Client: My Wedding is in 10 days and my custom wedding dress doesn't fit. Can you Fix it?

Client: My Wedding is in 10 days and my custom wedding dress doesn't fit. Can you Fix it?
This was my client's story and what I did.
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[@bevy814]

The designer of this dress was professional and responsible. To refund full amount was above expectations, also the fact that you had a hard time getting the seams apart shows, the designer knew what she was doing.

[@NotMykl]

Professional? If the designer was professional then the dress would've fit.

[@DiedIntimewhenkilled]

@@NotMykl if you report incorrect meassurements, htere is no way for it to fit

[@noirlily3413]

​@NotMykl The designer shouldn't have refunded, let alone a full refund. Who asked her to give the wrong measurements...

[@helenmartin6580]

I reckon she sent the measurements in inches, but the professional works in centimetres

[@tresbonoeuf]

@@helenmartin6580This is a really smart thought!

[@melissah170]

I think a partial refund would have been appropriate but the designer was generous in providing a full refund. It's also nice how you noticed the designers work and how she reached out to thank you. I like how you both showed each other respect, giving each other their flowers. Nicely done.

[@noirlily3413]

She should have given her store credit...

[@greeniejoey]

I'm pretty sure she just ordered it online and had it sent without any actual fittings since it was from overseas. The designer then relies on the customer to provide their actual measurements.

[@t-and-p]

​@greeniejoey I thought the same. Unless she went overseas to see the designer, they would have had no choice but to go with the measurements the client provided. As such, the designer was incredibly generous to provide a full refund as, so long as the dress was made to the measurements provided, then the fault realistically was the client's. I agree with both the OP and Monde that a partial refund would have been fair, but I also understand the designer trying to protect her reputation. One thing I love, though, as OP mentioned - in a world where people seem to constantly try and pull each other down, it's really lovely to see the designer and Monde respect & praise each other's work 💕👍

[@jaeshasway]

@@greeniejoeyYeah there was a major disconnect. If you have proper measurements, there’s no way you can be that far off.

[@PandoraBear357]

​@@jaeshasway I'm inclined to think this might be a case of someone bought a dress expecting to lose weight. There's no way a seamstress who does good work like that would be that far off. A cheap shoddy piece that was thrown together quickly by unskilled labor? Sure, but something that well made being off by so many inches is rare.

[@saralbruno]

My heart breaks for the designer who did all of that work and had to refund the dress. That KILLS ME. I cannot imagine how they must feel. My heart also goes out to thr bride that had to deal with all that stress just a week before her wedding. My seamstress can't even hem my dresses in less than 3 weeks.

[@texasgoddess323]

The seamstress’s professionalism and character has already paid off, as she will receive many new clients from recommendations because SHE CAN BE TRUSTED!☺️

[@thegloriousdipshit4274]

​@@texasgoddess323fer real! I'm wanting to know who the designer was now;

[@brittanyjennings4236]

This is why I won't work on a garment unless I see the client in the clothing in question. I had a woman ask me to take in a prom dress for her daughter 3 sizes down without actually having an in person fitting. Her daughter needed it done in a week and didn't have time to meet me for a fitting. I refused, stating that the dress was far too expensive (it was a designer $2,000 velvet prom gown!) for me to alter it having never seen it on the girl's body or taken the measurements myself. I said it was too risky to take in the dress at all let alone 3 sizes down (especially since I had no guarantee it really was three sizes) without even seeing her daughter in the dress. Needless to say, she was not pleased, but I take my work seriously. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it RIGHT.

[@chipampelombe2516]

​@@thegloriousdipshit4274I think it's an Amanda Novias dress. Looks like them.

[@susaneglinton2184]

​@setapart2879but the designer wasn't at fault , if they were given the wrong measurements because the bride ' thought' she was smaller than she actually is. It's on her to give the correct and exact measurements, it's her bridal dress for goodness sakes.

