Question about alterations

roxylee1997 · August 2010

I purchased my dress at PoB, and had a few issues with the service, leaving me a bit concerned about having my alterations done there. I've since gotten two recommendations - Sophia's Creative Alterations and Elaine Morgan. Elaine has said that she can handle all of the alterations in a short time frame (getting married in September and dress not due in until next week), but I'm a bit concerned by some of the posts I've read on here. It may be a fairly complicated alteration (essentially recreating the entire skirt of a dress to remove pleats). Has anyone else used Elaine to alter a wedding dress? Any feedback? I've also seen a number of glowing reviews on here about Sophia, but haven't contacted her yet. Are her prices reasonable? Does she need a long lead time to finish the alterations or can they be done in a few weeks?

Thanks in advance. And thanks for all the wonderful advice I've accumulated by reading this board!

Ms.BriarRose · August 2010

Hi and welcome! When is your wedding, so we can look at time lines?

I had several friends use Elaine (Tonysgurl,Mrs.Carina, and Mrs.Jax, among others)...and several of them were not happy. One of them had a picture of a bustle she wanted done, was told it was possible, but on the day of, all the ties came off- she literally was sewing ribbon taken from the bubbles onto the dress frantically before the reception, just so she would be able to move. It was ridiculous. The other friend also had he bustle break, as well as the bridesmaid dresses being sloppy looking (the straps didn't line up with the seams, and were all over the place). She said she had to stay on top of her the whole time, that there were many hours wasted waiting while they frantically did the alterations that were supposed to be done before, and don't even mention the dog she lets on the dress while you are being fitted. Don't get me wrong, I have heard decent things as well- but wasn't willing to risk it all for my wedding dress.

I opted for Sophia. She is a gem- I had my fitting two days before major surgery, and she insisted when I first booked on getting me in before the surgery so I wouldn't have to worry, and then at the appt she insisted on booking my second appt after my recovery time. Not only was she recommended on here, but she was the only seamstress recommended by Morgan's, the place we got my mom's dress/red carpet readywear shop who has dressed First Ladies and other dignitaries (including Jill Biden!).
In terms of her work, "the wall" speaks for itself. It is floor to ceiling covered in pictures and thank you notes (from brides, former beauty stars like Miss Delaware, etc). I needed my sleeves altered, and also needed a pretty complicated bustle done (I have a colored train and wanted it to show for the reception). For the sleeves, bustle, cleaning and steaming, and some thread trimming on the sleeves, and something else I can't remember and can't look up because my reciept is at my mom's house, it's $240- which is relatively decent, from what I have read on the Philly board. She told my mom and I not to pay until the final alteration, which gives me time to save up the money. My first appt was July 17, my second appt is Sept 8, and my wedding is October 2. Technically speaking, she could do it faster, but I would call her and talk to her. And FYI- if you call and the answering machine picks up, leave a message! It usually means she's pinning on a bride, and she will call you back very promptly.

Sparrow just had her wedding, and had her alteration done by Sophia- and she loved her, said her dress fit like a glove and held all night. I am so far very, very, very pleased with Sophia. I can give a full report after my next fitting.

Depending on where you are, the other name I have heard on the Philly board is NIlah. Her pricing is similar to Sophia. I would do a post on there for more info about her if you would like it.

jennlp1026 · August 2010

I LOVE Sophia! She is such a sweet Greek lady. I mention the Greek part because I love her accent and she tells stories while she works. My gown has not come in yet, but when it does I will be having Sophia do my alterations. I have had her do several dress alterations for me over the past 5 years and they have been perfect. In terms of turnaround time she bases it off of the date you need the gown. I had a bridesmaids dress that needed to be let out (due to the measurement skills of Brides & Grooms, not to an expanding waistline...), but didn't realize I needed it let out until August when the wedding was in September. Sophia was able to accomodate me and had the dress to me in time. I had 2 fittings with this dress as well. I know that my alterations were much simpler than what you may need, but give Sophia a call. If she doesn't think she will be able to do it, she will definitely tell you and not waste your time. She is very honest.

Good luck!

Mrs.Carina2u · August 2010

I used Elaine for my wedding dress... my SIL used her- my brother's FI is using her... I've used her for all BM dresses and normal clothing... my mom uses her... DH uses her for suits, etc. I LOVE ELAINE!!! She's super affordable, and I've never had any issues with her work!!

kelbode · August 2010

Now I am confused! I was going to use Elaine since my SIL recommended her and she is closer to my house. My friend just used Sophia and loved her! And after the great Sophia reviews here I just don't know! All I need done is bra cups added and then maybe just having the bust taken in a bit. Everything else fits perfectly! I haven't made an appointment yet and my wedding is Ocotober 9th. I gotta get moving!

I have Elaine's phone number, does anyone have Sophia's handy?

Ms.BriarRose · August 2010

Sophia's number is 302-777-7515. She is located in Independence Mall.

I have to say, it seemed that everyone who had a great experience with Elaine was before a certain point (to my perception, it looks like around January 2009). Before that, anyone who used her loved her. After that, anyone who used her had problems.

Question about alterations

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