Wait! Before you toss out that favourite jacket ...

    Alterations are becoming more popular with the rising costs in clothing.  Our disposable era of clothes that don't fit or require repairs is changing.  The replacement cost of your favourite jacket/pants/dress is becoming more expensive with each trip to the store.  The good news, is you do have affordable options!

   Whether it's taking in a seam with a tuck or dart, or adding an insert to add some comfort, adjustments are possible to make your garments last longer!  

   Way back when - in the good old days 😉- sewing and mending was something everyone could do.  Today, there just doesn't seem enough time to get through the day with family, work and chores, never mind adding alterations and repairs to the laundry time!

   The following picture shows not only a zipper replacement with a 2-way zipper that allows the owner to sit comfortably, especially driving or snow blowing, but there is also an additional insert to allow more comfort.   This jacket is oldie but goodie that is just too good to discard for a newer, more expensive jacket with a poorer quality materials (industry cuts back as much as possible).

   If you have questions on doing your own alterations, I will be happy to help to the fitting!  It can be a challenge pinning yourself!

  

                           The possibilities are endless!  The impossible just takes a little longer!!

             Wheher by appointment or by chance, you're always welcome at Alice's Sewing Shoppe!

   

 

2026 - The Year for Creative Expansion and Variety!

      A reflection on my accomplishments to date, combines a variety of projects including: alterations and repairs; custom designing;  bridal and prom services;  contract industrial sewing;  shoe and boot repair;  equestrian special request for modified saddle pad and horse hair jewelry;  historical recreation of Anna Swan's gown for the Creamery in Tatamagouche; sewing lessons in River John; recovering of chairs with fabric and leather;  beautiful pillows for indoor decor and comfortable cushions for outdoor entertaining;  sun protective clothing and gardening hats;  custom millinery, curtains and draperies;  and thought provoking research for authenticity for the best possible results for more complicated projects when required.  

   Now, assessing what has been achieved, I find myself looking ahead for that which is still left to be discovered ... it's the constant learning and growing in knowledge that I find most intriging and searching for the next unusual assignment.  I do, however, enjoy completing each and every customer's request for my sewing services, from the simpliest task to the most complicated challenge ... because each request is an opportunity to help family, friends, and/or members of the community.  

   Looking to 2026, I will continue to explore my options not only in the sewing realm, but with the many facets of working with leather - with Chaps, Tack & Leatherwork.  Sharing my talent with those interested in learning, is always an ongoing enjoyment and brings happiness to those able to join the creative sewing world.  I never know what type of interesting project will come my way, and I always welcome the opportunity to achieve success ... the impossible just takes a little longer!

   Should you have a sewing question, a request for sewing services or require fabric or notions for your projects
, please remember, whether by appointment or by chance, you're always welcome at:

                                               

                                                       Alice's Sewing Shoppe

2026 - The Path Forward ...

    It's been a while ... a time for rest and reflection ... research and dreaming of the possibilities of the next chapter of Alice's Sewing Shoppe.

   Prepping for winter in an over crowded sewing shoppe has been challenging.  I have invested in an interesting diesel heater to keep my machines, various liquids, notions and equipment from freezing, as well as allowing me to continue to be creative over the cold months ahead.  

   My days are shorter now ... I tend to spend 4 to 5 hours a day in the shoppe.  There is a steady stream of jobs coming in ... perfect timing, as each one is finished, another one appears!!  Just perfect to maintain a steady performance, and researching hours are now in the evening when it's dark (and when hubby watches the hockey games!  😉)

   I'm looking at downsizing fabrics and notions in the coming year - so if you are looking for something special, please don't hesitate to drop by!  There's always time to discuss your projects and offer assistance, if you need a little help.  Sewing lessons are available ... for a quick refresher, or for techniques for more advanced projects!  Message ahead and let me know what time works best for you!

   I'm focused on future growth in the new year ... the sewing shoppe is my happy place, where ever we might be!!

   Whether by appointment or by chance, you're always welcome at Alice's Sewing Shoppe!

   

The Giantess of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia - Anna Swan

      2023 - an amazing year - with a 'giant' assignment!!!                    

    

          Making a replica of Anna Swan, Giantess, was a wonderful opportunity to  create a historical replication of the famous Anna Swan, Giantess.  She was born just outside of Tatamagouche in New Annan, August 6, 1846.  Anna's recorded height was 7 feet 11 inches.

        This was an interesting assignment, contracted by the Creamery Square Heritage Society's museum in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.  This project included a lot of interesting research on the fashion trend of her time period; how to make a mannequin to her size;  designing shoulders, arms and hands; in addition to the underpinnings that were required to give the final gown it's perfect shape, not to mention drafting patterns for a giantess!!!

         During the entire process - start to finish - I kept scupulous notes, and it is my intention to write a complete journal detailing each step along the way. 

