Tailors & Seamstresses
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Seamstress to resize my favorite jeans
April 2011
Hi There,
Can anyone recommend a neat, capable, and inexpensive
seamstress in the Oakland/Berkeley area?
I recently lost 2-3 pants sizes and would like to have some
of my favorite jeans re-sized. Has anyone had this done? I
don't want to pay more than 15-20$per pair.
Thanks so much!
Anon
I'll be interested to see what responses you get, because my
impression is that if you want resizing done right, you need
to go to a tailor, and you will probably spend more than
$15-20 per pair. Getting pants taken in properly (so they
look good and fit you well) takes time and a certain amount
of expertise, which a seamstress who is that cheap is
unlikely to have. I take my pants & jeans to a tailor to be
taken in, and I spend around $28.00 or more, depending upon
the style. But, I know I'm getting the job done right. Maybe
I'm wrong, though, and there's a good, inexpensive
seamstress out there, so I'm curious to see what others have
to say.
Love My Tailor
love my jeans seamstress - she is affordable and recommended
to me by ''chic'' on college.
she is at Tower Cleaners on University avenue, down near the
freeway entrance.
margaret
Mary at Flamingo Cleaner & Tailoring in El Cerrito is the
person to see. I recently lost 40 lbs and she took in a ton
of my pants and blouses. She has also hemmed a lot of my
jeans and made repairs. I really can't recommend her enough.
Kate
Tailor for Vintage Wedding Dress?
March 2011
Hi,
I'm getting married this summer and I am looking for a
tailor for my vintage wedding dress. The dress is great but
needs some serious work -- ideally, I'm looking for someone
who works with vintage clothing and would be able to help
carry out my vision. I would happily travel throughout the
greater bay region. Thanks! in search of tailor
Cathy at alameda sewing cottage. She does all sorts of
tailoring and came highly recommended. While she does lots
of wedding dresses, I imagine she could do anything. She
took a too long wool (think east coast) coat and made it
short & cute and shortened a too long fancy dress.. But she
also does original work - lots and lots of dresses of all
kinds. I would definitely meet with her and go from there.
523-3307. Good luck
Hello - Kathleen Crowley is an expert on vintage clothing
and an amazing tailor. She also does wedding couture so
would be the great for your dress. Her work is gorgeous.
http://www.kathleencrowley.com
congrats on the wedding!
Carleigh
Try Karen Stern at The Repair Studio at 1625 Shattuck Avenue
in N. Berkeley. She is a complete whiz with all kind of
antique textiles including dresses. Whether it's lace tears
or mothball holes, I've been bringing things to her for
'wardrobe tuneups'for years. She's fast and fair.
http://www.quiltrepair.com/
and this article gives you some color about her:
http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-04-18/home-and-garden/17240807_1_quilts-art-institute-textiles
jane
Dressmaker-seamstress to make a bathrobe
Jan 2010
I am looking for a dressmaker to make a long bathrobe. I
have a specific idea of what I want but no pattern. I am
hoping to find someone who can make the pattern and sew the
garment.
Lucy
Anne Ventresco, in Montclair, does alterations and custom
work out of her home at very reasonable prices. Her
specialty is wedding wear (Endorsement: I'm a wedding
coordinator, and I not only recommend her to
clients but I used her services for my own wedding!)
http://www.anneventresco.com/
Nelle
To the posters looking for a dressmaker and tailor --
there's a newish dressmaking shop on College Avenue near
Ashby, where the old Elmwood Hardware used to be. I
haven't used them but they look cool and I'm rooting for
them - might be worth checking out. I can't remember the
name but it's next door to Vintage Berkeley wine store.
Elmwooder
Tailor to shorten dress pants
Jan 2010
I'd love a recommendation for a tailor for shortening some
dress pants and jeans in Berkeley, El Cerrito, or Albany. It
would be great to know approximately how much I would expect
to pay for shortening as I have a large pile of deferred
tailoring.
Look no further than Advanced European Tailoring:
2114 Addison St
(between Oxford St & Shattuck Ave)
Berkeley
(510) 843-3881
They charge about $10 for a basic hem - a little more if
its a fancy fabric or you want tapering, etc - but the
work is meticulous, on time, and friendly.
