I'm Famous!

It was bound to happen

I live in a small town. People know me, and recommend me for alterations ALL THE TIME

Well, a few weeks ago I was leaving a wake, and saw someone I knew, in line, so I stayed and chatted for a while. Sidebar- I did alterations for her and her daughter the bride a few years ago. While chatting, the woman in front of them turned around and said "Hi Tamara - you may not remember me (and reintroduced herself) but you just altered a bridesmaid dress for me, and I wore it last weekend - it was perfect!" My friend heard this and agreed with the woman regarding my skills with the bridal alterations I had done for her daughter!

Last week, I was going into the grocery store when someone stopped me and said "Hi Tamara, (reintroduced herself) you hemmed a pair of jeans for me not long ago - they're perfect!" 

I love what I do, and am so glad I can make smiles happen! 

How do you feel in your dress?

Often times, someone may need additional fittings to get the fit exactly how the client wants it. Especially with a special occasion dress. They almost always require 2 fittings before it's picked up. 

I do like to ask my clients "how do you feel" in the garment. I rely partially on their answer, and also my experience, so I know it's fitted well. I think it's a fair question, because I'm not the one wearing it.

Recently I had a MOG that needed a lot of adjustments, and came back for a 2nd fitting. She didn't like some things , so I made some more modifications and an appointment to come back. She actually thought she would be taking it home that day. But I did ask her how she felt, after pinning certain areas a 2nd time. She questioned my knowledge about the garment construction and that she shouldn't have to tell me how she feels in it,,,,that I should just know because I'm "the professional" 

I tried explaining how the dress is constructed, and certain things just can not be changed. Our bodies are not symmetrical. She had a nice figure, but this was a dress that you could not hide behind. It showed every curve. It was big when she bought it, so she didn't see how it would look once taken in. She didn't' like that the dress didn't look symmetrical on her body. I do my best to make the client look their best in whatever garment I'm working on.

SIGH...

So - we made another appointment for the following week to pick up her dress, and she left. I proceeded to work on her gown right away, because at this point, I wanted to know that it  was done, and that it would be satisfactory to her. Then I went home. My phone rang during dinner, so I ignored it, and listened to the voicemail afterwards. It was her. She wanted to come pick up her dress, and for me not to do any more work on it. It was too late, I told her. I did everything except for the shoulders. She told me not to do the shoulders, and that she would "settle up with me" the next day.

So she came, tried on the dress, and because the shoulders hadn't been done, she wasn't satisfied. I told her if she had allowed me to finish the shoulders, she would have been happy, and the dress would have been done. So instead, she paid me and left unhappy.

Now, I don't want ANYONE to leave unhappy with my work. 99.999% of the time they leave happy - I often get hugs as appreciation! So please let me know "how you feel in your dress"! 

I appreciate all my clients and stand behind my work. Thank you for entrusting me with your most special garments. 

A gown all her own

In my years of doing bridal alterations, I have taken in, let out, added/removed a belt/sash, added/removed straps, added/removed tulle and bustled, bustled, bustled!!!

Earlier this year (March 2018) I received my most unusual request. To add color ,and in doing so, also redesigning the style, of her wedding gown!

Interesting, I thought. "what color?", I asked....."lime green", she responded....oh my! I thought...
Then the bride sent me photos of her in the gown with some scribbles drawn on to where she would like the color added, and of gowns where she saw green added. Those photos were more of the style that she liked, the green was not the right shade for her.

Ok, this made sense. When she first came to me, she had on a lime green fitbit, a lime green phone case, and her dress had white, black and of course, lime green in it. It was obvious that it was her favorite color, and looks great with her dark skin.

I was intrigued. I LOVE a challenge, especially given enough time to bring it to fruition. Her wedding is September 9, 2018 - the date I decided to write this blog.

Story behind the gown - bride had been previously engaged and bought a beautiful lace gown for her wedding. The engagement was broken off, but she kept her gown. Fast forward...engaged to be married in 2018, she wanted to use that gown, but because it is for her new love, she wanted to make it special, redesign it. She had seen photos of wedding gowns with color added, and decided to search for someone that would be able to do that for her. She found me.

Timeline:
March 11, 2018 Alexa came to my house to discuss her design ideas.
April 12, 2018 I received some fabric samples from her, and a deposit in the mail
May 12, 2018 She brought her gown to me
June 1, 2018 I was able to order tulle in the color she wanted (to match bridesmaids) from Azazie!
July 30, 2018 First fitting - decided to add another layer of the green to the train to enhance the color, placed the bustles and the band at the bustline, ruffled the lace/satin layer in front and back (forgot her shoes!)
August 11, 2018 Fitting with her shoes - adjusted placement of the side ruffles - brought orange tulle with her - wanted just a small amount added at center of "flower" at top of ruffles, pinned green tulle to train so it stays nicely in place, Length was perfect with her shoes.
August 26, 2018 Gown was picked up!!!!!

