Upcycling- a fine example

I'm often asked what, exactly, upcycling is. Sometimes it's easier to show than tell. This skirt was once a lowly discarded pair of tattered jeans. From this I created a pair of patchwork pants and now, years later, as the pants became too bulky with patching I have created a skirt. That's upcycling times two!

New direction

 I have discontinued alterations and sewing services for men's garments. Sorry guys! I'm steering my business in the direction of ladies fashions, bridal sewing, and custom projects. 

More Halloween Fun from the Upcyclery!

The artist herself modeling this shining example of trash fashion! Re-imagine everyday items into art!

Halloween costume fun!

This year, I helped a young man become a wizard for a magical Halloween! 

         

Available by appointment

I'm always available by appointment Monday through Friday and weekends at my discretion. Call me at 928-679-0808 or email me at sewing.by.rachel.moon@gmail.com

Timing is everything

When we're talking about alterations- timing makes a big difference. It's important to consider how much time you have before you are wearing the garment with regard to alterations. Here's why - there are fees related to work done in under a week for everyday garments. Clothing items with strict deadlines (such as wedding gowns) may need some extra time to finish. So what are the fees and the best time frames for your garments?

For everyday wear and bridesmaids

Best timing: 1 - 2 weeks. Bridesmaids, I prefer 2 weeks on your dresses.

Under a week: the price plus a third of the price 

48 hours: The price plus half the price

24 hours: Double the price

Same day: Not available 

Brides and custom garments

I prefer 1 - 2 months to finish your garments. The more alterations a gown needs, the more time I like to have to finish them. I have not currently set any fees for under a month, however I may turn down the work if I feel it is too much to accomplish in a short amount of time.

You gotta love thoughtful design!

As a seamstress, I see many garments come and go. As time has passed, I have found which brands bring both quality and ease of alterations. Bill Levkoff is one such brand. The brand focuses on bridal and formal wear for women and is my favorite brand to work on. Of course, I don't get to choose what comes in and when it comes right down to it all sewing is loveable in my world. I'm just grateful when a dress is made so easy to love!

Bridal gown in progress

This bride wanted no straps on her gown. Here's the process in progress. Finished product to come...

Upcycling - it's all the rage

Ever come across an XL tee in the thrift store or receive one as a gift or promotional item and think, "I love the graphic, but it's just way too big to wear!"?  Well, now there's a solution for XL tee shirt lovers who are not XL size - upcycling!! Here is a fine example: my friend Pete and his band Radar's Clowns of Sedation had a problem, they had purchased too many XL and 2XL tee shirts for their merchandising table and these shirts were just sitting and collecting dust.  Pete gave me a call and I rescued his tee stock! We created simple dresses from the shirts! And here is the result:

So give me a call if you have a XL tee shirt that needs a new lease on life. 928-679-0808

For all your alterations and upcycling needs Rachel Moon's Alterations
sewing@rachelmoonsalterations.com

Repairing a doggie chewed quilt today!

Repairs, mending, and alterations please call 928-679-0808 or email me at sewing@rachelmoonsalterations.com

New logos!

New logos designed by local Durham graphic designer Ashely Coates

I'm on Yelp now!

Find me on Yelp! http://www.yelp.com/biz/rachel-moons-alterations-durham?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Beautiful Bride

Here's a before and after shot of the dress, not the same model but the same gown.  The bride wanted strapless and we made it happen!  I'm branching out in services to include basic bridal alterations! Please call to make an appointment 928-679-0808

Satisfied customers!

Two happy consumers of upcycled fashion!  I recently started making the zipper bracelets and pocket belts to sell at fairs and festivals and these 2 lovely ladies are my first sales!

Craft Sale! 08/01

Selling my upcycled wares this Saturday 08/01 from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. At Broad Street Children's Cottage 1314 Broad Street. I'll be selling funky tees, pocket belts, and zipper bracelets. There's also a yard sale happening on the lawn, so come on down!

Upcycling! It's all the rage!

Reverse tie-dyed couch cover made from a fitted sheet sprayed with bleach. Creative solutions for your tired, worn, stained and ill fitting garments and textiles. Call me today for an appointment 928-679-0808

It's a sign! I see a custom dress in your future!

I'm now offering custom dress making for casual wear and semi-formal style dresses. Custom orders take one month per garment ordered and I require a deposit of $50 - $100. Deposits are based on total cost of the finished garment.

Vintage Bassinet Renewed!

Although I typically do not do housewares, that is sewing for the home, I could not turn down this project from a sweet couple who just welcomed their first born into the world.  I love vintage anything and I love babies, so I took the work and here's the result.

Upcycling and cosplaying

A few weeks ago I posted about a cosplay costume that I was in progress on for a friend's daughter.

Here is the finished product and my young friend in her Kyoko Sakura costume:

Seamstress saves the big day!

