It all started when I ordered this fabulous silk designer dress on eBay. Normally completely out of my price range, I got it for $40. I figured if it didn’t fit, I could have it altered.
The dress was even more beautiful in person but since I am not a size 8 Anne Klein dress form, it needed alterations to fit. Normally I attempt this sort of thing myself but the potential for disaster on silk made me decide that maybe I should call in an expert. And so my search began.
A Google search yielded some places in Bangor (an hour away) and a dry cleaner in Ellsworth (30 minutes away). I know that the dry cleaner subcontracts this kind of work out (I had something repaired there before) and it would take a few weeks turnaround to get it back. Was there no one in my entire county who could do this?
I checked the Yellow Pages. Nothing. I even tried to convince a friend to help me do it for money. She wasn’t confident enough to attempt silk but did give me the number of a local sewing store. I called them (since their owner once told me she barely checks her email) and was given a phone number to Acadia Sewing.
So I called Acadia Sewing and set up an appointment with the woman’s husband (nothing like telling a man you’ve never met that things are too big in the chest area!). I was given directions that involved about half an hour of driving and a brief stint on a dirt road. I love Maine!
I got to the house and met Sveta, the nicest Ukranian woman ever who is going to make the alterations for between $20-$30.
Now if I was no single minded in my purpose, I doubt this would have ever gotten done. I think most people, not finding something in the Yellow Pages or on Google, will just give up.
Moral of my story: Even if you have a monopoly on an industry in a particular area, you should totally have a website, at least so people can find you without such a hassle!
“BEAUTIFUL That dress is SUPER….do you have a special place to wear it? No matter where, you are going to look like a million bucks!”
“ That’s hilarious! But such a good idea to call a sewing store. I’m going to do that the next time I need alterations.On a different note, I found just the book for you. It’s called “”””Frugal Foodie,”””” and it’s about how to cook great food on a budget. Check it out!”
Is she a client now? Did you persuade your seamstress that she needs a website?
always selling I am meeting with her and her husband when I pick up my dress Monday. :^)
““”I agree, she needs a website!”” Have the seamstress email me if you wish, I can help her get her own website, and she can do this for free!Since I’ve had my web site I have been nothing but busy! Love the dress=)”
Ohh meant to say… Tell her my web site is http://www.MarylandSeamstress.com
I had a pair of heavy jeans repaired by Sveta and I found her price to be very reasonable and I wasvery satisfied with her work I sew too but I haterepair & alterations Sveta is a dream come true!!
“Glad to know it worked for you! I’m probably the store you called to get Sveta’s number! I wish I had a $1 for everyone who calls or comes in and needs a seamstress! We have filled up about everyone on our list and now Sveta is getting busy. I try to convince folks to come to one of our open tables to learn to do their own hemming or easy repairs and alteratons, but most would rather pay someone to do it.”