Check out their rave reviews on Yelp - they are the best.
my search is over
Tailor who can copy clothing
Oct 2009
I'm looking for a tailor who can copy a women's shirt using
fabric I would supply -- something along the lines of what
tailors in India and other parts of Asia do. I know there are
high-end dressmakers out there, but I'm looking for something a
little more affordable. Thanks.
My friend had a dress copied at Margene's on Grand Avenue in
Oakland. She took a 1940s vintage dress and had it copied in
white for her wedding dress. It came out great.
Seamstress to shorten wedding dress
Sept 2009
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced seamstress to shorten a
wedding dress? Berkeley/Oakland/Alameda area preferred.
Uni Tailor, on University near Milvia in Berkeley, is reliable
and very reasonably priced.
Successfully Shortened
Hem pants, replace a zipper
April 2009
I am looking for someone to do some sewing for me- hem some pants,
maybe replace a zipper. Would appreciate any recommendations for
someone moderately priced working in the Berkeley, Albany, North
Oakland area. Thanks.
anon
I would highly recommend the UniTailor on University Avenue in
Berkeley. The shop is maybe three or four blocks west of
Shattuck. She does amazing work for unbelievable prices. She
completely altered my wedding dress (including re-beading around a
replaced zipper) in no time flat for something ridiculous like
under $100. My husband's also had pants hemmed there and again,
quick quality service for very reasonable prices. Couldn't
imagine taking my clothes anywhere else!
Very Happy Customer
Hi I can highly recommend John the Fashion Taylor at 4129 Broadway
in Oakland.(510)597-1410. We have gone to him on random occasions
over the years. He is fast, does quality work for a reasonable
price,recently, he did a wonderful job changing my son's zipper on
his reversible jacket.
Denise
Need jeans altered
Jan 2009
i have numerous pants & jeans that i need altered (length, seat and
rise.) i'm looking for someone to alter them at a reasonable price.
i've been to Shirley's on lakeshore ave (highly recommended)and she
did a great job, but she is super expensive.
Maybe i'm wrong, but it seems to me that alterations should not be
more than $10-15.
Anyway, recommendations would be appreciated, preferably in
oakland, but open to other nearby areas.
thanks!
My family has consistently used one place for 25 years: Golden
Needle Tailors on Encianl Aveenue at Lafayette (Gold Coast
section)in Alameda. Their work is priced right, the staff is
kind, they are experts and overall: superb.
Louise
I go to ''John the Fashion Tailor'' on Broadway at 41st Street
4129 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 597-1410
His prices are quite reasonable and he is fast. He is a young
man with small kids and its a pleasure to support him
anon
I love Sammy at Made to Fit in Danville. She is very sweet,
provides expert tailoring, and is very reasonable.
Kirsti
Your local dry cleaners probaby provides alteration services.
My cleaner is Claremont Cleaners on Ashby - they do fast
inepensive repairs, hemming, and alterations.
Sept 2008
I'm looking for an excellent seamstress/tailor to fit a 1950's dress
that is too large for me. I've looked in the previous
recommendation but am hoping for something more recent.
Thanks!
I've been happy with Uni Tailor on University near Milvia in
Berkeley.
A Berkeley resident
I would highly recommend Shirley''s on Lakeshore Ave, near
Mandana. She's terrific, and reasonably priced.
PK
May 2008
I tortured myself trying to find a bathing suit to take on my trip to Hawaii. After
100's of trys, I finally found a bathing suit i can live with...but its a little on
the big side and the straps aren't quite right. (The price was right). I have a
little experience with sewing but not with this type of fabric. I would like to find
someone who can alter this (I am in Emeryville) or get some advice on how to do it
myself. Can i do alterations to a bathing suit on a regular machine and do i need a
special needle and thread? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Handy sewer but willing to farm out the work if necessary!
A bathing suit shouldn't be a problem if you have a machine and can use it.
Get a needle for knits. It is called a round point needle. Doesn't cost much
more than regular needles...
Set your stitches wide. That's so you don't break the rubber strip in the
straps. Use a long zig zag and don't pull the material. Let the feed dogs move
it.
