Mary's Custom Sewing

05/09/2026

Jeans to skirts are so fun! I haven't made any in a long time, so I have collected a few inspirational ideas!

05/04/2026

05/02/2026

Just got a whole bolt of lining fabric...
This is a thin, anti-static polyester - excellent for slips, dress/skirt lining, etc
Rust color isn't as versatile as some, but would great under coordinating rusty fabrics or opaque dark fabrics.

Will help you with your project or will sell by the yard. $2.50 for 1 yd or $2/yd for more

05/01/2026

Wedding season is beginning!
This one needed changes to the neckline, shoulder, and make new sleeves, in addition to hemming and bustling.

04/30/2026

Not that I don't already have too many other projects started...
However, I really like this star pattern and want to make some more (sorry these ones are all sold)

What colors would you like to see next? I have lots of scraps to use up...
Will also create custom orders! ⭐️💫🌟⭐️

04/23/2026

Found this fun up-cycle idea...
the lady used shirt sleeves to make a skirt!

04/18/2026

04/09/2026

Borrowed some of the ideas below from another Bridal seamstress, but have added my own thoughts, changed/clarified some of the notes.

1. The price you paid for the dress will have no impact on the cost of alterations.
2. Professional/shop measuring may help a bit at sorting out the vertical measurements but you should still expect to pay for alterations. A “made to measure” dress is not the same as a custom dress made by someone local who actually measures you and does fittings as part of the process.
3. Alterations, unless you are ordering the same size as the sample, you won’t know exactly what you need till you have the dress in your size.
4. Dresses may most easily be altered 1-2 sizes, beyond that, bust seams and darts are likely in the wrong place. It is usually better to get the bigger dress, many dresses do not have enough fabric in the seams to let out.
5. Dresses with heavy lace hems can be expensive to alter.
6. Having cups sewn in is not the same as wearing a bra. If you wear a bra every day, you should go for a corseted dress or one that you can easily wear a bra with.
7. Think about what underwear you want to wear before purchasing. If the dress has sheer sides that could be a challenge.
8. You can’t add white lining to sections made in n**e tulle because you will see the tulle on top of the lining.
9. It’s worth ordering extra materials or lace appliqués with your dress, just in case you need them.
10. Standard sizes don’t work for everyone and some people need a made to measure dress, especially very tall (or long bodied) or very short people or those with larger cup sizes. If your proportions are unusual, even a made to measure dress may be done incorrectly, as they may misinterpret or think there has been a mistake on the order.
11. It’s not recommended to buy a corset back dress with the idea of converting to zip, as the fit will not be the same.
12. Crepe and satin slim fit skirts should still be easy to sit in. If you can see thighs/quads through the dress, it’s too tight.
13. You generally can’t make anything out of the hem off cuts due to the shape and bias.
14. You won’t be able to raise your arms above your head in tight sleeves or anything off the shoulder
15. Don’t let the bridal shop tell you an alteration will be simple/ easy, especially if they do not offer on-site alterations

04/09/2026

Be sure to clean your machine regularly...
When folks me bring me 'problem' machines, it is usually just in need of cleaning and oiling.
I have seen some so bad that I wondered how they even got it to sew long enough to build up to that point.

Schedule your cleaning or a basic lesson where I will teach you how to do it yourself. Service or lesson starts at $40
While I specialize in vintage machines, we can check to see what your newer machine requires.

03/18/2026

My thanks to all my loyal regulars and new customers for your patience with my odd schedule and limited availability.
😇
As I am learning to manage the symptoms of my condition, I am realizing just how much it is affecting me. Things have been slow the last couple of months allowing me to rest a lot more than I usually do. It is surprising how much better I feel when I rest a lot. 😴 Unfortunately, that also means I am not getting as much done as I’d like.

Thank you for your continued support and patience 🥰

03/18/2026

Some decorative hemming, a memory pillow, and a few alterations for myself