I recently had bought a costume that did not fit. Since it was too small in the top, I thought it would be a good solution to convert the back from a zipper to a corset. The corset would be more visually appealing as well as hopefully take care of the sizing issue. I did not feel comfortable enough with this type of work myself. Based on a recommendation I headed over to Almost Free Alterations.
I went over my thoughts with the owner, whom was really nice. He told me what materials I'd need to buy for him to complete the work. I ran to Joanne's and came back with what he had requested. He assured me it would be beautiful and totally functioning. I came back once it was complete and while the job wasn't terrible, it hardly seemed worthy of the $150 I had to pay.
He left the original zipper in place next to the newly added corset which was not at all visually appealing. Likewise, all he had done was sew on ribbons with a few strands of the rope ribbon for the ribbon lacing to run through. The stitching was far from perfect, but it would at least suit my purpose (so I thought).
I did have him tie it while I was there to show it fit, which it did well enough. It was not what I had hoped for and far less than I expected given how much I had paid for it. I didn't think much of it, but after I had tried it on, he rather quickly shoved it in the bag and sent me on my way. Later, once home, a few days later, I pulled out the item and realized that the loops that the lacing would go through were already fraying and pulling from the stitching, seeming far from secure. I also had the chance to look more intently at the work.
I did not have time, nor the patience, to take it back. Additionally, I really had no faith in their ability to fix it for me in time for my party.
Instead, after some talking to friends I decided to try and fix it myself. I had to cut off the zipper and then stitch on new ribbon loops that would securely hold the lacing so I didn't have to worry about a loop pulling out while I was at the party.
I should also note, a few days after I had dropped it off, I got a call from someone at his shop offering to do the work for $50 less. Unfortunately, I had paid in advance and really didn't feel comfortable taking the work away since he and I had agreed and at the time I had total faith he could deliver. Now I wonder, if that really would have been a better deal in terms of money and quality.
TL:dr
The work was subpar and overpriced. In the end I had to do the work myself after blowing $150. I will not return to his shop and highly recommend that you look elsewhere. read more