[@Temajuki]

Miracle worker. I feel so bad for the custom designer, what a giant hit mentally, financially and time wise. I'm glad she got to wear her dress on her wedding. The stress must have been insane for everyone

[@hummersd]

Running out of time must be her mantra -- first, she only left 10 days before her wedding to receive and figure out her dress didn't fit? And then at the wedding, despite the wonderful work you did to come up with a solution AND taught her aunt what to do day-of, they still "ran out of time" and that then caused people to focus attention on that part of the dress as she walked down the aisle! OMG. I know weddings can be crazy, but that is bat-💩cray. Plan. Plan again. Kudos to you for coming up with the solves to save the day! The rest was up to her and her family. Oh well.

[@NYCAppl3]

I was thinking the same exact thing. Why are you always so pressed for time?

[@RaspBerryPies]

Girl ikr that pissed me off so much

[@moonhunter9993]

that's what I thought

[@ItsEricaBeyetch]

The dresss came from overseas so i can understand rushed alterations because shipping time was probably a month or longer. But i agree about the laces.

[@BooDotBoo]

That is what I was thinking. Was she doing everything last minute? Did she get the dress 10 days before the wedding or did she wait, hoping it would fit by then? Because I would think she would have ordered it in enough time that, if there was an issue, she would have enough time to ship it back to the dress maker, and back to her. Then, how did you not have time on your wedding day to tie up your dress right? As far as I know, people tend to start getting ready HOURS before the ceremony, so what was going on that they didn't even have time to tie her dress? I get weddings are stressful, but it seems like she may have been doing things that made her more stressed out.

[@GradKat]

My mother was a dressmaker and she found her clients tended to seriously underestimate their size when buying a dress pattern. Nobody - but nobody - would ever admit to larger than a size 14, even when it was obvious they were much bigger. My mum had to be very tactful on many occasions!

[@mcrchickenluvr]

I’m grateful that my mom and my grandmother always taught me to not give a 💩 about what others think of my size. Be healthy obviously but know that not everyone is meant to be a size 4. My aunt was a seamstress and made almost all of us girls our formal dresses. She lived in another but would find out when and where school formals were and get our measurements when she visited. She also taught me how to measure myself so that if anything changed I could tell her. She couldn’t have kids of her own so she made us our dresses as if we were her kids. She also refused to let us pay anything for them. Something that you and I are likely aware of that many are not is that bridal and even some formal wear is almost always 3-4 sizes smaller right off the bat. That’s why I think so many women are shocked to find that even if they’re a size 8 they’re gonna need a 12 in bridal.

[@fdm2155]

That was my first thought...that the bride presented 'goal' specs instead of her actual measurements. But based on the designer giving a full refund, I'm guessing the designer messed up the dresses measurements.

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

I don’t understand why people get so hung up on that number. It’s all about the FIT. I went to college with this girl who wore clothing that fit her BEAUTIFULLY, and no one could tell that she was a size 16 because the clothes fit to her figure and flattered her shape. Everyone thought that she was smaller.

[@BlueRoseFaery]

Don't lie to your doctor, lawyer, or seamstress, people! You're hurting yourself if you do, and for what? To not feel embarrassed for 30 seconds? You're gonna be more embarrassed later when the truth comes out.

[@CallieMasters5000]

You can always rip the size tag out later if you're so embarrassed by the size number. If you need a 26, don't be trying to squeeze into a 14!

[@jupitersnoot4915]

Seems to me like she either vastly underestimated her dress size, or straight lied about it. That dress was clearly far too small for her.

[@Hitsugix]

yeah, looking at that space between the halves of the dress, it was at least 2 or even 3 sizes too small. weird.

[@sadjaxx]

By about 4 sizes!!!