One layer of Tulle added - gathered at top to avoid having a seam

Bustled!!!

Front of gown she liked

Original gown - back

Back - newly styled and color added!
See how it matches her inspiration on the left!

Her inspiration

Ruffled side - bustled

Ruffled side and train

My contribution to the Patriots LI Superbowl Win - You're Welcome!

Ok, I'm not bragging or anything, but I DO think I contributed to the Patriots come-from-behind win this Superbowl LI...here's how it played out....

I was watching the uneventful, sometimes even painful to watch (for Patriots fans), first half with my other half, in the living room. I even watched Lady Gaga's unbelievable performance from in there.

Then, I thought, {sigh} I'VE GOT WORK TO DO....

So, for the second half, I retreated to my happy place, my sewing area, where I have 5 wedding gowns (2 for March weddings) that needed my attention. I turned on the TV to the Superbowl, at this point for background noise, and prepared my work.


I looked at what needed to be done, analyzed it, then GOT TO WORK

I think I was channeling this train of thought to the Patriots - GET TO WORK


So, that's it....a soon as I sat down at my machine, the crowds started going crazy, and I looked over at the TV for the replay...over and over...I continued to work, listen and watch, as I knew my contribution to their success was primarily important and I couldn't give up on them! 
Way to go Patriots!!!!!


You know the rest of the story - and You're Welcome!

A busy season?




Fabric selection for client's custom dress

It used to be that I was the busiest in Prom, dance recital and spring/summer Bridal "seasons" from March through July mostly. The Fall is usually the time of year I catch my breath, maybe even do some sewing for myself (a rarity indeed!). The phone doesn't ring at all. Not the case this year. I have had so many phone calls and emails for alterations, Fall weddings, custom work, and questions about future work, I just am amazed! I recently went away, and as soon as I turned my phone on after touching down at Logan, I had a text and a voicemail from 2 people needing alterations. One was a return client. Some have found me on the internet via my website or Facebook page, others are word of mouth, or are return clients. For the referrals and returning clients, I thank you! That is how I built my business before I even used the internet and stands true to still being my best advertisement.

Side gussets added to 2 dresses

Custom curtains inspired by photo on left

Facebook, my website, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram have allowed me, in the past few years, to post current updates, photos of my work and people have written recommendations on my "wall" for others to see as well...which has really given me a boost! So follow me on Twitter (and retweet my tweets!), LinkedIn and Instagram, and "like" Fashions by Tamara on Facebook!

The internet has proven to be a valuable tool for getting Fashions by Tamara on the North Shore map!
Thank you all for supporting me, spreading the word and keeping me busy!
Website

Heirloom veil used to make one of a kind garter

The only thing that should matter is LOVE!

                                          All brides should be treated equally

I never thought I'd get married!

That's what Diana said when she came to me for her bridal alterations. When she walked through my door, stunning lace gown in hand, with a separate satin underlining, she said "I never thought I'd get married." This she said a few times during  her fitting. Now, in front of me was this very pretty woman, long curly hair, great personality, telling me that she never thought she'd get married.

Of course the curiosity got to me and I asked  "So what happened?", knowing it could be a very personal question, but feeling that by saying that over and over, that there was something she wanted to share with me. She said "I met the most amazing person". So the excited bride-to-be then talked about how she was overwhelmed with all the planning - finding a dress, mailing invitations, etc,etc,etc...They were getting married only months after meeting.

Feeling her excitement and some anxiety, I assured her that her dress would be ready in plenty of time, and that I would help her with a special embellishment she wanted. I also said to her "just imagine all those brides that plan their wedding 2 years in advance and stress that entire time. Look at you! You are getting it done in a much shorter time!" She smiled, agreed and at the end of her fitting, was more relaxed, knowing her dress was in good hands.

Local Businesses Connect!

It's all who you know. It's all who you're connected to. This is true in many ways. Business travels by word of mouth more than any advertising campaign! So, if you have a business in the Melrose or Greater Boston area, read on...

Networking in the Community

Wow, the social media network has really taken off! The latest  (in my networking anyway!) is Alignable. This is an avenue where local businesses can connect, set up advertising campaigns, post a promotion, share ideas. You can connect with EVERYONE on Alignable, or hand pick who you want to be connected to. I do a little of both. I have connected with others in my profession - or at least those that will compliment mine - and have also accepted invitations from others outside the scope.

So if you are wondering what is this "Alignable" media and how can it work for you - click on the link below and connect with me. Set up your profile if you haven't yet, and see how it can help your business in the local community.

Accept my invitation to connect on Alignable!

Something old, something new....

A local girl wanted to wear her mother's wedding gown - but it didn't quite fit, and the style was not what she wanted. See how I transformed this country style gown from the '80's to a more modern style, all her own.

See work in progress pictures on my Facebook page:

Refashioned Wedding Gown

Wedding Photos by Henry + Mac fine art wedding photography