Needed my daughter's wedding dress altered in two days and she made it happen. She's amazing, creative and straightforward.

Called mimi because she was the closest to my house, however, since Covid, she is now working out of her home in San Leandro. Not too far at all I went with my boyfriend we were both fitted and discussed exactly what was wanted. She was happy to accommodate. She even offered to drop them off to me in Oakland, when they were ready, which was very convenient.. She knew exactly what she was doing. A true professional in her craft. She's is my seamstress for life. Thank you Mimi!! read more

In need of a quick hem or a custom designed dress? Mimi is THE person to go to! I've been going to her for years because she is the most talented and reliable seamstress I've come across. Echoing what everyone has said, she's great at her craft and is very attentive to detail. I've had a fair share of jeans/pants hemmed here as well as some apparel embroidering. I've also gone to her when I needed a custom made dress for a wedding. She was great to work with and gave good suggestions on what fabrics would work well with the design I had envisioned. Mimi went above and beyond and the dress turned out way better than I had expected! While parking near her shop can sometimes be a pain as it is in downtown Oakland, I always find myself going back to Mimi because she knows how to deliver. Don't be deceived by how the store looks on the inside, Mimi is a true gem and I'd highly recommend going to her. read more

Mimi is amazing! I tend not to fit many things directly off the rack so an excellent tailor is a necessity. As a young man in a new city recently independent of my parents I found it hard to discover someone with whom I could trust with the clothes I had spent my newly minted tech check on. Mimi became that person. Now at 2 decades heming my pants, altering suits, repairing jeans I can't trust anyone else with my clothes. read more

A beautiful soul. Mimi is from Hong Kong and she made a prom dress that I have used for TWO different prom's! As an eager 15 year old, I pitched this crazy idea to Mimi for a prom dress that was based upon the Star War's Movie. I wanted a Queen Amidala dress from Star War's episode II - The lake scene. Mimi SLAYED! She didn't deter me from my dreams of having this dress when everyone doubted me. I was so happy! The plan was to have her create the dress and then I would dye it. We bought all the materials to keep the cost down and she worked for several months creating the masterpiece! The fabric was so delicate that it wasnt worth it to potentially destroy the dress, so we kept it white. I walked into her shop the other day and I told her, "Screw an Aaliyah, I'm going with Mimi when I make it!" Loyalty, through and through! Never forget! The pictures do not do her handiwork justice! I love Mimi's work! read more

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I had a very large order with misc pieces to be altered. A friend referred me to Mimi, so I went, not thinking to try them out 1st (BIG mistake). 1st, their prices were no better than what my dry cleaners charge. 2nd, the pieces weren't ironed when delivered back to me 3rd, had misc threads hanging all off of them (as if off the floor) 4th, for some of the pants, the hems came out on the 1st wearing! 5th, have to pay cash, up front - so if you don't like the job, you're SOL I don't know who is posting good markings here, but my experience tells me never to go again. My clothes are worth more than the alterations. Reminds me that I need to treat them that way. read more

Brought a bridesmaids dress. Courteous customer service, helpful advice about the alteration options and costs, and quality work on time. Saw several other bridesmaid dresses she was working on too. Two things to consider: 1) she'll want about 50% deposit (needs to be cash), 2) she may be closed unexpectedly so don't schedule pick up at last moment you'll need the item. For example, I scheduled pick up Fri 10am. I arrived Fri 11am and store was shuttered with sign that she'd return at 1:15pm. Turns out she had doctor appt. Knocked off one star for this potentially huge inconvenience. read more

Her location moved, but she is still in business, just call her. Get all my tailoring done by Mimi. She is outstanding, and has great prices. read more

Really expert clothing repairs. I brought in a pair of ski pants that were all torn up by my boots. I was a little unsure that she would understand what I wanted- lots of lacy wedding dresses in the window and I wanted athletic gear repaired strong not pretty. She took what I was describing and figured out how to do it much much stronger and even a little bit uglier! Neg: not cheap. Worth it though. (pic up; it's the gray spiral repair job) read more

Mimi's Custom Design & Alteration - Ski pants repair (supposed to look like that!) - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

As a stressed out bride to be, I was at a loss as to whom to go to for my wedding dress alterations. Based on yelp reviews I chose Mimi and was almost discouraged by the storefront and a somewhat surly greeting. Don't let the surroundings fool you, Mimi is an expert at her craft and was an excellent choice for my wedding dress. She warmed up over the fittings and created a custom french bussle and showed me how in detail to affix it. She also did a hem for the third underlayer and did it all for about $150. A bit steep but worth every penny once I put the dress back on, everything was perfect and on time. Then I found a second dress to change into for the wedding and she was able to do the hem on both layers next day, she is an expert at her craft and I definitely recommend her for your wedding day alterations. read more