Done!
I just had Louise Austine, who I found on this site, alter a bathing suit that
was too large. She did a good job at a fair price. She's in Oakland at
839-8419.
anon
Sept 2007
I'm looking for a tailor in Oakland or Berkeley to alter some clothes (both mine and my husband's).
The most recent recommendations are from a year and a half ago so any new people to try would be a
great help. Thanks!
Shauna
There's a very good tailor behind Jupiter Bar in downtown Berkeley--in the little
group of businesses next the the Jupiter Bar's outdoor courtyard. I just walk in
and they have me try on whatever I want adjusted and we work out a solution--then I
go and pick up the garment after three days. Sample prices--$7 for a pants hemline
adjustment, $9 for shortening jeans while retaining the original hem.
Short inseam
Feb 2007
Hi - I'm looking for someone who can take a look at the design
of our baby hammock and emulate it almost exactly but in a
larger version. Any ideas or recommendations?
jamie
I'd like to recommend Madelin Wolf as a terrific seamstress. I
believe that she can do anything involving fabric! She's an
artist and makes quilts for special occasions, and she's also
done things like sew on athletic letters to blankets for me,
and repair a Guatemalan skirt made of a gazillion different
fabric patches, some of which were fraying and had to be
removed and re-pieced. She's in West Berkeley near Juan's
Place (1025 Carleton - and 7th?)and her numbers are 334-6671
and 644-2063. Tell her I sent you!
Jann
[Editor Note Nov 2008
Madelin Wolf specializes in quilt restoration and quilting, and
occasionally makes other small items. She does not do alterations.]
Feb 2007
I am looking for a seamstress to alter a bridesmaids dress for a
wedding this spring. Does anyone have any recommendations,
preferably in El Cerrito, Albany, or Berkeley? Thank you!
Anna
I had a bridesmaid dress altered last summer - I think they're
called Hopkins Launderette, on Hopkins between Monterey &
Sacramento - she was fantastically quick and it fit perfectly at
a reasonable price!
August 2006
I just bought some new jeans and they are way too long! Does
anyone have a suggestion for where to get jeans hemmed? I would
like the hem to look as close to the current hem as possible.
Someone mentioned that it might be good to cut off the current
hem and sew it back on the new, shortened length, so I might do
that. Suggestions for experienced tailors in Lamorinda,
Berkeley, Oakland would be helpful! Thanks!
Amy
Great woman named Wendy . Her business is called Sew Much the
Better and is located in the back of ielle clothing store on
College Avenue.
Anon
I found a great seamstress who did wonderful things on my clothes
- I have not had her do any work on jeans but I am sure she can
handle it: her name is Wendy Lo, 3206 College Ave, 510 652 9189.
She has a little shop in the back of the i-elle Clothing store
(across from Safeway near Clairemont Ave)
sd
The seamstress at Sunny Piedmont Cleaners on Piedmont Ave in
the small shopping area in between the video store and the Honey
Baked Ham store is excellent. I cannot recall her name, but
they only have one seamstress and the jeans will look as though
you just purchased after she has shortened the hem. She does a
great job on shirt and suit sleeves, too
anon.
Definitely go see Wendy! I can't find her card right now, but
her shop is located in the back of I Elle (used to be Ovation)
at 3206 College Avenue in Rockridge. She just hemmed a pair of
high end jeans for me and they look fabulous!
Another shorty
You don't need an experienced taylor for this!
Go to any drycleaner you trust - most have someone who can do
this sort of thing on staff.
If you cut off the pant leg at the proper length and then re-
attach the ''good hem'' it will look wierd!
Find someone who communicates well (English) so you can be sure
he/she knows exactly what you expect the result to be.
We go up the street to our neighborhood dry cleaner, use some
sign language and simple english and have never had a bad
result with our alterations. I wish you the same luck!
Sew simple!
the fabric store at piedmont/john in oakland (across from
piedmont elementary school) does great hemming and mending.
We love Norge Cleaners, in El Cerrito on San Pablo across from
the plaza. They have a wonderful seamstress. We wholeheartedly
recommend them!
