The Gold Thread on Calif. Ave. Been using her for years, does excellent alterations. Only problem--she is so busy. Wait is usually 1-2 weeks.

I was just thinking about that, dry cleaners doing alterations. I've been taking my dry cleaning to Southwest Cleaners on 35th near Kenyon. Very nice people and they get things done when they say they will. I'm pretty sure their sign says something about doing alterations - but I've never used them for that.

I usually have simple things like hems done at the dry cleaners (I use Wardrobe on Fauntleroy), every one I've ever used also does basic alterations. Kills 2 birds with one stone when I have things to take there anyway.

cjb--I had the same experience. When I went to pick up the three pairs of pants she'd had for a week she told me, in a way that felt dismissive and rude at the time, to "come back tomorrow." So I did--but I haven't gone back since.

Weird. This is the THIRD time she has said something would be ready and hadn't even started it when I've gone to pick it up.

The last few times I've been there she has had my things done (mostly simply hems) in 1-3 days.

That's weird because I have had the opposite experience there! she always has my stuff done on time and does an outstanding job.

I wonder what others experiences are...

cjb -- there's a gal down at the Alki Cleaners (between Celtic Swell and the Phoenician) who is great and very reasonable.... I've been using her since she was located across from Metropolitan Market in the old bldg that was there prior to the Bartell's/Apt. complex. Embarassed I don't know her name but very good and quick with her work!

I have taken items, for alteration or repair, to Mrs. Kim at Fits All since some WSB readers recommended her last year. But today I had to tell her that I just would not be able to patronize her shop anymore. The issue is that she is just too disorganized and never gets things done on time. I have given her so many chances and today was just the final straw.

I had brought some trousers in a couple of weeks ago. Knowing that she has not had things ready in the past, I told her to tell me when she could have them ready. I was in no rush. She said they'd be ready Tuesday (11/6). Just to be safe I went in this afternoon. When I did I was disappointed that she had done nothing at all for two weeks.

She seems like a sweet lady but I simply cannot be making repeated trips back to her shop with nothing to show for it. The work that she has done for me, when she gets it done, has been adequate. But she is totally unreliable time-wise.

As of today I'm in the market for a new tailor/seamstress. If anyone can make a recommendation I'd be grateful.