I went to Mimi's with an emergency project!! I was frantic with finding someone who could MAKE a picnic blanket...as my MAN and I were heading out on a motorcycle trip in five days. Imagine when your guy wants to have a picnic with you (rare I know; stop the press)..and he mentions a certain kind of "picnic blanket" that he'd love to have!! Well I found Mimi's after I called (not kidding here) about 15 different sewing places to see if anyone could sew me something in five days. Mimi said YES!! She gave me clear direction on my fabric choice, backing, etc. - I went to Joanne Fabrics in a panic that very night...found my material and dropped it with Mimi the next morning (Friday). She said to come back on Monday and it would be ready in the afternoon!!! OH MY GAWD!! Is all I have to say...It was PERFECT...just what I wanted...beautifully sewn - the detail was incredible - I had asked for a heart to be appliqued with our initials and the date of our picnic...and it was soooo CUTE!! She did a fabulous job. I seriously will take anything/everything that I have to be sewn/altered to Mimi's!! She's adorable too - knows her stuff that's for sure!! I'm heading on my trip this Wednesday with my man and can't WAIT to spread out my (our) blanket at Lake Alpine with wine/cheese and US...Thanks Mimi!! :o) read more

Mimi came to my rescue! I purchased a skirt online for a wedding I was attending out of state. When the skirt arrived, it was unflatteringly too big. Running out of time and options, I took the skirt to Mimi and she created for me a masterpiece! I received so many compliments and I honestly can't thank her enough. If you are ever looking for a alteration miracle worker, look no further! read more

Mimi's Custom Design & Alteration - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

I Love Mimi! She created a turn of the century inspired Halloween costume for me and it was amazing...I printed photos from the internet and she was able to reproduce in record time...Mimi is a patternmaker and seamstress...she takes a ton of measurements to make certain the fit is exact. When I went in for my first and only fitting(because it was so perfect I only altered it once) near the fitting room I saw a framed picture of her graduating from college complete with cap and gown. It was so cute! I am so happy I found her after a few bumpy starts with other seamstresses....Mimi charges a bit more but you get what you pay for. She does all of my alterations and is now making (2) raincoats for me. I buy the fabric Mimi does the rest....she also has fabric on site. I told her she should be on Project Runway and/or attend Fashion Week in New York at least once. Cash only...no credit cards accepted. Thanks Mimi! read more

This review is long overdue. I've been going to Mimi for several years. She's made two birthday dresses for me and more recently made alterations to my super fancy wedding dress. Don't be overwhelmed by the clutter in the store and the not so modern fitting room. Mimi gets the job done and I trust her. She can take a picture and put your vision to life, no pattern needed. Her prices are average, but the quality of her work is superb. Would definitely recommend. read more

Mimi is the best. I've been going to Mimi's for several years. She's done several alterations, plus remakes of several wrap skirts into pants and skirt. She always know what's best. I've never been dissatisfied with her services. If you want it done right, try Mimi's. read more

Mimi's Custom Design & Alteration - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

I went here on a friend's recommendation to alter a wedding dress and was very discouraged. Mimi tried 2 different pinnings to fit the top of the halter style dress and both outcomes produced wrinkles in the torso. When I asked why this was, Mimi said it was because the hip area was too tight and that there was nothing she could do except to try and let out the waist (which would show the original seams). When I asked her if she could take it in in any other locations, she said no. I took the dress to another tailor (Margene's on Grand) and in 10 minutes, she pinned the dress in 6 different locations (versus the 2 from Mimi's) and had a perfect fitting dress. Granted, Mimi's was half the price of Margene's, but I am convinced that had I gone with Mimi's, she would have ruined my wedding dress. read more

This woman had me to go buy really expensive fabric to only charge me &120,00 to make pants without a zipper nor pocket no extra . It had an elastic band . There was no pattern neede, because hey were full and big. I also took another pair yo use as a pattern, My thing is why would I pay &240 for a pair of pants that I paid $20.00 for. Mom you have no customer service and ... read more

mimi, thank you!!! for helping me out with my daughter's prom gown! I forgot to pick up my daughter's gown on a friday. her prom was saturday, but mimi's was closed sat-mon for the long holiday wkend. I called saturday morning and left a desperate message. she returned my call immediately to tell me she was already on 5 on her way to LA for the wkend. I pleaded, begged if there was any way I could get the dress for that night. she made some calls, and told me to be there within half-hour or so as her 80-yr old brother could stop by on his way to berkeley. OMG - saved my *ss. thank u so much for a happy ending!!! I will stop by soon to drop off a small token of my gratitude. oh, and the alteration was just perfect. read more