March 2006
I would like a recommendation for a talented, flexible tailor who
can do anything from remaking a suit to hemming a jacket.
Preferably this person will be in Berkeley or Oakland. Thanks.
trisha
I recommend Advanced European Tailoring in Trumpetvine Square in
downtown Berkeley. The guy is sweet, does good, swift work, and
his rates are reasonable.
Auntie M
A fantastic tailor at a great price: Tuay (Twee) at Eclipse.
She owns the shop where she also sells cloth, imported clothes,
and things she makes.
Eclipse Custom Embroidery, 4299 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, 923-
9639.
I have been happy with all the work she's done on my clothes
and jackets, and she's on time and not expensive. I've seen
her work on furniture for other customers while I was waiting
to talk to her, and she's made custom fitted silk tableclothes
and such for me. All very fine work.
I go to a tailor in Albany, on San Pablo, that is fantastic. I
can't quite remember the name of his shop - maybe Bahrain
Tailor - but it is right next door to the drive through carwash,
just a block or two south of El Cerrito Plaza, I think, on the
opposite side of the street from the Plaza. Next door to a
Norge Cleaner.
The fellow that owns this shop is not just a tailor, but also
sells mens suits in his shop. He is incredibly talented - I
have brought him many business suits which need major tailoring,
and he alters them so that they fit just perfectly. Much better
than the typical dry cleaner shop tailor!
anon
I highly recommend Bert Hajnal, the proprietor at Berkeley Sewing
Center at 2059 University Ave @ Shattuck. About 6 years ago I
wanted flannel, hooded robes for my kids (now 10 and 12) and
could not find them anywhere. I bought fabric and pattern, since
I can sew basic stuff, but I never got it started. Took the whole
thing to Bert, who made them up for me (reversible - pattern on
one side, plain on the other, pockets on both sides, double belt
loops etc. etc. ) Because they were reversible, it was not cheap
- but the guys have worn them throughout 5+ years of growth, so
it was a great investment. And they are still wearing them!
though the 12 year old doesn't have many years left for his.
They did a great job (I think Bert's wife was working there too.)
- very happily tailored
June 2005
I'm looking for a tailor that can do very quality fast work in
or near Alameda (although I'll take recommendations for someone
very good anywhere in the east bay). I'm having a baby at the
end of June and am wearing a very detailed and delicate
bridesmaid dress at the end of August. The dress cost a lot
(over $300) so I want to make sure that the tailoring is done
well. Also, because my body will be changing daily, I want to
get it tailored as last minute as possible so someone
accomodating would be great. THANKS!
Karen
try Irina Studio on Piedmont Avenue just above the Piedmont
theatre. She rebuilt a bridesmaids dress that was 2 sizes too
big and make it look really great. She has also done smaller
jobs for me and everything always looks great.
Good luck
March 2005
I have quite a few punjabi and other more modern-style Indian
outfits which need alterations of various sorts, or pants made
to match, etc. Any recommendations on tailors/shops experienced
and of reliable quality for this type of work in the East Bay?
My in-laws have places they use in the South Bay but I'd rather
get the work done closer to Oakland/Berkeley.
Susan
There are several sari shops in Berkeley, mostly on University
Ave. Why not call one of them and see if they do alterations, or
if they don't, if they could recommend someone?
--But I don't know anything else about saris
There are many options in Berkeley on University Avenue. I was
part of a South Asian organization at UCB and we used some of
the tailors there to make outfits for our dance performances and
events. Sorry that I cannot name a specific store, but at least
you get a good variety of options in that area.
Pearl
Jan 2005
I am looking for a tailor/seamstress to do some alterations on
adult women's clothing such as taking a dress in, removing
sleeves and collars, and fixing shoulders that have stretched
out of shape. I would prefer someone in the El
Cerrito/Richmond/Albany/North Berkeley area. Any
recommendations?
Thank you.
Michelle
The alterations shop on Solano (down by San Pablo) does a really
good job. I think it's called Mary's - they are across from the
post office, next to a Thai restaurant and Thai gift shop. Don't
let the dorky maniquins with out-of-date clothing on them scare
you, they do a really good job.
anon
June 2004
Seeking a seamstress for a small run of sample garments.