[@jlhn]

Honestly I wouldn't like my first thought about a person I don't know be that they lied. Because, why would you do that? She said it was overseas so probably the client did the conversion of measurements wrong, that seems more plausible

[@Deebnoff]

I dunno. I sent in my measurements, which had to be done by a professional to make sure they were right, and the dress still came way off! It tied up in the back and still fell right off of me. It cost about the sams for the alterations than it did for the dress and the company did not give me any refund despite the pictures I sent with the huge gaps on all sides. I was a maid of honor one time and had to have my dress ordered from the bridal store. They took my measurements themselves and again, when the dress came in, it fell right off. They of course altered it themselves, but the boning was so off, it stabbed me in the armpits all night and ended up poking through so it was not really wearable anymore after the wedding. This is definitely possible without the client lying about her measurements.

[@laweratejana267]

​@jlhn I'm sure she thought she was gonna lose 80lbs in time for her wedding. Brides have tendencies to put themselves on diets and never stick to it......instead they eat more cuz they are so stressed

[@kathypriest95]

You're not only a miracle worker. You're an international diplomat. Kinda saved a few people's bacon. I wonder how the designer felt seeing how beautiful you kept the gown

[@Stuff_I_Watch]

She is INCREDIBLY LUCKY that designer decided to cut her losses & keep her reputation. Stick to what you can 100% deliver with confidence. People will happily drag you down any chance they get.

[@weirdhousewivesclub]

When you got the part where you said "I know people are going to say I should have matched the fabric," I was like you had 10 days! Amazing work! You truly are a miracle worker!

[@nickorange4881]

i know right. does it match no, but for 10 days thats miracle work. all that work.

[@Anagrams458]

The veil also provided a bit of camouflage.

[@denisekoltys3019]

She 100% did an awe inspiring amount of work in 10 days. She didn’t have time for this nonsense but can often use tea to stain satin but it normally takes 2-3 days to get the just perfect shade and then drying time so it would not have been workable in this situation. And the fabric is often more difficult to work with after it’s been wet. Gots to work with what you’ve got! And she was perfect!!

[@Toddy839]

Could the fabric had been dyed eggshell first before doing everything else?

[@Jane2856]

I would have made everyone wait lol. I wouldn’t have gone through all of that with the dress to not have it laced up properly. 😂

[@aliceandfriendsvideos]

💯 How much extra time would it have taken to look dressed and put together intead of a shambolic mess? Stupid decision (and not the first).

[@noirlily3413]

Honestly!

[@raquels.]

I had a corset back dress for my wedding. The seamstress taught two of my friends how to tie it up, and it looked great when I was trying it on, but on the wedding day my bridal party couldn't quite tie it in the same way 😆

[@Qrtuop]

Incredibly dumb behaviour from start to finish on the part of the client.

[@Eudi2020]

Wedding can’t start without the bride. Let the guests wait!

[@Aries_Mom]

Some heroes don't wear capes, some have sewing needles and the patience of a god

[@debiperkins]

AND a box of sharp seam rippers. Our magic wands!!

[@grannyb4942]

I am totally amazed at what you do! Love how you come up with solutions to seemingly impossible situations. I've been sewing for more than 60 years and have always feared alterations. You gave me the courage to work on a dress I've had for 15 years that just didn't fit right. I channeled your energy and was successful. So, what you do not only makes a difference to your clients, you are helping your viewers as well. A big thank you!

[@melmc9672]

That designer is A REAL ONE,And they learned from the experience

[@Msviolet65]

I have 50 years experience in sewing. In all honesty I'm not sure I could have done a better job. You are incredibly talented!! Please don't doubt yourself. You have a gift! Thank you for sharing this with us 🙏

[@kathryndodrill1754]

Agreed!

[@findingyesmeditations8945]

I agree! I used to sew a little- this is so off the charts amazing. I love seeing people with talent like this :)

[@jojokeane]

Same here --more than 50 years. I feel Monde's pained laughter in trying to explain how ridiculous some people are when it comes to fitting clothes. I can't deal with it anymore. I only make alterations these days for myself and one very good friend.

[@alleykatt6110]

Never buy a dress thinking you’ll lose the weight to fit in the size you want to be instead of the size you actually are……..