As usual any new pants I buy need hemming. In the past I've used the services at a lot of dry cleaners but have been disappointed at the quick and dirty approach to rolling up and stitching the hem. Mimi is a really good at her craft and her shop reveals her "world" of fabrics, designs-in-progress, finished ball gowns and sturdy machines. Not only did she do an expert job on my pants but she was very happy to give me sewing tips (since that is something I'm trying to learn). She also teaches sewing classes which I may someday do. read more

Got the sleeves of a jacket shortened here. Did good work for a decent price. Would be four stars but they're cash only which can be tough and they are often closed during hours they have posted as being open. read more

Mimi does good work and I've brought her two dresses to alter. It always takes around three weeks to finish for some reason. She is cash only but clearly knows what she's doing. She has had her shop for over 30 years. The only reason I take off a star is because the shop is filthy! It has not been cleaned or organized in at least 20 years from the looks of it. It would be nice to have someone come in and clean and organize because i'm sure she has lost dresses in all the mess. Either way she has never lost mine and everyone in the area seems to go to her. read more

Horrible pricing she wanted 40$ for something another excellent tailor 5 mins away did for 20$.... too expensive do not go... I backed out after she told me price but still charged me for her time ?!? Wth. Scam. read more

Mimi is a gem. She fixed an old broken backpack zipper that initially appeared to need replacing. She could have charged me for the initial higher-priced repair we both thought was needed; instead she called soon after I dropped off the item, with the good news that she was able to fix the original zipper. I'll return to her for all future clothing repair and alterations! read more

Mimi's Custom Design & Alteration's does Fabulous work! I bring Mimi my dress ideas, and she sketches them on the spot, takes my measurements and POOF my beautiful custom dress appears in less than 2 weeks!!! Mimi provides outstanding customer service and her price range is just right!!! This picture is of a dress I purchase and she cut out the back. Thank you Mimi for over 10 years of service to me & my family. Your alterations and custom work is NEEDLE STICH ABOVE THE BEST!!!!!!! read more

Mimi's Custom Design & Alteration - This picture is of a dress I purchased and she cut out the back. Thank you Mimi for over 10 years of service to me ! - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

I love Mimi. She reproduced my 1940's inspired wedding dress from a picture I printed off the internet. She took my measurements and told me how much fabric to buy. She drew up a sketch of my dress with little notes for my specifications. She was so cute I feel like she's a part of my family. When I went in for my first and only fitting(because it was so perfect I only altered it once) near the fitting room I saw a framed picture of her graduating from college complete with cap and gown. It was so cute! I just wanted to hug her. I've seen other dresses that Mimi and her team have made and they range from fashion forward prom dresses to elaborately beaded traditional wedding dresses. All of which are beautiful and amazingly done. Even if you don't need a wedding dress or a prom dress Mimi does it all. She even made my friend a 1950's style blouse that fit her perfectly! read more

Excellent service!!! Mimi did an excellent job on an alteration for me. She added sleeves to a sleeveless jacket. It was done expertly and seamlessly!! It was priced reasonably and done within 2 days. Mimi also specializes in plus sizes which is also a plus!! (Pun intended). I would highly recommend using Mimi's Custom Design for any alteration or Custom work. I most certainly will be using her again and again. read more

Mimi altered a grey wool jacket to fit- it's a very irregular shaped jacket and initially, fit very poorly, but with her expert hand pinned a bit here and there and a week later, I have to say it's 100% perfect. I'd absolutely come back for her services, BUT- and this is the only reason it's not 5 stars, the alterations totaled $125- more than 50% of the cost of the jacket. The designer on Etsy who made the jacket was baffled at how much I paid given the alterations (take in shoulders, sew up pocket, darts on waist). This may be a symptom of Bay Area inflation, or maybe mimi's is relatively expensive- I can't be sure. But do take care to budget. A perfectly fitting garment is NOT cheap! Note- 50% deposit required on all alterations. Bring cash, no cards accepted (possibly no checks either). read more

I've been going to Mimi's for more than 8 years, and have NEVER been disappointed in her work. Great prices, better service, as soon as I buy anything I bring it to Mimi for that tailor fit i.e. jackets, sweaters, shirts, jeans, suits, etc. I have also referred several people and they all share the same sentiments. read more