            There is a special room on the second floor of the Creamery Square Heritage Society's museum that is dedicated to Anna Swan.  The entrance to this room has an original door from her home in Seville, Ohio!

             Terri Scott, (the gal on the right in the striped shirt), was most kind to help me assemble Anna in the museum.  It was rather amusing carrying her mannequin up the stairs!

Despite all the pieces - mannequin assembly, hooped crinoline, bustle pads, 3 layer under skirt, velvet skirts, apron, bustle, peplum, lace cuffs, 'kid' gloves, jacket, collar and lace jabot - it went together rather quickly... I think it was less than 45 minutes!!  She was ready to make her first appearance on the July 1st weekend, 2023!

            Should you ever be in Nova Scotia, the trip to Tatamagouche is not only beautiful but has some of the best attractions and quaint little shops along the north shore of the province!! 

Be sure to pay her a visit and meet the wonderful staff at the Creamery Square Heritage Society, in their famous museum! 

A NEW ADVENTURE!!

     It's been an interesting 5 years here in Keble, Nova Scotia.  Along with the growth and development of my sewing business, we've enjoyed the homesteading life with cows, goats, chickens, ducks and Guinea fowl ... now it's time to move onward and upward to the next adventure in our lives!!  Oh!!!  I mustn't forget our family dog and cat, and our two "ferocious, feral barn cats" who are the biggest, friendliest, cuddliest cats we could ever ask for!!! (They have evolved into overnight house guests, sleeping in our bathroom sink!)

     Our landlord will be selling this property this year,  and we will be starting a new chapter.  

     It's been a wonderful experience here ... the north shore of Nova Scotia has been a great place to live!  The community spirit is very welcoming, kind and supportive ... we're hoping that we will be able to find the perfect place locally in order to stay in this area.

     I am now finishing my current historical replication of a complete Victorian styled ensemble for the local Creamery museum in Tatamagouche. (Stay tuned for pictures when it's completed) Once this is on display, I will focus on relocating and preparing my Sewing Shoppe for continued service, where ever we might be.

     I am also involved with a sewing workshop at the River John Library, and I am looking forward to continuing this wonderful venture!  The gals are dedicated to our group; and being able to share my sewing/designing skills, tricks and tips is an enjoyable personal experience!  Anyone wanting to learn is welcome to join us at the library, at my Sewing Shoppe (once I get resettled) or online if you are at a distance.  Having Zoom meetings was being considered.

          We all have so much to be thankful for ... 

               There's magic all around ... 

                    There's an adventure waiting to happen ... 

                         And new experiences to be explored!

Wishing all of you a most wonderful day!

SISTERHOOD FIBRES IN BARACHOIS SAVES THE DAY!!

 I visited Sisterhood Fibres today, in Barrachois, just outside of Tatamagouche, on the north shore of Nova Scotia.  I was in search of a special yarn to finish a little project - keeping in mind, that I haven't picked up my knitting needles in a couple of years ... but with all my spare time ... I ended up running out of yarn to finish the last couple of inches of my project. 

Fortunately, the wonderful owner, Faith, helped me to find just the right yarn to compliment the yarns in my project ... now the trick is to get it finished - in my spare time!!  😂

If you have a love of yarns, whether you knit, crotchet , weave, macramé, or enjoy any facet of the world of fibres, you must visit Faith at Sisterhood Fibres!!  Her wonderful shop is as warm and welcoming as she is ... and if you are interested in starting at the beginning of a yarn adventure, Faith has the skills, patience and ability to get you started along the right path!

And, let me add a happy hello to Sue!  She was coming in the shop as I was leaving ... Sisterhood Fibres is a wonderful place to meet wonderful people and enjoy the magic of the fibre world!  I do hope you will plan to visit soon!

Looking ahead - Spring 2022

    With the sunshine streaming through the window, the snow receding to small patches along the fields and roadways, signs of new daffodil shoots popping up under the apple tree - all encouraging signs that spring will be along soon!

   My 'to do" list seems to have grown over the winter, even with a steady pace, I have slowed down since last fall ... isn't it amazing how Mother Nature leads the way with energized encouragement by the slow and steady renewal of spring.

   I am going to be purging my fabrics and supplies - hopefully by finishing up some projects and preparing for some new project requests for this year.  One never knows what adventures can be found when you least expect them!

   I think it's almost time to recruit a helper - Thimblelina - or an apprentice to learn the trade ... it seems to be a lost art, and there's so  much to share and teach to those who are interested in the sewing world.  

   In the meantime, I'll continue down my "to do" list and be ready to jump into the spring activities that I have prescheduled!  It's going to be an interesting year!

  Hope your spring is refreshing and reenergizing as we pick up the pace with the longer sunny days ahead!  Enjoy!!