[@thekingsdaughter4233]

A co-worker of mine did that. She fell in love with a dress from last "season", which was no longer available in her size. The seamstress let out as much as possible, and she had to "do the rest"... 😉 HOWEVER, that was only one size too small. Two at the very, very most. -- And my co-worker did it, and looked fabulous. 😊👍 -- And again, we are not talking size 20 trying to go to size 8. More like 10, to 8. ETA: that lady was fine with the way she looked- it was just that dress. 😉😄

[@alleykatt6110]

@@thekingsdaughter4233 I never once said she had a problem with the way she looked. However, one would expect a “custom” dress to fit especially if the correct measurements were given. For a very important day, you’re taking a big chance on a dress that doesn’t fit and possibly can’t be altered….. just my point of view.

[@smfarrie2943]

This doesn’t look custom at all.

[@pansepot1490]

Who knows what’s the real story? Very possible that the bride fell in love with and bought a dress too small for her and told Monde it was custom made because she was ashamed of her mistake. It’s hardly believable that a custom made dress is 3 sizes smaller.

[@solitaire10]

​@@pansepot1490If that was the case then the original designer wouldn't have felt obligated to give the bride a refund.

[@AndyyWithAY]

Note to self NEVER buy a custom dress for something as important as a wedding online, at least not when time is this short. The dress turned out stunning!! I don't blame the designer for the full refund, this is on Social media. The cost of one dress vs their reputation? I'd do the same

[@MondesThreads]

Yes 👌🏾👌🏾

[@dr.emilyacevedo812]

Agree, but people are always looking to get something for less money, even for something as special as a wedding. I wouldn't do it.

[@meowsaidthecat5338]

I wonder, there must have been a mix-up with the measurements provided or she gained weight? It looked like it was 5 sizes too small.

[@yllwtrose4526]

​@meowsaidthecat5338 I think it was probably the difference in sizing methods. Overseas their sizing is smaller than ours. Someone who is a size 14 would need a size 18 sometimes from their measurements ( its called a french cut I think). I learned that the hard way 10 years ago, bought a fabulous coat for my daughter from overseas. I had my daughter measured at a tailor, sent the measurements to the designer, the coat came back too tight in the shoulders, waist and sleeves were several inches too short. Luckily she remade it, twice until it was right but I never made that mistake again. If I ever reorder from overseas I would order a year in advance of a date and order 3 to 4 sizes larger. At least if it's too big, it can be taken in.😊

[@cordeliawl]

@@meowsaidthecat5338 It's pretty common for people to take their own measurements wrong even with a friend helping. They take them with the measuring tape pulled to tightly or not in the correct place (a little too high or low for waist or hip measurements is going to give you the wrong number). And then their measuring tape might be a little off, they can stretch over time. This dress seemed more off than you'd think those things would cause, I, personally,, don't think would never order a custom dress based on measurements, but definitely not one that would arrive that close to a really important event. A bunch of measurements is never going to encompass your body shape and how a dress fits on you anywhere near a person standing next to you with you in the dress marking for alterations. Though I imagine, when the order a custom dress thing works it's cheaper? If I was to order something made to my measurements I would splurge to have a tailor take the measurements to make sure they were correct.

[@michellesmith3516]

I do not think I would buy a custom made dress if it was not a local designer. You did an amazing job!!!!

[@usnasi4439]

It totally depends on the work you wan in the dress, so many of these dresses have blings and rhinestones and need hand sewing, so labour is more, you can do it locally but will cost 3 or 4 times more easily.

[@nora22000]

​@@usnasi4439 No. It totally depends on whether you want the dress to fit...

[@albertaowusu3536]

Exactly. I have to be able to do proper fitting before the final finish.

[@LilMeYT]

These are not alterations, what you do is pure magic 🤗✨ and your kindness and the happiness you bring to your clients is priceless ❤

[@beezapp9605]

I'm more struck by your kindness and empathy, than the actual result. Though that was excellent! You put a smile on a very sad bride to be, to fix her dream dress. You knew it would be very hard work and very challenging but you tried anyway. God bless you richly!