I spent Memorial Day weekend in San Diego with my best friend's family for her wedding. Unfortunately, I was unable to perform the alterations to her gown as we live on opposite ends of the country. The seamstress who did the work made quite a few mistakes and left the dress looking less than professionally done. When we tried the dress on her the night before the wedding (the original tailor didn't even ask her to try it on before taking it home!) we were both disappointed with the results of the alterations. Luckily my skills are portable! With just a few stitches removed and some extra buttons added, I was able to save the dress and create a presentable bustle for the train. Without a machine and proper tools, I could not remedy the uneven hem or fix the obvious stitches on the strap the original tailor had taken up. However, a lot of love and some skill go a long way toward making things right. Always ask your prospective tailor about their experience with the type of garment you are bringing them. Or, if that doesn't pan out, you can always invite a seamstress to your wedding!

Always a bridesmaid?

It's that time of year again!  Wedding bells are ringing and the bridesmaids dresses are being swept off the racks onto the bodies of beauties all over the nation.  When it comes to ordering a bridesmaids dresses, one size does not fit all.  If you are ordering a bridesmaids dress online I recommend ordering a size up according to your measurements.  I have seen it happen all too often that women order the dress exactly to their measurements and end up with a too small dress.  In the world of bridesmaids dresses what you ask for isn't always exactly what you get and in the world of clothing alterations it is easier to make something smaller than it is to make something bigger.  "But Rachel, what about the pregnant bridesmaid?", you might ask.  Well, there are options for the expectant mama in the bridal party.  The most common option is to make the dress a corset back with a modesty panel to match the dress. It's easy and affordable.  Most alterations take about 2 weeks to execute, so if you need alterations on your dress make sure you plan ahead! I also offer measurements for bridesmaids dresses for just $10 by appointment.  Call or email me to set up your appointment today 928-679-0808 or sewing@rachelmoonsalterations.com

Pricing and services

Being a seamstress is a enjoyable and versatile job. I have lots of fun with anything and everything my clients bring me. With all the wonderful projects I post about, you may wonder what services I offer. Here is a general run down:

Regular pants hems: $15 Usually jeans and casual pants have regular hems. With this type of hem you can see the stitching. I offer regular hems on both men and women's pants. 

Original pants hems: $20 An original pants hem is one in which I keep the original hem on the pants and move it up to shorten the length. I offer these hems for both men and women.

Blind Hem (unlined pants): $20 A blind hem is one done by hand and when you look at the hem of the pants you won't necessarily see the stitching. I offer these hems for both men and women.

Blind Hem (lined pants): $30

Bridesmaid dress hems: Start at $40

Hem on a skirt: Start at $25 They start at $25 because variables in skirt circumference, blind stitching, or lining will bring the price up. 

Dress take in/let out: Start at $25

Pants take in/let out: $25 for dress pants (unlined), $30 for jeans

Women's jacket take in/let out: Start at $40

Jacket Zipper repair: Starts at $40 I do not offer this alteration on down jackets or leather jackets.

Dress zipper repair: $30

Pants zipper repair: $25

Tapering pant legs: $25 for regular pants, I don't offer this service for jeans 

Button repair: $2 each

Denim button replacement: $5 each

Patching and repairs: Start at $5

Upcycling work or custom work is charged by the hour and I will disclose the pricing for that on request. I require at least a month to work on custom items and a deposit for all custom work.

24 hour turn around is twice the price.
48 hour turn around is the price plus half.
Under a week is a fee of a third the price.

 So now you know! I am sure I left some things off of my list of services. I do mostly offer women's alterations and repairs. If you have any questions for me about what type of work I do or when we can meet for a consultation, please call me. 

928-679-0808

From the Upcyclery

Cosplay upcycling fun in progress...

Stay tuned for updates....

Stitch ripping today!

Zipper replacement is one of the most common repairs I perform.  Today I am replacing a zipper in a summer dress that the customer will be wearing to a wedding.

Cost of zipper replacement:

Replace zipper in a dress $25
Replace zipper in pants or skirt $20
Replace zipper in Jacket starts at $40

Spring is in the air...

Sunshine, birdies, and shopping!! Time to raise those hems and lower those necklines ladies, because it's about to be summer in Durham! Who can you trust to perform such delicate procedures on your most valued garments? Rachel Moon, that's who! I have close to 10 years experience in clothing alterations and mending and I am here for you.  Bridesmaid dress needs a hem? No problem.  Favorite sun dress needs a take in? No problem. Lucky jean shorts need patching? No problem! I've got you covered. With experience in formal wear, business attire, day wear, and costumes I can help with almost any sewing need.

Make an appointment today!  928-679-0808

Don't let this happen to you!

Get help from a professional at

Rachel Moon's Alterations and Upcyclery