Custom sewing
Handmade items
I always have a great time making things like pouches, bags, pen cases, cosmetic cases, hats, and other small items. I make them with fabrics I find pretty from different fabric stores. Believing that recycling and upcycling is important, I also use rescued fabrics like Japanese kimono and unused industrial remnants. Please contact me.
Custom sewing
If you have been dreaming of a specific item but cannot find it in a store, I may be able to help.
I can sew a garment if you have a sewing pattern, fabric, and notions (like zippers, buttons, etc.). Please read more information about custom sewing for garments.
Or, I can also make pouches and bags you see on my photo gallery using a different fabric such as your favourite fabric. I can be creative with other non-garment items, meaning that I can probably make a sewing pattern for your item.
I ask you to provide the fabric and other things necessary for your project, and I can help you figure out how much fabric is needed for your project.
I can provide a white or black thread for regular clothing weight fabrics. However, if you require a specific colour that matches to your chosen fabric or a specific type of thread, then I ask you to provide it.
If you need help with what you need to order your item, please feel free to contact me.
I also sew laboratory-quality blackout and laser safety curtains for Grayflare Inc. Please check them out.
Mending
I can help you if you have a button that you need me to sew it back on, if you need a patch on the knee area of your favourite pair of pants, or if you need to have a zipper replaced on the jacket you love. I can also mend worn areas such as those on socks.
Some wears and ripped areas cannot be restored to the original form. But there is a trend to do some "visible mending". If you are curious, please look it up. It is fun to make the mending visible and stand out.
However, some things can be beyond repair because the fabric in the area could be very, very thin so that any additional mending can put more strain in the area. It's best to show me how it is before deciding if it's mendable or not. I will be completely honest about your situation. I don't want you to pay me money to mend something that needs more mending in a few months...
Hemming and alterations
Please note that, in general, hemming or simple alteration is cheaper elsewhere in town because of the way my fees are charged. For example, a dress hem can be as long as eight metres long, and this can take a lot of hours to prepare and sew. This is true with other alterations, such as shortening sleeves, pant legs, and sewing on buttons.
If you cannot find anyone else, I can always do it, but please understand my pricing standards. I do not like quick and cheap jobs, and I always make sure the job is done well.
Fees
Fees will depend on the hours required to finish the task.
-
Custom sewing or mending fees start at CAD$30/hour, and it may change according to the technicality and difficulty of the project. Please know that projects requiring hand sewing will take longer time. (For a sewing project that requires the use of an industrial sewing machine, the fee starts at $60/hour.)
-
Shopping for notions and/or fabric at a physical store: CAD$30/store (you will be charged for your purchases; this service may require a deposit)
-
Driving to your location to take measurements, assess the situation, etc.: CAD$30 (only within the Anthony Henday circle in Edmonton)
-
Minimum charge: one hour
-
Accepted method of payment: e-transfer (preferred), cash, or credit card (PayPal or Square)
-
Do you want to "barter"? I'm open to in-kind payment as well. Please contact me.