[@RubyRim]

As a designer for prom and otherwise, PLEASE, when you gain weight(totally okay and normal) let your designer know so they (we) can adjust before sending. You pay extra but still better than it not fitting.

[@chipampelombe2516]

I think she sent measurements in the a different unit from the designer condidering it was overseas. I also suspect she maybe sent measurements a size or two smaller hoping to loose weight. I could be wrong. Also, there could have been a language barrier, because that dress is tiny.

[@RubyRim]

@chipampelombe2516 A measuring tape comes in both the metric and imperial systems. I do understand what you're saying, tho. Also, my comment was mainly from a situation I had to deal with and thought I should share it with the girlies.

[@Julie190485]

I don't think this was a weight gain situation. They may have switched measurements with another order. Because it's a f*** good looking dress. And they refunded all cost. They knew they messed something up.

[@Julie190485]

@@chipampelombe2516 I considered that at first sight, cause you Americans use inches and rest of the world works with the metric system, but it's not that. 1 inch is actually 2.5 cm so measurements wouldn't make any sense if sent wrong. Even if she had a 130cm hip (and she does not have!!!), she would have submitted 51cm , and girl, that's is just not possible.

[@chipampelombe2516]

@@Julie190485 🤣 I was trying to make it make sense. 🙈

[@ichig0tchi]

nah whenever i (rarely) buy clothes online i buy them larger than my size bc taking them in is much easier than making them magically bigger

[@GMAMEC]

This, I never look at sizes, I look to see what fits.

[@debrayakel2447]

Girl, you are amazing!! I’ve been sewing for the public for over 50 years ( I’m 68 now) and I do not think I would have taken that job on. You did a fantastic job!!

[@lindawinks8333]

I would not have taken that job. Good on you

[@GinaSesay1]

She did great with that too. I can make my own patterns and I’d have left this all the way alone 😂

[@audreywellham2413]

Stunning work. Such finesse on final design(s).

[@carmengreen9004]

I'm sure you guys would! Out of the clients emergency... her in tears in all??

[@valkyriesardo278]

@@carmengreen9004 Yes, even so. The bride had only 10 days to find an alternative solution. It would be cruelty, not a kindness, to waste her precious time with false hope. Not everyone can turn a sow's ear into a silk purse. A competent seamstress knows the limits of her skills.

[@NivaraTinuviel]

That is a lot of very classy behavior from some very talented people. The bride for being understanding in an incredibly stressful time, you for showing respect for another professional’s work, even when something went wrong, and the designer for recognizing their part in the issue and gracefully accepting responsibility by issuing a refund. It turned out beautifully, even if it wasn’t laced perfectly on the day, and she looked stunning! A story to tell, for sure. ❤

[@user-uc5dm9bm7u]

You secured your place in heaven with this

[@92spice18]

1. People don’t realize that sizing for wedding dresses are actually smaller than normal dresses. Always size up, even if you plan to lose weight. 2. Order your dress at least a year in advance. My dress came from a local shop and still took 7 months to get to me, which gave me a few extra months for alterations.

[@jenem9618]

More people than you might think get married within a year of their engagement. My engagement was 5 months.

[@92spice18]

@@jenem9618 in that case don’t order a customized dress from overseas. It’s simple.

[@jenem9618]

@@92spice18 Obviously. Your "order a year in advance" advice appeared to be general, not specifically referring to overseas orders. Maybe that wasn't the case. Thinking that it was, I simply commented that a lot of people are unable to follow that advice, though of course it's good when they can. The snark is unnecessary.

[@92spice18]

@@jenem9618 it seems to me that your original response was the snarky comment. Don’t throw stones and hide your hands. There was literally no shade in my comment. It’s common sense. If your wedding is 6 months after the engagement give yourself time to choose a dress, wait for shipping, and complete alterations and fittings.

