Do you have a store front? / Where are you located?
I’m located in Church Hill and everything is by appointment, so please reach out and we can set up a date and time and get some clothes repaired!
What is your price point or hourly rate?
My sewing rate is $60 an hour, prorated, with no minimum; for example a 15 minute repair will cost $15. It’s a dollar per minute and you can always send photos to get more information before scheduling! Check out some common pricing here.
What payment forms do you accept?
Cash, check, and Venmo.
What is your typical turnaround time for repairs?
Typically 1 to 2.5 weeks from the day you drop off, depending on season and demand. I can always confirm this when we set up a time to meet.
How do I make an appointment?
Yay! Let’s do this! You can head over to the “Sewing & Mending” section of my site and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Other ways to reach me are:
email at topstitchmending@gmail.com
leaving a voicemail/texting (804) 592 6380
Please describe the types of repairs you are seeking and your general weekly availability for drop off. My response time is usually 24-48 hours (Monday- Friday), since I’ll be sewing at my machine most of the day.
How do I prep for my appointment?
Ready to roll? Gather all of your items, mark the repair areas with tape, safety pins or a detailed note. Pop all your things into a tote or grocery bag and label it with your name and contact information.
If an item needs to be altered please wash and dry the item beforehand as you would normally, to allow for possible shrinkage.
If you have moth holes in your items please make sure you have treated them beforehand, in the freezer or dryer, to be sure larvae are no longer snacking on your sweater before dropping off. See directions 5 and 6: How to get rid of moths.
Do you repair items other than clothes?
Yes, I have repaired stuffed animals, quilts, sheets, duvet covers, a crocheted tablecloth, shoes and even unicorn headbands! Try me!
What is visible mending?
A repair that you can see, it is stitched intentionally, most likely in contrasting thread to both strengthen and decorate a piece of clothing. Think of it as little pieces of art on your clothes.
What if I only have one item?
If it is something small like a missing button, I’d love for you to bring it to one of my pop-ups for a quickie repair. For multiple small items or one item that needs detailed repairs, please head over to “Sewing and mending” to make an appointment.
I encourage people to bring multiple items to streamline things and also understand if you only have one item. Asking friends and family if they have any repairs is an easy way to create a pile! I try to do pop-ups every month or so to cater to people with a single item or quickie repair.
What happens at a pop-up?
This is where I set up my machine and ironing board to provide on-site repairs for single items and simple fixes. It’s a first-come, first-served environment and you may have to hang around if there are multiple people arriving at the same time. I set up around town at local vintage stores that share the same ethos and this gives you a chance to browse and shop their treasures as your item gets stitched or you wait for your opening. Pricing is always the same, at $1 per minute, and cash and Venmo are the best ways to pay in person.
This is also an opportunity to drop off a bag of multiple repairs and leave them for a pick up on a different day. Just be sure to prep your pile by marking the damaged areas with tape, safety pins or a detailed note, and pop it into a tote or grocery bag. Please label your bag with your name and contact info and you are all set to swing by!
Can a clothing item be beyond repair?
It is possible an item is too far from its original form but it is always worth taking a look and brainstorming together if it is something you truly love. If you are open to visible mending then the item has more opportunities to be fixed.
I have fabric scraps, cuttings or yardage, do you want them?
Thanks for thinking of me but I am not able to take on any outside materials. I switched gears in 2016 from making clothes to fixing them, wanting to reduce the amount of scrap I produced and counter the fast fashion frenzy. I reuse my scraps for repairs and weavings and still seam to have an endless supply.
Do you replace zippers?
For jean fly zippers I recommend Mitchem’s in Carytown and for outerwear and winter coats I recommend contacting the brand you purchased from directly. For all other zippers, your local dry cleaner should be able to replace it, if they offer alterations as well.
Do you tailor suits?
For tailoring I recommend Hong Kong Custom Tailors at 1839 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23220
Do you alter bridal gowns or bridesmaids dresses?
For bridesmaid dress alterations I recommend Janene Charbeneau – Nene’s Notions, Janene.charbeneau@gmail.com / (804) 873- 2566
Do you make pillows, curtains or offer other upholstery services?
For all upholstery needs I recommend Unsprung Upholstry.