We have the pattern & materials. We're new to the
garment/sewing industry & looking for someone to help
develop our design.
Layla
I highly recommend Louise Austrie, who worked for many years at
Margene's (sp?) Bridal in Oakland. She is just off Grand near
the Lake in Oakland, and she is fast, friendly, and extremely
talented. She is truly a pleasure to work with!
510-839-8419
Tracy
Jan 2004
Hi:
Where can I get some pants hemmed inexpensively in
Berkeley/Albany or El Cerrito.
Thanks
Lisa
Try Norge Cleaners on San Pablo Avenue, in Albany/El Cerrito.
It's next to the car wash. The seamstress does a good job.
anon
Before I got a sewing machine, I used to get my pants hemmed at
a dry cleaner's on Fairmont in El Cerrito. I can't remember the
name... It's the little place down the street from Fat Apple's
on Fairmont (not the one up the street on the corner). They are
right next to the alley and always have lots of blue bundles in
their window. They had the best price and always did a good
job. I'm sure the price has gone up, but 8 years ago it was
$8.
5'2''
I can recommend Rose's Tailoring in downtown Oakland. Don't have
the number handy but she is listed. She does a great job and
only charges $8 for unlined and $10 for lined pants.
Mary
May 2004
I am going to be a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding this
summer. The dress is from New York, but I need to have it
altered here. I suspect it will need some significant
alterations because they asked for my measurements six months
ago, about 3 weeks after I gave birth (you know we're good
friends because I actually measured myself and told her the
numbers!). I'm looking for an expert seamstress to make the
dress fit properly. I checked the website but the
recommendations were from 2001. Thanks in advance!
Old Friend With New Curves
I strongly recommend Bonnie Carpenter, on Piedmont avenue. I believe she is
one of the people previously recommended. I went to her for possible
alterations for my wedding dress. I ended up not having her do it, not because
she isn't good, but because she actually helped me to see that I didn't really
need the alterations done (my dress looked beautiful the way it was), after she
had discussed my options with me. On top of that, she sold me a nice garment
bag for really cheap and gave me advice as to where to go to find a nice slip or
other undergarment to make my dress look even nicer on me. My point is, she
helped me a lot, and actually dissueded me from using her services. I was so
impressed with her integrity and helpfulness (as well as her work, which I could
see all over her studio) that I have vowed to recommend her to anyone and
every one that asks. Please at least visit her. She's above a florists shop at the
cemetery end of Piedmont Ave.
Bonnie Carpenter fan
Nov 2003
I was wondering if anyone has
found other tailors to add to the list. I'm a petite woman who
often needs to hem pants and jacket sleeves.
Judy
Hi,
My friend Susan is an excellent seamstress, and has been sewing
nearly all her life! She recently started her own business doing
alterations, custom work and costumes. She lives in San
Francisco and works out of her home.
She can be reached at: 415.518.7672 or sfbongo AT yahoo.com
Michelle
I work with an excellent tailor named Kalim Quevedo. His number
is 510-628-0991. His skills are impressive, and his rates are
affordable.
Suellen
Aug 2003
I am looking for a tailor (preferably in Berkeley or locally) to
alter some newly purchased suits (women's). Jeanne
try Shirley's (the owner's name is Veda) on Lakeshore near
Papyrus. she's great!
stacy
Try the Berkeley Sewing Center at 2059 University (between
Shattuck and Milvia), phone: 848-4224. The (Hungarian) owner has
tailored a number of women's suits for me. He works quickly, is
not expensive, and I have always been happy with the results.
par
May 2003
My husband wears out the fabric on his right-hand pants pocket
in his suits. The white lining starts showing (where the back of
his hand would be if his hand was in his pocket). Can a tailor
fix this? We're having to replace his suits frequently, when
the only problem is the pocket. He's going to try to keep his
change and keys elsewhere, but what to do about the existing
damage?
Can't afford new suits
Yes, a tailor should absolutely be able to replace just the
pants pocket if it is the pocket itself that's worn out and not
the face of the pants in front of the pocket. The only
challenge I can foresee would be if it's difficult to find
fabric to match the suit -- that is, if the top part of the
pocket lining (that shows) has to be replaced. I'd call around
to a few tailors (check the phone book or the staff at fabric
stores) and ask about it.
dpbrenner
There's a process called reweaving that repairs holes in fabric.