[@jenem9618]

@@92spice18 There was zero snark in my original comment, and you had to be unnecessarily defensive to interpret it that way.

[@javonicasapp1203]

I'm a dress maker and have had the same issues with clients. A possibility is when ordering overseas, Americans have to be sure about conversions inches to centimeters. The rest of the world operates in centimeters. I myself got short changed when ordering fabric from overseas on Etsy.

[@nickorange4881]

oh no. so how do you know on etsy whenits centimeters or inches? does it list it ?

[@missmia196]

It's usually stated in description or size chart or smth ​@@nickorange4881

[@lonely_in_the_world]

Once the dress was on and tied I did not think there was that much of a stark contrast and if so the photographer could fix it in the photos. Love that you stepped out and helped this lady for her wedding day! Love your work!

[@curiouscat3384]

Agree. And I would have grabbed a longer veil to cover the back for the walk down the aisle.

[@feliciaowens4094]

Yes😊

[@robynwilson1407]

I've just started watching you and think your skills are not only artistic, but intelligent alteration solutions. My mind is boggled by how many dress buyers seem to be in denial of their body shape and size. What a wonderful service you perform.

[@tillytoad804]

You definitely should offer a bridal dressing service, I bet loads of brides would love this. There is a show in the UK called Curvy Brides Boutique and the two bridal consultants/presenters offer this service and it really helps destress the brides on their day x

[@PinkOwl31]

I love how you make these videos so upbeat and positive, even thought when these mishaps are happening there is probably so much stress and panic. This is like the relief after the storm.

[@margaretgarana911]

This

[@kristyrivers3470]

Its been a minute or two since i bought a wedding dress. At the time, it was explained to me that wedding dress are sized very differently than our everyday clothes. Virtually no vanity sizing. I had a wonderful lady helping me with the dresses i picked out at the store. She even managed to zip me into a dress that was much to small, and i thought i was going to suffocate in a beautiful embroidered dress. I would have looked amazing in my coffin. Lol I ended up choosing a beautiful ball gown style that had to be ordered in my size. A size that was much larger than i would have thought. 😊 Thanks to the lady who helped me, the dress fit almost perfectly and only needed to be nipped in a bit here and there. If i had ordered the dress on my own, i probably would have gotten one that was several sizes to small.

[@BookChats]

It's the same for bridesmaid dresses but if I were ordering custom I would expect to be sending my exact measurements, not picking a size.

[@kristyrivers3470]

@BookChats I would expect to send measurements as well. Thanks for reading my excessively long post. ☺️

[@antasiaward1036]

All of my pageant gowns were four sizes bigger . At first I was not feeling that bit formal wear is a different beast

[@LetsFocusOnChrist]

Exactly! One of the first things the associate told me was ‘ignore the numbers, let’s get you in a dress that makes you feel beautiful’. I’m usually a 10, my dress was a 14

[@miranda13c]

Same here at the time of my wedding, I wore a size 20 pants and my dress ended up being like a size 24 or 26. I’ve never worn either of those sizes before.

[@iamchickpea]

I love your alteration videos, theyre so addicting!!

[@MondesThreads]

Glad you like them 😁😁😁🥰🥰

[@Dorothyredshz]

A helpful piece of advice for brides : poor or late decision making on your part... should not constitute as an emergency on everybody else's part. Plan wisely not emotionally ❤.

[@aimeerothwell3849]

You’re the real MVP of this girls whole wedding. You should feel very proud of your work! 🙌

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Tea or coffee staining might work in a pinch to darken a white fabric slightly. I don't know if it works on all fabric types, but I used to do this a lot to cottons to give them a vintage look. You do amazing work. I would be terrified to touch that dress. It's absolutely stunning, I'd be afraid to make a mistake on it.

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

I've used a strong tea bath on many occasions to tint white fabrics; not only does it work, it doesn't wash out if you get it wet or sweat on it - keep that idea in your tool box for the next time.

