Seamstress Extraordinaire

Seamstress Extraordinaire Professional alterations with over 35 years of experience. Specialties include special occasi And so it began….. and began my theater journey.

It all began at the kitchen table......

As the youngest child of a farmer and home-maker, my mother used to make clothing for my sisters and I. I was probably ten or eleven, but I can still remember the day we laid out fabric on the kitchen table and used butter knives to hold the pattern in place (there was way too much to do on the farm to be bothered with pins!). Although I have my mother to t

hank for the initial skills, I was able to learn more technical sewing while working in an alteration department at a high-end clothing boutique as I attended college. Their motto of ‘yes, it can be done’ has stuck with me all these years. The experience of altering furs, suede, leather and women’s ready-to-wear allowed me to begin a professional career of alterations. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Textile & Clothing Design, I accepted a position with a bridal boutique. After a couple years of altering bridal gowns, bridesmaids and wedding parties, I moved on to the costuming world. A unique opportunity to be a stitcher for the Washington Opera presented itself, so I moved to Washington, D.C. While rotating between seasons for the Washington Opera and the Wolftrap Opera in Vienna, Virginia, I was able to create stunning costumes through flat-pattern and draping techniques. What was once a dream of having my own design and alteration business is now a reality. As a third generation seamstress, it’s no wonder that my passion for sewing and design, mixed with a lot of hard work and determination, has led me here.

Kathryn’s bridal shower dress was originally her mom’s wedding gown! Check out this heirloom redesign:
01/21/2026

Kathryn’s bridal shower dress was originally her mom’s wedding gown! Check out this heirloom redesign:

01/19/2026
10/17/2025

From the aisle, to the reception to the after party….3 dresses in 1! Sarah purchased ‘Kahlo’ from Vagabond Bridal. The gown already featured a detachable train but then we threw in some separating zippers to be able to make the bottom ruffle detachable too. Other alterations included taking in her bodice and a hem. For additional photos of Sarah’s big day, check out my Instagram page:

09/24/2025
02/27/2025

Did you know that I offer professional steaming/pressing services? This mitzvah dress went from 0 to 10 after my service. If you live out of state but are getting married here in the Philadelphia area, I’m happy to assist! Or maybe the seamstress that did your alterations doesn’t include pressing services (yes, some don’t). I also provide on-site pressing services. If you want to contract any portion of my Concierge Services, just reach out for more info!

The wait is over! So proud of the custom gown I created for my Goddaughter Sarah Endacott. More photos and info to come!
12/29/2024

The wait is over! So proud of the custom gown I created for my Goddaughter Sarah Endacott. More photos and info to come!

11/14/2024

If you sent an email or requested an appt, please check your junk folder for my return reply if not found in your inbox!

If you are somewhat of a follower of mine, you’ve probably seen either a Facebook reel or my latest Instagram post with ...
10/20/2024

If you are somewhat of a follower of mine, you’ve probably seen either a Facebook reel or my latest Instagram post with the same photo posted here.
To elaborate, my Goddaughter Sarah Endacott and her fiance Tom Kelly will be united in marriage on 12/28/24.
In the early days of my career, I used to make custom wedding gowns. I gave that up to focus solely on alterations. In part, because I’m a sewing nerd who just loves to rip things apart, but also because I love the art of taking a gown (or any garment) and making it fit. This has become my passion.
Sarah and Tom have had a lengthy courtship, but once the question was popped, so did mine, “Would you like me to make your wedding gown?”
I’m so proud to announce that I’ve come out of custom gown ‘retirement’ to create Sarah’s dream wedding gown! She and her mom flew in this weekend from Nebraska for a whirlwind round of fittings.
Needless to say, bride and mom are happy and I’m so incredibly proud of this creation! It’s gonna be tough to keep it under wraps. All will be revealed 12/28/24. I cannot wait to share it with you!
Will this launch a line of custom gowns?
Hmmm…..

Address

Philadelphia, PA

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 3:30pm

Telephone

(215) 431-7840

Website

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