It seems matching threads are sewn/woven across the hole. Never
had any use for the service but found this on google.com:
http://www.withoutatrace.com/reweaving.html
For your next suits, try buying additional pants. Lands' End
sells mens' suits with jacket and pants separately.
Suit pants are always the first to go. It's either the pockets,
seat or knees. Suit jackets can always be reused as blazers,
especially if you replace the buttons with more casual ones,
which can be found in fabric stores.
kim
April 2003
I need a seamstress for making (possibly designing) men's and
women's shirts for my band (25 members). Any recommendations?
thanks, Kathy
Wendy Lo (www.sewmuchthebetter.com), who has a workspace in
Ovation Clothing Store at 3206 College Avenue in Rockridge.
Very pleasant and does excellent work.
Ben
Jean Fredrickson is a fabulous seamstress and clothes
maker- is very versatile and talented. She made my wedding
dress, including doing the design for it and it came out very
beautiful. Her phone number is 415-242-4043.
andrea
March 2003
Does anybody have a good seamstress for hems and minor
alterations near Lafayette or Walnut Creek? None were listed on
the site.
Thanks.
Linda
I forget the name of the tailor, but he's located in the Forge
in Lafayette, behind Bo's Barbecue and Cafe Barbara. He altered
a bridesmaid's dress for me this past September and did a fine
job. You might also ask at Lafayette Sewing Center (just up the
road on Brown Ave.) for a referral. I take sewing classes there
and they have a few quality people they refer people to--they
don't actually do the alterations there.
Christina
Jan 2003
I will be a bridesmaid in May and am looking for a seamstress to
help make my skirt as well as the four other bridesmaids'
skirts. One of the bridesmaids, however, will be 6 1/2 months
pregnant so I'm hoping to find someone who has experience
working with expanding waistlines. I live in Walnut Creek but
can travel. Thanks.
Shannon
I highly recommend Louise Austrie. She spent many years working
at Margene's on Grand Ave, but now works out of her home in
Oakland near Lake Merritt. She made my wedding dress in less
than 6 weeks, and it was truly one of a kind (I told her exactly
what I wanted because I knew what I was looking for but couldn't
find it in any stores). She was a pleasure to work with, very
fast and very helpful as far as advising me on what fabric to
buy, where to buy it, where to buy trim, etc. She is as nice as
she is talented!
Her # is 839-8419
Tracy
September 2001
I am getting married on Oct. 28 and want a simple yet elegant gown. I
am over 40 and have a kid (obviously) so I do not want the traditional
bridal gown. I have not seen anything I like (and can afford) in any stores or
magazines, but I can envision what I want and think I can describe it to
a dressmaker. Does anyone know how much this would cost? I don't want
lace and beading, which I assume add to expense.
Has anyone had a wedding dress made from scratch for a reasonable price
and/or on short notice by a seamstress in the Berkeley/Oakland
area?? I have read the information already on the website but would
love information specifically about having a gown made from scratch quickly!
Traci
Anne Ventresco in Montclair makes and alters wedding
dresses, although I'm not sure that she can work
within your schedule. Her number is (510) 339.3377
Christine
For a wedding dress: try Susan Marchionna 510-841-1026
Extraordinary woman who makes very special dresses for all occasions
Sherry
I'm looking for someone to sew a bridesmaid dress for my 9 year old
daughter, needed by mid-July. I have the fabric and the pattern, just need
the labor (the pattern says it Fast and Easy, but I can't sew...so..) Pls
email with any leads. Thanks, Judy
I have two friends who work at Bridal Stores. The one is in Pittsburg her
name is Eleni Feradouros phone number925-439-8178, the other is in Pleasant
Hill her name is Despina Skoumbas her number is 925-938-1452, good luck.
Eleni is a very dear friend of mine.
-- Elena
I recommend Louise's in Oakland on 401 Burk, near Grand Lake theatre and
just across from the lake. Louise did my wedding dress years ago when she
worked at Margene's on Grand Ave. and has done all my alterations since.
