THE ART OF ALTERATIONS

Sewing is one of the oldest arts, as early humans were forced to stitch together hides to cover themselves. While clothing was initially designed for protection, ornamental garments quickly became popular in most societies. The domestication of animals led to textiles like wool, while plant based textiles such as cotton and lining have also been made for centuries as well. Most people probably sewed their own garments until they settled in cities, when specialized trades such as baking and sewing started to emerge.

Originally, only wealthy families could afford the services of a seamstress or tailor, while poor families continued to make their own garments. A seamstress could create elaborate garments for social occasions, along with her team of apprentices. Seamstresses also developed new sewing techniques, because of their highly focus and contributed to the development of new fashions. Seamstresses also worked with mending and garment repair.

In the modern era, most people continue to use a seamstress for special occasion like their wedding.

Now most people don’t understand the amount of work that goes into altering a bridal gown .Hours and hours of intricate hand work and machine work goes into the perfect fit .First a gown is taken apart stitch by stitch and very slowly to protect the fabric.  This sometimes can take up to 5 hours alone. Next they take in or let out the gown and depending on the beading, this can take a minimum 4 hours .Then there is the hem, well all I can say about that is layer upon layer each layer is cut, rolled, hem and pressed very time consuming process but with our experienced seamstress it’s done with precision. Last, but not least the bustle, each of which is custom to each dress and each bride.  The bustle is a very important part of the alteration; you don’t want to be dragging around your train for all to step on.

So now you have a little insight into the process of alterations and the amount of work and skills needed to fit a bridal gown.  Do your homework; don’t trust just anybody with your most important garment of your life. Know your seamstress; ask to see her work even get a referral or reference. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.  Especially in alterations, the fit can make or break your day.

Recently I meet a young lady who was being married the following weekend; she came to me on Thursday afternoon with her bridal gown she purchased from a bridal super store and had it altered by a little old lady in her home.  The bride and her mother were in a bit of distress and asked for me to please help them. They were desperate; the dress she waited 8months for was possibly ruined by alterations.  I have never in my career in the bridal business seen a dress so tore up.  Luckily she came to the right place; I was able to fix her dress with no problems by the hands of our very great seamstress, Michela Campione.

Michela is a custom dress maker that has over 50 years experience plus the knowledge she picked up from her home town Nicosia Italy in bridal alterations. Michela has attend three design and alteration schools throughout her life and also did a seven year apprenticeship studying under one of the biggest dress makers in Italy .

Michela is available for custom dress making or alterations thru Bella Sposa or you can contact her direct at 708-349-6069.