One aspect of alteration work that I thoroughly enjoy is that each job presents a new puzzle to be solved. Some puzzles, like changing a hem, are usually pretty straightforward. Other puzzles, however, can be quite challenging – for example, when I needed to add just over 4” to the circumference of a wedding gown bodice.

Part of solving alteration puzzles calls on my knowledge of sewing. However, a great deal of performing alterations calls on my knowledge of fitting. Not only does a better fit make the garment more flattering, it also makes the garment more comfortable. I’ve found that my customers often come to me, rather than going to a local dry cleaner, simply because of my ability to fit.

Learning to fit different types of garments on a wide variety of bodies took a lot of practice and experimentation. Like many skills you acquire for your business, the time and effort you put in pays off in the long run. Having top-notch fitting skills certainly allows me to charge more for my alteration services.

I also get a lot of satisfaction doing alterations. Part of my satisfaction derives simply from solving the new puzzle that has been brought to me, but it’s more than that. Because of the way the women’s clothing industry has evolved over the last 50 years, many people – perhaps most people – don’t have a clue what a good fit is. As I fit a garment, they can literally see the difference and after they’ve worn the altered garment, they feel the difference.

Some repeat clients make an appointment saying, “I want you to work your magic on a new garment I’ve bought.” They might feel like it’s magic, but I know it’s not; it’s just employing a finely honed skill set and, for me, the biggest satisfaction of all is helping people feel better in their clothes, because everyone goes about their day with a much more positive frame of mind when they feel good in what they’re wearing.

Written by Sarah Veblen, author of The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting