or fabric glue..I’d avoid these options if you can. You run the risk of ruining the hemline.

Questions?

01/12/2026

Good morning all,

It is with great sadness that I have decided to close my business. I am no longer taking client's alterations. Thank you for the love and support over the last two years! This has been a tremendous learning and growing experience. You have not seen the last of me!

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12/17/2025

Tip of the Day:
Yes, you can burn and melt your clothes. When you set up your iron you will need to choose a heat setting. Check the care label to know if you can iron your garment. Sometimes steaming is the best choice to remove wrinkles.

12/11/2025

Tip of the day:
Purchase the fit, not the size.

The garment that looks the best on you is the one that fits properly. If you are a size 6 and you squeeze into a 4 it will make you look heavier then you are. Stress lines will appear and your skin will pop out of places it shouldn’t.

12/10/2025

Tip of the day:

Do you know that you can make your own laundry soap? I have made this soap recipe and it works well. This is good for those that dislike the perfume smells and high cost of detergent.

Homemade Laundry Detergent February 18, 2013 I am excited to share this with you today! I have been using this homemade laundry detergent since November, just trying it out before I shared it with you. And since I LOVE it, it is time to finally share. This detergent is CHEAP, smells great, is fast a...

12/04/2025

Tip of the day:

When you wash your sweaters on the gentle cycle or hand wash, lay them flat to dry. Once they are dry store them in a drawer or on the closet shelf, do not hang them up or they will stretch out.

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12/02/2025

Tip of the Day:

If you have a heavily beaded or sequined gown do not store it on a hanger. Your gown will stretch out if it's on a hanger. If this is something you plan to store longterm do not put it in a plastic storage bag. You will trap moisture in and your gown will be ruined. I fold mine and put them at the top of my closet.

How do you store yours?

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12/02/2025

Many women share gowns for Mardi Gras.

So...how do you freshen up the gown in the armpits and maybe neutralize that lingering perfume smell? (This works for thrifted clothing too.)

VODKA and WATER - get you a spray bottle and put a one to one ratio of each. I did 3oz of Vodka and 3oz of water. Spray a generous amount, then wait for it to dry. Removes the smell and the alcohol smell is gone. Disclaimer: Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

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11/21/2025

Good morning!! I have a couple of opening next week for gown alterations. Jump on my scheduling page to book your appointment today. :)

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