ARE YOU EXCITED FOR YOUR FITTING?!
SEW GLORIOUS wants to provide you with a positive and enjoyable experience as you prepare for your formal event.
To do so, below are some answers to those frequently asked questions to help you with that.
To do so, below are some answers to those frequently asked questions to help you with that.
How many fittings will I need to finish my dress?
The number of fittings required depends upon the amount of alterations needed. When altering a dress, I usually begin from the top of the dress and work toward the bottom. Often, one alteration causes another. For example, adjusting the straps, will affect the hem. And... after we adjust the straps and possibly sew in some bra cups, you may need to come back for the hem to be pinned.
Brides, after your first fitting, if something seems too tight or not tight enough, there's no need to panic. That's why we have more than one fitting. Adjustments WILL need to be made. (It is rare to have more than one-two fittings when altering bridesmaids and MOB/MOG dresses, however, it does sometimes occur.) You see, altering dresses with slippery fabrics and delicate lace can be tricky and chances are, Sew Glorious will notice, too! Just know that I want to honor your time while making your experience enjoyable and pleasant. In the end, I want you to look and feel fabulous!
How much time should I allow prior to the event in order to get the dress done?
You will be contacted 8-10 weeks prior to the date of your event to schedule your first fitting. Then, we might need fittings every 2-4 weeks following that, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done as well as your schedule and the time of the year for Sew Glorious.
For bridesmaids, mother of the brides/grooms, prom and other formalwear gowns, we rarely have more than 1-2 fittings for these dresses because they typically have less layers and are less complicated.
Why does it take so much time to alter bridal gowns and formalwear?
As stated above, the type of fabric that most formalwear is made with is a challenge to sew, which means the seamstress works slower than if one were to work with cotton or polyester. Hand sewing is also often involved in working with formalwear, too, causing the seamstress to move from the sewing machine to a thread and needle. Additionally, it is difficult to access the seams of a dress that have already been sewn and finished and is several layers. As I access those seams, I am doing my best to not compromise the fabric or lace on the dress. You might need the side seams taken in, yet the dress may be satin with a lace overlay on top of it as well as a lining. That would be three layers! Yikes! All for a three inch seam... I'm sweating already! Last, if your dress has beading on it, the seamstress needs to remove the beading prior to sewing the seams. Then, the seamstress needs to replace the beading by hand. This takes time and patience. Be flexible and understanding. If I reschedule your fitting, it could be because another bride had an emergency (and had nothing to do with your dress). I WILL get your dress done on time (no one has ever walked down the aisle in her birthday suit). I promise that!
What and who should I bring to my fitting?
Bring the shoes and the shape wear (Spanx, slip, etc) you will wear on the day of the event and anyone who is a source of encouragement to you. Avoid bringing anyone or anything that will distract you. This includes large groups of people (no more than 2 others, please), small children (I do have stray pins on the floor), that one person who will interfere with the seamstress, or will perhaps make derogatory comments about you or your dress (yes, it happens... guard your heart, ladies!). Sew Glorious is a home-based business and my mission is to provide you with a joyful, customized experience.
What should I expect at my fitting?
The room is medium-sized and it gets even small-ish with lots of people in it, and I want your experience to be comfortable. This is why I advise that if you ARE going to bring someone to your fitting, bring that person who is important or encouraging to you.
When you arrive, Sew Glorious will take a look at your dress on the hanger. We will discuss what you believe is needed and the date you need it. You will then go into the fitting room and put on that beautiful frock (If you need assistance, Fran will help you. Just let her know.) Then, when you are dressed, you can come back into the bridal studio and take a look at what is needed to make your dress fit you comfortably.
Sew Glorious will insert pins in the garment wherever alterations need to be made, beginning at the top of the dress (straps/sleeves) and then, proceed to the bodice, the hips, and the hem (if it is appropriate at that time to do that). When finished, you will get changed back into your street clothes. Sew Glorious may take your measurements (bust, waistline, hips and perhaps some other measurements) if needed and review the summary of what is needed for the alterations. You will be provided with a ballpark quote for the cost of the alterations. A timeframe for when those alterations will be completed will also be discussed. Then, you'll be on your way!
Can you guarantee a perfect outcome?
Your body proportions take a great part in determining the outcome of the alterations. They may be distant from the standard body measurements for the type of dress you ordered or from which the manufacturer designed for. As soon as you begin opening the seams of a dress, you begin to alter the outcome of that dress. So, no seamstress should ever guarantee a perfect outcome because everyone has a different definition of what is perfect. Sew Glorious will do her very best to please you and make you look beautiful for your walk down the aisle. Communicate openly with her! She wants you to feel confident, comfortable, and radiate joy!
