Our business, led by Cathy, a fully qualified seamstress and patternmaker with over 40 years of dressmaking experience, is passionate about delivering the highest quality results with quick turnaround times, all at an affordable price.
Please note that we operate by appointment only, so be sure to contact us on 0468399614 to schedule your visit, to our convenient location in Taroona.
An Interview with Cathy, Our Expert Dressmaker who has been in the industry for over 40 years.
Cathy is here to share her insights and knowledge about the art of tailoring and sewing.
Cathy: I started sewing when I was a child, as my mother was a keen sewer and would often make clothes for me and my siblings. I learned the basics from her and then went on to study fashion design and patternmaking in college.
Q: What do you enjoy most about sewing?
Cathy: I love the creativity involved in sewing. It's so rewarding to take a piece of fabric and turn it into a beautiful garment that someone can wear and feel confident in. I get a lot of satisfaction in taking somebody's favorite garment and giving it a new lease of life by repairing and or altering it.
Q: What are some common alterations that people need for their clothes?
Cathy: The most common alterations are shortening or lengthening hems, taking in or letting out seams, and adjusting the waistband. These are all fairly simple alterations that can make a big difference in how a garment fits.
Q: What advice do you have for people who want to learn how to sew?
Cathy: My advice is to start small and build your skills gradually. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as that's how you learn. Take a class or find a sewing community online where you can ask for advice and support. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Q: How important is it for people to invest in high-quality clothing that can be altered and repaired, rather than constantly buying new clothes?
Cathy: It's very important, both from an environmental perspective and a financial one. Good quality clothing that can be altered and repaired will last much longer than cheap, poorly made clothes that fall apart after a few years. And if you invest in timeless pieces that can be restyled or updated, you can get many years of wear out of them.
Q: What are some of your favorite fabrics to work with?
Cathy: I love working with natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, and silk. They're breathable, comfortable, and can be manipulated in many ways to create different textures and patterns.
Q: What do you think sets your work apart from others in the industry?
Cathy: I take a lot of pride in my work and pay attention to the small details. I'm also very focused on making sure the garment fits the client perfectly and that they're happy with the final result.
Q: What trends do you see in the fashion industry when it comes to tailoring and sewing?
Cathy: I'm seeing a lot more interest in sustainable fashion and slow fashion, where people are investing in high-quality clothing that can be worn for many years. I'm also seeing a resurgence in vintage and retro styles, which often require a lot of tailoring and attention to detail.
Q: Any final thoughts or advice for our readers?
Cathy: My final advice is to always invest in quality clothing and take care of it. Have it altered when needed, store it properly, and repair it when necessary.
And if you're not sure how to do these things yourself, find a skilled tailor or seamstress who can help you.