Custom Sewing

Alterations and Mending

Clothing is made to fit standard bodies. Some of us may be shorter than our “standard size” expects us to be, so we’re tripping over our hems. Or for those who are taller and thinner than the “standard size,” maybe your clothes are too wide and need to be taken in to fit your body. (Hint: buy clothing to fit your widest or longest dimension. Most garments can be taken in or shortened, but making clothes larger is difficult or impossible, depending on how they’re made.) Whether it’s for a special occasion like a prom or a wedding, a fun outfit to wear on vacation or to a party, or everyday clothing, I’m happy to help with alterations or mending! Consultations are free, unless I have to travel to meet with you.

If the names Charlotte, Gastonia, Hickory, Lincolnton, Shelby, Rutherfordton, Gaffney, or Spartanburg sound familiar, then we’re local enough that we could meet in person for consultations and any fittings that might be needed.

If you aren’t local to me, then alterations are limited because you would need to ship your item to me and we can’t do fittings if needed. I can still help you with hemming and some other basic alterations – we can discuss the details to see what can work for both of us.

Scouts Badges and Patches

When your Scout earns a Merit Badge, ranks up, or takes on a new leadership position in their troop, I can help you update their uniform to reflect their accomplishments! Eagle rank patches are sewn to stay on, but I sew other rank or position patches in a way that makes them easier to update as needed.

Home, Party, and Wedding Decor and Gifts, Christmas and Seasonal Ornaments

This is my favorite type of sewing! I enjoy making things to fit a theme, whether it’s decorations for your home, seasonal items, a birthday or anniversary party, or a wedding. I sew, quilt, machine embroider, crochet, cross-stitch, and occasionally I do beading and vinyl cutting and simple woodworking and a few other crafts. I love using my skills to make your home or your special occasion even more special!

Perhaps you participate in a sport or hobby that isn’t super popular, and you’d like decorations, ornaments, tote bags, or other items that represent your interests. I love learning about new things, so I’d gladly learn enough about your interest to make something for you.

If you need something for a super-niche interest, I’d love to talk about what I can make to suit your needs. I have a son who is neurodivergent, so I’m familiar with the need for accuracy in super-niche interests and would be honored to help accommodate those interests as long as it doesn’t violate copyright laws. (For example: Disney characters: sorry, but no. Specific bird species: yes, I’d love to help you out!)

I can sew curtains to fit specific dimensions or shapes, or hem curtains that are too long. I can make curtains for special uses like desk skirts to hide cords, or to fit below a farmhouse sink, or whatever you need. I can make throw pillows or pillow covers or pillowcases. I can make basket liners, tablecloths, table runners, bed runners, appliance or stand mixer covers – almost anything that you need to make your home a cozy and beautiful retreat!

Memory Bears, Ornaments, Pillows, and Quilts

Most people think about memory bears or quilts after a loved one has passed away. I would be honored to help preserve your memories by using your loved one’s clothing to make stuffed animals such as a bear, cat, dog, bunny, or other animal, or an ornament or pillow or quilt. I’m happy to accommodate personalization requests, as I want to make your special memorial keepsake as meaningful as possible. I can also make stuffed animals or ornaments to honor a special pet, whether they’re still with you or have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Memory bears, cats, dogs, bunnies, etc., can also be keepsakes of your baby’s first outfit, christening gown, or other special outfit. If you have a prom dress or wedding dress that you don’t want to keep or donate, the dress could be made into a keepsake that could be displayed and enjoyed. Maybe you have a quilt or some embroidered hankies that are too worn out to use, or too old-fashioned for your tastes. I’d love to discuss the possibilities with you so we can come up with a special keepsake for you.

Machine Embroidery and Digitizing

If it’s made of cloth and it can be flattened out, I can machine embroider it! I can stitch on blankets, towels, most clothing, most tote bags, and fabric to be made into a quilt.

I can also digitize designs and either stitch them out for you or make the files for you to stitch on your machine. As long as a logo or design isn’t protected by copyright, I can digitize it for you.

Quilt Labels

When you make a quilt, it’s a good idea to add a label to the back. I can design quilt labels for you to machine embroider, or I can embroider it and mail it to you. Depending on the size of the label, I can include information such as the quilt’s name, the maker, the long-arm quilter if applicable, the year completed, the recipient if it’s a gift, and whatever other information you would like to include. I like to include an embroidered design that matches the quilt, so I can either digitize a simple design to include, or leave space for you to add a design of your choosing.

Sewing, Quilting, or Crochet Lessons and Coaching

If you want to learn a new craft, or get some coaching or hints for a project, I’m happy to help! If you’re local to me, then we can meet for in-person classes. (If the names Charlotte, Gastonia, Hickory, Lincolnton, Shelby, Rutherfordton, Gaffney, or Spartanburg sound familiar, then we’re local enough that we could meet in person.) If you’re not local, we can video chat over Facebook Messenger, Zoom, or Google Meet. For quick questions, feel free to contact me through my Facebook profile, or use the contact form below to send a message.