Mimi has let the hem out of several pair of pants, patched up torn and frayed fabric on vintage sleeves, added an elastic band to a skirt when the original cotton drawstring broke apart. All repairs decently executed. Mostly though I rely upon Mimi to chisel away at all the damn rock band and other miscellaneous t-shirts I buy until the fit resembles a classic girl-cut. (Thank you Neko Case, 16 Horsepower, Fucking Champs, Circle, New Pornographers, etc., for providing the classic girl cut and, consequently, cheaper shirt for me.) This means I have some very expensive band t-shirts in my closet, but does not mean that Mimi's rates are high. Not necessarily. Although it might -- I just really don't know how much one should charge to dramatically alter a t-shirt. And man, one time Mimi nearly did very dramatically alter a shirt. A Citay shirt. Really cool design on the front. I wore it in front of the mirror as she stood beside me, ready with the pins. Told her I wanted a scoop neck and, at the same time, brushed my hand across the collarbone area to give a general visual illustration of what I was requesting. Maybe too general for I was surprised when she started sticking pins inside the design! That was a little weird and non-intuitive. Glad I was there to say "Can we raise those pins up an inch? I'd like to keep the good sense of the design." Items are always ready for pick-up when Mimi tells you they'll be ready. I get my clothes back within a week's time. Pay 25-50%, in cash only, in advance and take your good old fashioned hand written receipt! Don't forget to feed the parking meter or your simple alteration will REALLY cost ya. read more

Cash only yet quite expensive. I had several items altered--I had the sleeves taken in on two jackets, and had several athletic shirts hemmed because they were much too long. The stitching on the athletic shirts is slightly crooked, and the jacket sleeves had some sloppy areas where the stitching had been gone over twice. On top of that, only a few months later the threads on one jacket and one athletic shirt are already starting to unravel. Never again--go elsewhere! read more

Mimi has altered several dresses to fit me, perfect fit, great work. One was a difficult repair on a long 50's gown, excellent work.

cute little shop with fair prices. They do very nice work and going in threes like going back in time

I went to Mimi's based on Yelp and a local business recommendation. The place looks pretty disorganized inside, but going beyond that, the quality of the work is great. I only had jeans altered so far, but will definitely be back. They are professional and do good work. read more

I needed what I thought was a pretty simple job ( trim around an over coat). I took it to a seamstress in a neighboring city . She kept my coat for 2 months the cost would have been 10.00, but she was not able to do the job ( trouble with binding around the neck would not work ). Then I took it to Mim's. I ask her if she could cut and measure a pattern to make the neck portion work she said " I'm a tailor " I can do the job. She is right . The coat look as if I bought from a store not an after thought. It cost me a lot more than 10.00 but it was worth it ! On Yeah she finished in a timely matter. She is a real Professional. read more

Mimi's is great. I dropped off some tuxedo pants that where a little tight around the waist (obviously they must have shrunk quite a bit since I had worn them last). There wasn't a lot of extra material left to let out but she worked her magic and now they fit perfectly. Really great spot to have alterations done and so friendly. Great shop for the locals needing some tailoring done. read more

I came to her last Wednesday for some alterations on a dress. This dress needed hemming and a few other things. The dress had three layers which were a bit difficult to deal with, however Mimi did it all. Actually, I came to her frantic because I needed same day service and sure enough she was able to pull through. I really appreciate her efficiency and would definitely recommend her for quality pieces. Mimi is the best of her kind and worth every penny. read more

5 stars to MiMi. She did exactly what I asked. I took a sweatshirt in to her for her to cut the neck out so that It would hang off of one shoulder. I took a picture of what I wanted it to look like and when I went to pick it up it was EXACTLY what I wanted. I mean it fit exactly how I envisioned, she put a nice seam around the neckline, it hung off of my shoulder right where I wanted it to, it looked exactly like the picture and she also fixed a zipper on a pair of jeans. So if you have something that you're envisioning and you take her picture she will make it look just like the picture. Two thumbs up for Mimi! read more

I love Mimi's! I take all of my alterations to her. Work to perfection!! Prices are reasonable.

Mimi is the best in the business! As stressful as prom can me on a mother daughter relationship, Mimi was able to make us laugh give great advice and showcase her dynamic skills in alterations! I advise everyone that needs prompt courtesy service to go here for all your sewing needs! Thanks so much to Mimi and her team!!!! read more

This place is great because it harkens back to the nostalgic days of old-school seamstresses. It's not the fanciest shop, as the narrow inside is worn and cluttered. But once you talk to Mimi, you immediately get the sense you're in the right place. She's confident, knowledgeable and a whiz at her craft. We went here to have a suit jacket and pants altered before a funeral. With a pin cushion on her wrist and a measuring tape in hand, Mimi had us sized up in no time. Afterwards, she gave us a handwritten receipt, which required a 50 percent cash deposit (no credit cards or checks are accepted). Since we needed the items rather quickly, we weren't sure Mimi could pull it off, but she did. We returned two days later, amazed at the results. Everything fit perfectly and not a seam was out of place. So glad we found this place and we'll definitely be back! read more