The number of fittings required depends upon the amount of alterations needed. When altering a dress, I usually begin from the top of the dress and work toward the bottom. Often, one alteration causes another. For example, adjusting the straps, will affect the hem. And... after we adjust the straps and possibly sew in some bra cups, you may need to come back for the hem to be pinned.
Brides, after your first fitting, if something seems too tight or not tight enough, there's no need to panic. That's why we have more than one fitting. Adjustments WILL need to be made. (It is rare to have more than one-two fittings when altering bridesmaids and MOB/MOG dresses, however, it does sometimes occur.) You see, altering dresses with slippery fabrics and delicate lace can be tricky and chances are, Sew Glorious will notice, too! Just know that I want to honor your time while making your experience enjoyable and pleasant. In the end, I want you to look and feel fabulous!
How much time should I allow prior to the event in order to get the dress done?
You will be contacted 8-10 weeks prior to the date of your event to schedule your first fitting. Then, we might need fittings every 2-4 weeks following that, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done as well as your schedule and the time of the year for Sew Glorious.
For bridesmaids, mother of the brides/grooms, prom and other formalwear gowns, we rarely have more than 1-2 fittings for these dresses because they typically have less layers and are less complicated.
Why does it take so much time to alter bridal gowns and formalwear?
As stated above, the type of fabric that most formalwear is made with is a challenge to sew, which means the seamstress works slower than if one were to work with cotton or polyester. Hand sewing is also often involved in working with formalwear, too, causing the seamstress to move from the sewing machine to a thread and needle. Additionally, it is difficult to access the seams of a dress that have already been sewn and finished and is several layers. As I access those seams, I am doing my best to not compromise the fabric or lace on the dress. You might need the side seams taken in, yet the dress may be satin with a lace overlay on top of it as well as a lining. That would be three layers! Yikes! All for a three inch seam... I'm sweating already! Last, if your dress has beading on it, the seamstress needs to remove the beading prior to sewing the seams. Then, the seamstress needs to replace the beading by hand. This takes time and patience. Be flexible and understanding. If I reschedule your fitting, it could be because another bride had an emergency (and had nothing to do with your dress). I WILL get your dress done on time (no one has ever walked down the aisle in her birthday suit). I promise that!
What and who should I bring to my fitting?
Bring the shoes and the shape wear (Spanx, slip, etc) you will wear on the day of the event and anyone who is a source of encouragement to you. Avoid bringing anyone or anything that will distract you. This includes large groups of people (no more than 2 others, please), small children (I do have stray pins on the floor), that one person who will interfere with the seamstress, or will perhaps make derogatory comments about you or your dress (yes, it happens... guard your heart, ladies!). Sew Glorious is a home-based business and my mission is to provide you with a joyful, customized experience.
What should I expect at my fitting?
The room is medium-sized and it gets even small-ish with lots of people in it, and I want your experience to be comfortable. This is why I advise that if you ARE going to bring someone to your fitting, bring that person who is important or encouraging to you.
When you arrive, Sew Glorious will take a look at your dress on the hanger. We will discuss what you believe is needed and the date you need it. You will then go into the fitting room and put on that beautiful frock (If you need assistance, Fran will help you. Just let her know.) Then, when you are dressed, you can come back into the bridal studio and take a look at what is needed to make your dress fit you comfortably.
Sew Glorious will insert pins in the garment wherever alterations need to be made, beginning at the top of the dress (straps/sleeves) and then, proceed to the bodice, the hips, and the hem (if it is appropriate at that time to do that). When finished, you will get changed back into your street clothes. Sew Glorious may take your measurements (bust, waistline, hips and perhaps some other measurements) if needed and review the summary of what is needed for the alterations. You will be provided with a ballpark quote for the cost of the alterations. A timeframe for when those alterations will be completed will also be discussed. Then, you'll be on your way!
Can you guarantee a perfect outcome?
Your body proportions take a great part in determining the outcome of the alterations. They may be distant from the standard body measurements for the type of dress you ordered or from which the manufacturer designed for. As soon as you begin opening the seams of a dress, you begin to alter the outcome of that dress. So, no seamstress should ever guarantee a perfect outcome because everyone has a different definition of what is perfect. Sew Glorious will do her very best to please you and make you look beautiful for your walk down the aisle. Communicate openly with her! She wants you to feel confident, comfortable, and radiate joy!
