Tailors & Seamstresses
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Tailors & Seamstresses
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
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.
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
[no replies received]
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
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