She is now running her own business out of her home. Her phone number is
839-8419. -- April
I highly recommend Margene's on Grand Ave. in Oakland. Margene
has some 20 years or more sewing experience that includes making attendant
dresses, bridal gown alterations, and regular dress/shirt making. She
also teaches sewing at Piedmont Adult school. On of my attendants had
Margene make her gown and she did a beautiful job. We provided the fabric
and the pattern. Margene was very helpful in making suggestions to
salvage the dress when it turned out that part of the fabric we bought had
a major flaw in the middle of the piece and it was impossible to match it
(it was triple ply navy velvet). She did a terrific job and my friend and
I were very pleased with the dress. I don't have the number with me but
she is in the book under bridal shops. She also rents dresses, too.
Margene is pretty busy this time of year so you may want to call her and
make an appoinment as soon as possible. The shop is located about a block
and a half above the Grand Lake theatre (the cross street is Mandana).
Hope this helps. -- Jeanette
2001
Can anyone recommend a good, reasonably priced men's suit tailor,
preferably
in or close to Berkeley? My husband is 5'6" and has a terrible time
finding
any suits that fit. There are a bunch of tailors on University Ave,
close-by,
but I have no idea if they're any good... I'd greatly appreciate a
reference.
Thanks!
Barbara
Over the past eight years, I've always gone to Jim the Tailor, at 2436
Channing Way, just west of Telegraph Ave. He's been around for years and
always does a good job.
Stefanie
Sorry, I can't remember the name of the tailor (it's been a while and we
now
live out of town), but my partner and I both used this woman for years and
she did a fantastic job on all our clothes including remaking a dress that
I
wore to our commitment ceremony. She is located on Piedmont Avenue in
Oakland on the same side of the street as the Piedmont Theater. If
you're
facing the theater, she is to the left, very close to a jewlery place and
a
shoe repair. Maybe her name is Irena. Hope this helps.
Sternhickey
2001
Guinnchang
Can anyone recommend an affordable, expert tailor to alter several lined,
custom-made jackets? I need to have the existing, huge shoulder pads taken
out (remember the days of Dynasty?) and much smaller ones sewn in their
place. This may also require altering the width of the shoulders and/or
shortening the sleeves. I need to have this done within the next 4 weeks for
an upcoming trip. Thanks for any recommendations I saw the recommendations
from last August for Jim the Tailor and someone else -- name unknown -- on
Piedmont Ave.
I'd appreciate getting the name/number of the person on Piedmont Ave or
info of
other tailors in and around the Montclair area of Oakland.)
Recommendation for a Taylor:
Evelyn's Fashion Store
3224 Fruitvale Avenue
Oakland, CA
510-436-5088
She is excellent!
I have used her services for a two piece, lined suit. My measurements
were taken, I went back for a fitting once and the turn around same/next
day.
Members of my Lodge use her services each year. She is usually booked but
she has a staff.
She has a small shop at the Fruitvale exist on/off.
Carolyn
July 2001
I'm seeking a tailor to alter some expensive, but out-of-style, garments to
bring them up to date. I've seen the postings on alterations, but what I need
is a creative tailor with taste and an eye for fashion. Can anyone recommend a
tailor who can re-style, rather than merely re-size, clothing?
Siobhan
Bonnie Carpenter has an MFA and does original designs in addition to
standard alterations.
She's on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland (at Pleasant Valley Road). I highly
recommend her: 652-6936.
-- Ilana
From: Barbara
Try Great American Dry Cleaners at El Cerrito Plaza on San Pablo.
From: Margy
I have had good luck with two tailors in Berkeley -- one is Jim the Tailor
at 2436 Channing Way (near Telegraph)and the other is Berkeley Sewing at
2056 University.
Jim is a bit more expensive but a fantastic tailor. Berkeley Sewing is very
good as well.
From: April
I have all my alterations done by a seamstress named Louise who is at 401
Burk near Lake Merrit and Fairyland in Oakland. She works out of her home,
is fairly reasonable, very quick, and a pleasure to work with. Her number
is 839-8419.
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