Tailor in Seattle or Portland

[rymandev]

While in college in the very early 80's, I managed to find a number of 40's era suits and high-rise trousers from second-hand stores in the northwest. I had 6 different DB suits in different weights of wool, as well as 4 or 5 trousers not with suits. At that time, and for my age, the look was very much out of synch. Then David Bowie came out with a new album, with video's with him in this style look ("Modern Love", "China Girl", etc) and suddenly the look was back, if only in a small college crowd. Not that I particularly cared if the look was socially accepted- I thought it looked good for a 6'1", 175 lb. frame!

A few years later I married, to what would prove to be a veritable psycho. At the end of the 10 year run, she decided the best way to get back at me was, when I was not at home, to take pinking shears to my suits and trousers and then try to put them through the disposal! The only thing to survive this "sartorial genocide" was one pair of trousers at the cleaners.

In the past decade, I've periodically looked for more trousers and suits, but either couldn't win the Ebay auction, or couldn't bring myself to spend the amount being asked, but mostly just haven't found what I wanted in my sizes.

The final pair of trousers I have fit me like a glove, with the hollywood waist, high rise, deep cuffs, etc. I've finally realized my best bet is to probably find an excellent tailor, sacrifice these trousers, and have him destroy them to make a pattern.

This has been a long post I know, but I'm hoping the Lounge can help me. I've been lurking around the halls for a couple of years, and there just isn't anywhere else with this kind of passion and expertise.

So please, help a brother out with your advice!

Respectfully,
Aaron Johnson

 

[dnjan]

I received a few responses in this thread:
Tailor in Seattle
but haven't had a chance to visit any yet.

 

[anon`]

My tailor (here in Portland) might be able to do this for you. But I'll do you one better: she might be able to put the trousers back together as well.

I have some stuff to pick up (and drop off) on Friday; I'll try to remember to ask her about it then.

 

[MK]

The only decent tailor in Portland that I know of is:

Abraham Lee Fine Custom Tailoring
4511 NE M L King Blvd
Portland, OR 97211
503-223-0504

He also runs a dry cleaning business.

Anon: Who are you referring to?

 

[Barbigirl]

Seamstress in Everett

Cindy the Seamstress lives in Everett and works out of her home. She does magical stuff and everything from shirts with detachable collars to waistcoats. As well, I have seen spats she has made as well as wedding dresses.

I just gave the phone number to Brinybay and asked him to post it, it is missing in Barbiland right now.

In the past she has been very busy you have to make an appointment with her, on her time to her home, she is a little gruff but her workmanship makes up for it.

rymandev--you look familiar, have you every been a regular Sounder train commuter?

 

[rymandev]

rymandev--you look familiar, have you every been a regular Sounder train commuter?

Barbigirl: Not a Sounder commuter. I've always joked that the picture makes me look better than RL- like it's been airbrushed a la a Playboy bunny or sumting!
Lived in DT Seattle between 1988 and 1991 in what was then called the Denny Regrade off 1st and Vine. Still have great memories of that place then. They were just starting the redevelopment of the Regrade/Belltown district. Our building on the corner of 1st and Vine was a 3 or 4 story apartment bldg that had just been built, (with a killer Elliot Bay and Olympics view) and everything else was pretty much boarded up low-rise bldgs squatted in by the homeless. Except the bldg across Vine which was the 1st morgue in Seattle, then a cat-house and was a crack-house bldg at the time when we lived there. Didn't need television, just watched out the windows! I'd come home from work and walk the few blocks to Pike Place, buy fresh fish and veggies and come home and cook them up. The area was just a little neighborhood with its own characters then. Quite a difference now! Belltown is HIP now!

Geez, more than you asked, eh?lol

I would love to be able to get the trousers back in wearable condition after having a pattern made! They are the best, by far, of any I ever owned...

 

[Barbigirl]

Cindy the Seamstress

Cindy in Everett 425-355-7159

I would imagine she could give you the pants back in wearable condition. I know she has made garments just from being given a movie frame still shot.

Also she has resewn a variety of my vintage garments to reinforce all the seams and each piece has been great.

 

[rymandev]

A solution at last!

Thank you Barbigirl. I've lit a candle at the alter of your Goddessness!

 

[anon`]

Sounds like you've got this one covered now! For what it's worth, I did check with my tailor yesterday and she can do the same. Though, that would require a trip to Portland, which might not be the most convenient thing for you...

 

[Barbigirl]

Thank you

Thank you Barbigirl. I've lit a candle at the alter of your Goddessness!

I appreciate all on the FL who recognize my status. If you need intercession with The Seamstress let me know.