End of a great year!

Well as December comes to a close, and as we get ready for the holidays, I just wanted to take a few moments to say what a great year it has been being in business for myself and having my shop inside of Solutions Bridal Designer House. It's been such a pleasure getting to know all of the stylists here at Solutions and working together with them to help all of our clients get just what they need for that special occasion.

The new store, which is now located at the Shoppes of Millenia at 4194 Conroy Rd, suite 103, has been a great move for everyone. My new sewing room is fantastic and the new location is turning out to be a big hit for Solutions. I am here at the store Sunday from 1 - 6pm, Mon - Fri from 11am - 7pm, and off on Saturdays. My phone number has remained the same - 407-760-4886.

So stay tuned for some great fitting advice and lots of pictures of whats been going on with Tears of Joy Seamstress Services.

Bridesmaid Alterations

Alterations can be done about 2 weeks before the wedding, depending on what needs to be done. This can be helpful if you are coming in from out of town and don't have a seamstress in your area. Most of the rules apply for bridesmaids fittings as in for wedding dresses.

If the dress is long, then shoes are a must. If you don't have your shoes, please have a shoe with the correct heal height so that an accurate hem can be pinned. Most long bridesmaid dresses come with a train on the back of the hem. Be sure and check with the bride to know whether or not she wants you to keep the train or that you may have it cut off during the hemming process.

If you are a C cup or bigger, then a bra would be helpful. For a full bust line, the correct fitting bra will give you lift and a good profile. Those who are looking for a more fuller figure profile, having padded cups sewn in is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Usually it takes 2 fittings when having your bridesmaid dress altered. At the 1st fitting your seamstress will talk to you about how you want your dress to fit, pin your dress as needed to be taken in, and pin a hem as per the brides instructions. Please speak up with any concerns or suggestions you may have. For strapless dresses, one important component in having your dress sit properly on you is with an inside belt. This may need to be added to the waist of your dress before an accurate measurement can be taken of your hem. Also most strapless dresses will come with a set of straps that can be attached for added comfort and fit.

Depending on the amount of alterations will ultimately determine how many fittings you will need. Your seamstress may wait to alter the hem until after your dress has been refitted and is sitting on you properly. You also need to get your weight as stable as possible. A drop or gain of more than 10 pounds will result in a major change in how your dress fits and will end up costing you more in alterations for numerous changes.

Lastly, the cost of alterations can run you anywhere between $25 - $150, but will ultimately be determined by the amount of work you have done. Your seamstress should be able to give you an estimate of the cost at your 1st fitting.

A New Beginning

Well its been a while since I've posted in this blog of mine. Life with me has been very busy. My daughter graduated high school, my parents came for a visit, my husband and I redecorated the patio, and my son became a father. Yes now I am a grandma and loving every minute of it. His name is Jackson Alexander Diehl and he was born on June 25, 2010.

Also my store along with Solutions Bridal, moved to a brand new location. We are now inside the Shoppes at The Millenia Mall at 4194 Conroy Road, Suite 103, Orlando, FL 32839. You can check out all thats going on at Solutions website at www.solutionsbridal.com. I am really very excited about being in this new location and so far I think its been a great move for all. Come check us out and I will do my best at keeping this blog updated.