AnnaInspired Alterations

Happy Halloween!!!!

Hope all the wonderful grads I've met this year have an amazing night!
Thank you to the ones that have sent me photos already!! I can't wait to see the rest.

Still looking for a photographer?

Had to!

Happy Tuesday Brides! I am a bridal/formalwear seamstress and I just wanted to give a little background on some questions I see pop up often about what to budget for alterations.

The amount you spent on your dress has very little correlation to your actual needs for alterations so whenever I see "save 10%" ... that can be very misleading in either direction. Your dress might need very little work or lots of custom work and the base cost of your dress doesn't give enough information to guide your guesstimate alterations cost.

Also if you choose not to bustle your dress that saves some money but having a way to get your train up for your first dance is very helpful...so areas where you might think you can save money might actually be useful to address.

I've seen $10k dresses need $1k in alterations... I've seen free dresses need $1k in alterations.

How your dress fits at the time you take it home is what your seamstress will be basing your needs and pricing from. Your special add on details will also be factored in and that's why it's hard to use a percentage as a clue... you are unique, your timeline, your needs, your body changes... everything is factored with your special details in mind.

So... how do you go about getting pricing once your dress is in hand? Some seamstresses accept photos for base estimates and some prefer you to come in so they can see it right away in person. It's important to feel comfortable with your seamstress so you can explain your vision. It's ok if you don't feel comfortable after a chat or a consult... just say thank you for your time and check out your next seamstress option 🥰

To give a frame of reference, currently I see anywhere from $300-600 on dresses that start off with a good fit and $600-1500 on dresses with major refitting or custom details. These dresses range from $99 off the rack specials to $8000.

Don't be afraid to reach out and start a conversation. The sooner, the better for bridal especially.

While it's a busy prom season, I am booking ahead several months for bridal. If your wedding is coming up, please don't hesitate to book a consultation and get your fittings and timeline set.

Got 2 fitting time slots left this Saturday. March and April are filling up so don't delay contacting me to book your consultation or fitting for prom or wedding. I recommend 2-3 months ahead! Totally fine to do a consult now and book your actual fittings for later this year.
Remember to choose your shoes as soon as possible, you will need them with you.

Into prom season already. Fittings are Tuesdays and Saturdays now until September.
Only a couple of spots left this coming Saturday and then the next Saturday with openings is March 2nd.
Happy to answer what questions I can ahead.

💖 Prom season is fast approaching 💖
Book in early to skip the bridal season rush.

Prom dresses generally only need 2-3 fittings but you do need to have your chosen shoes for every fitting. Plan ahead.

Did you know?

I provide steaming and pressing services, including dresses, veils, and suits. You can even book ahead to have me do it all on location the day of the event.

Specializing in formal alterations, but I still love to sew with my family. Check out my other page AnnaInspired Gifts for fun makes from my studio.

Do I ever go a day without sewing? Not really!

Valentine's Day will be here before we know it. If your Valentine's Day is the start of a new chapter in your life, remember consultations are always free and booking ahead for gown alterations is always recommended.

I get asked about sewing lessons regularly. While I'm not accepting any new students right now, there are things to consider before starting out.

Excellent article about beginner machines here.
https://www.facebook.com/100063886680374/posts/778697247603158/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Gown shopping 101

Did you know that ordering a dress online can end up costing substantially more than you expect if you need it altered? Altering cheaper fabric is more time-consuming. You can end up with fabric looking worn out and snagged much faster as well. Cheaply made dresses may not be able to be altered the way you want either. Many places have a standard 2 times the cost markup on all alterations if it's fast fashion. I've had multiple this past year I should have charged double. Fabric that comes apart in my hands, seams that are barely together, lace already coming apart before I even touch it.

My suggestion is to check marketplace, thrift stores, consignment stores and sample dresses/old stock at dress shops if you're looking to spend less on a dress. Nothing replaces trying on a dress before choosing it as the one.

For prom dresses there's also The Prom Shop at CSS that loans out dresses.

Consultations are always free so don't hesitate to bring in a dress you found and ask questions about what we can do with it. You may be very pleasantly surprised. Well made dresses are made to be altered.

🎃Happy Halloween🎃

Booking bridal and grad clients for 2024 already. Last minute is stressful for everyone. Let's not do that.

I really need to remember to take before and after photos. 💗

Between custom clothing pieces, wedding dresses, grad dresses, bridesmaid dresses, suits, custom memory quilts, and a hundred various other items-I've had the busiest year ever. Fit in 15 brides this year!

Just sent off my last bridal party item yesterday and time to reorganize and restock for next year.
Now is the time to book for your grad/bridal spot next year. Also the time to connect if you've been wondering about a memory quilt or other custom item.

Attention, Chilliwack!
Sunday, August 27th we will be at Central Park for the Chilliwack Block Party! 🍔🍦🌮

🗓️ Date & Time:
Sunday, August 27th, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

📍LOCATION: Chilliwack Central Community Park, 45951 Victoria Ave., Chilliwack

Are you ready to indulge in delicious food trucks, shop in the local artisan market, sip beer in the beer garden, boogie to the amazing list of live entertainment?!

The live music will be on the Elements Casino Stage. This is a FREE family event featuring the Kidzone, a market & a Beer Garden.

We've curated a lineup of 15+ food trucks that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy! 🎶🍺 🛍️

Again, no tickets are required for this Block Party, just bring your empty bellies & dancin’ shoes!

See you soon! 🍽️🎶🛍️🎈

So I have been asked if any of my bridal clients have recommended places to shop for dresses. Hoping to pass a list on.

Do you have a recommendation for a bridal store in the Lower Mainland?

Wedding season! A consult with written estimate is commitment free. Don't wait to book, I'm filling up fast.

All my mats are on sale. They are cotton/cotton canvas and roll up with a tie attached.
I do have the opportunity to order more of the base panels, so please do still message me if you're interested in a sold one or multiples.
Tarot mats were $22, on sale for $17
Crystal grid mats were $20, on sale for $15 now
Wheel of the year/astrology mats were $20, on sale for $15 now