Chie
Palace Seamstress
My Services
I make and alter garments only, offering a personal, detail-led service. Fittings are by appointment, 9:30- 19:00 Monday - Saturday at my home studio.
01 Alterations
The ideal time-frame for a wedding gown alterations is to book your initial fitting as soon as you have the dress, with alterations starting around twelve weeks before the wedding date.
At the initial fitting, we will discuss what needs to be done and agree on the cost. The appropriate underwear and the shoes for the outfit are often essential once alterations begin.
I always aim to finish the garments in line with the original construction, unless a different finish is requested or required.
An invoice will be issued on completion and the payment is due upon collection. For longer-term projects, a deposit may be requested.
For men's suits, alterations to jackets are limited, while trousers are generally more adaptable.
All garments must be brought in clean.
02 Bespoke Dressmaking
I am not a designer who creates concepts or sketches from scratch, nor do I work from pre-made templates. You will need a clear idea of what you want; my role is to technically realise it.
Creating a bespoke item to your measurements is a highly personal, time-intensive process. It involves pattern drafting, toile making, pattern adaptation, sourcing appropriate materials, and a series of fittings. So a few months' lead time is usually required.
Visual references are essential, and having reference garments can help reduce development time and costs.
I do not make men's garments from scratch.
03 Samples & Costumes
I collaborate with independent textile designers and their teams, bringing ideas to life with skills in pattern-cutting, dressmaking, knitting, crochet , embroidery and hand-painting.
I can create full garments or individual elements, depending on the project's needs.
Whether it's for catwalks, photoshoots, films or product samples, I always respect deadlines and enjoy taking on creative challenges.