Questions & answers
Everything you wanted to ask a seamstress
Booking, bridal timelines, pricing, rush jobs, custom design, and care. If your question isn't here, call or text (425) 610-6121; a real person answers.
Booking & fittings
Getting started
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Every fitting is private and by appointment so you have Shahnaz's full attention and a quiet room. Book online any time (the form is open 24/7) or call and text (425) 610-6121. Quick repairs can often be dropped off without a fitting; call first so we're ready for you.
How do I book a fitting?
Use the booking form and tell us about the garment and your date. We reply within one business day, usually sooner, to confirm a time. If it's urgent, call or text and we'll fit you in as soon as we can.
Where are you located?
Our studio is in Kenmore, WA ([street address shared when you book]), a short drive from Kirkland, Bothell, Woodinville, and Lake Forest Park, and worth the trip from Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood, Shoreline, and Seattle. [Parking note.]
What should I bring to a fitting?
The exact shoes you'll wear with the garment (heel height sets the hem), the undergarments or shapewear you'll wear on the day, and any accessories that touch the garment: belt, sash, jacket, veil. For custom or restyle work, bring inspiration photos and fabric if you have it.
How long does a fitting take?
Everyday alterations: about 20–30 minutes. A first bridal fitting: 45–60 minutes, because we plan the whole gown. Final fittings are quicker, plus a few minutes for the bustle lesson.
Can I bring someone with me?
Of course. For bridal final fittings, please do: bring whoever will bustle your gown on the wedding day so they can practice. For space and focus, we suggest no more than two guests.
Do you speak Farsi?
Yes. Fittings and phone calls happen in English or Farsi, whichever you prefer. بله، ما فارسی صحبت میکنیم.
Bridal
Wedding gown questions
When should I book wedding dress alterations?
Book as soon as your gown arrives so your first fitting lands about 8–10 weeks before the wedding. For May–October weddings, reserve your dates 3–4 months ahead; peak season fills quickly. Less time than that? Call us, rush bridal is often possible.
How many fittings does a wedding dress need?
Usually three: the first to shape the fit, the second to refine and set the bustle, the final to check everything with the full look and steam the gown. Simple hems may need only two; heavily beaded or redesigned gowns sometimes need four.
My gown is too big (or too small). Can you fix it?
Almost always. Gowns can typically be taken in two to three sizes and let out about one size, depending on the seam allowance inside. We'll tell you exactly what's possible at the first fitting, before you commit to anything.
What is a bustle, and which one do I need?
A bustle lifts your train off the floor for the reception using hooks, loops, or ribbons sewn into the gown. The right style (American, French, ballroom, or Austrian) depends on the train's weight, the lace, and how the back should look while you dance. See our bustle guide; we'll recommend one and teach your helper how to do it.
Do you alter bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride, and flower girl dresses?
Yes, and we can fit the whole party in one visit so everything coordinates. Groomsmen's suits and tuxedos are welcome too.
Can you redesign my mother's or grandmother's wedding dress?
Yes. Heirloom redesign is some of our favorite work: a new neckline, sleeves removed or rebuilt, a slimmer silhouette, with the original lace and beadwork preserved wherever possible. Plan 6–10 weeks and start with an honest assessment of the fabric's condition.
Pricing & payment
What it costs
How much do alterations cost?
Everyday alterations start at $XX, bridal alterations typically start at $XXX, and custom pieces are quoted individually. Our price list shows starting prices for every service; your exact quote is confirmed at the fitting, before any work begins, based on fabric and complexity.
Is there a charge for a consultation?
Bridal and custom design consultations are complimentary. For everyday alterations, the fitting is part of the service.
Do you require a deposit?
A 50% deposit reserves bridal and custom work and covers materials; the balance is due at pickup. Everyday alterations are paid at pickup.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, all major credit and debit cards, Zelle, and Apple Pay.
Turnaround & rush
How fast?
How long do alterations take?
Everyday alterations: 5–7 days. Bridal: 2–4 weeks across the fittings. Custom pieces: 6–12 weeks. You'll get a ready date at your fitting.
Do you offer rush service?
Yes. Most alterations can be rushed to 24–72 hours for an added rush fee, quoted upfront. Rush bridal depends on the work and the calendar; call and we'll tell you honestly.
My event is this week. Can you help?
Often, yes. Call or text (425) 610-6121 with a photo of the garment and your date. If we can do it well in the time available, we'll say yes; if we can't, we'll say so.
Custom design
Made from scratch
Can you make a dress from a photo?
Yes. Bring the photo (or several) and we'll design a version for your body, your fabric, and your occasion. Every custom piece is fitted first in a cotton muslin, so the fit is settled before we cut the real fabric. See how custom works.
How long does a custom dress take?
Plan 6–12 weeks for evening and occasion wear and 3–6 months for a custom bridal gown. Earlier is always better; it leaves room for fabric sourcing and unhurried fittings.
Can you recreate a dress I already own?
Yes. We take a pattern from the piece you love and remake it in new fabric, a new size, or with changes you've always wanted.
Do you make Persian and cultural occasion wear?
Yes: Aghd and engagement dresses, Nowruz and Mehregan celebration wear, Mehndi outfits, and family-occasion pieces. The traditions are understood here, not explained.
Care & policies
After the fitting
What is the perfect-fit promise?
If something needs a tweak after pickup, bring it back within 7 days and we'll adjust it at no charge. Bodies and fabrics shift; the promise is that your fit doesn't.
How long will you hold my garment after it's ready?
We'll text you when it's ready and hold it for 30 days, with a reminder along the way.
Should I clean the garment before bringing it in?
Yes, please bring garments clean. We don't offer dry cleaning, but we'll happily recommend a trusted cleaner nearby.
Do you offer gown cleaning or preservation?
Not in-house. We prepare gowns for preservation (final press, loose threads, protective bag) and can point you to a preservation specialist.
Still wondering?
Ask us directly.
Call, text, or send a note any time. We're happy to talk through your garment before you book.