[@beastshawnee]

great on cotton! But not on polyesters… I do use it sometimes-especially on feathers and buckskin.

[@girl6girl6]

I was thinking the same 5hing about the tea dying of the fabric

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

It works well on cotton. I haven't tried it on linen or wool yet. The longer you leave the fabric in the dyebath, the darker it will be. The tannins in tea act as a natural mordant, so you don't need to mordant your fabric. (Spinner/weaver/dyer here)

[@sunshineflyer]

@@beastshawnee- I dyed my white, Swiss dot poly living-room curtains with tea - years later they still hold the pinkish-off-white tone. So it would be worth it to do a test for a dress situation, I think.

[@Iprsmrk]

I have BEEN there and it was my sister's wedding! I cried like a new born and the young lady made the biggest mess so when I found someone, it was such a relief. It was a wonderful thing you did!

[@newmanos1200]

"Be blessed but always remember be a blessing" Love that ❤

[@susanburnworth7893]

The fact that the designer refunded the full amount says that the designer is someone I would recommend to anyone. That's amazing they did that.

[@cwayzums]

I just knew lace up was your solution. This dress was designed for a non-curvy girl. I do believe the bride’s definition of “custom” is that she picked out from a catalog rather than having the right measurements taken and having it custom made to fit her figure.

[@veronicaisaacosawere4190]

She probably didn't give the designer the proper size. She probably gave her under size. For such a good designer, they can't make such mistakes with proper measurements.

[@Pinksugarcandy]

Whoever tied it messed up your beautiful work by not properly tying the back, but that annoyance aside you really did a miracle fix

[@bipolartorecovery1485]

At least we know it wasnt a scam and the designer tried to make it right. I wonder if maybe the designer got their emails mixed up and put down the wrong measurements from a different client or if they make white labels for themselves of dress blanks before the beading to alter and grabbed the wrong dress blank. Who knows

[@PinkOwl31]

We need a follow up with the designer! Like "we're not mad sis... But WHAT HAPPENED??" let it be a learning lesson for all.

[@deeskinner9014]

Centimeters to inches maybe? Since the designer was overseas there may have been a conversion problem. Still, beautiful dress and fantastic solution!

[@Nekogal21]

​@deeskinner9014 converting between cm and inches is easy you just multiply or divide by 2.54 depending on the form it's given to you in

[@GMAMEC]

I hope she gets a refund. Until it arrives, it’s just words.

[@Autonomous111]

​@@Nekogal21 i just flip the measuring tape

[@colleenhickman6415]

It's almost as if she ordered the wedding dress way ahead of ever getting engaged. You are a miracle worker and the dress is beautiful.

[@COAFAMILY]

I feel this so much! I went to pick my dress up two days before my wedding. When I got there, IT HAD NOT BEEN ALTERED. I bought it in another state, was measured for alterations, and they shipped it to a store near where my wedding was. When I showed up, the dress was so big it wouldn’t stay up. I was devastated. The store dropped everything and asked me if I could come back at the end of the day. Somehow, they were able to alter my dress in the span of 10 hours. Taking it in, and hemming the length. It wasn’t as perfect as I would have liked, but I at least had a dress to wear.

[@mycrazyaklife]

One of the many reasons why I never had a ceremony. 1) I HATE stress. 2) I've never really liked being the center of attention. 3) I could never find a design I liked. On the plus side: that dress was beautiful beforehand. You made it even more so for her special day.

[@queencerseilannister3519]

4) Too expensive

[@luciatat4084]

You can also have a more relaxed and smaller wedding, where you focus on enjoying your day and celebrate you and your loved one and your love. Not every wedding needs to be pompous or stressful.

[@carmengreen9004]

1 is the top reason I believe. Let's enjoy this...

[@Ysoie]

I make corsets using loops instead of grommets, and oh my G-d, yeah: continuous cord instead of individual pieces. Because no matter how careful you are, one of the little jerks is going to come loose at the worst possible moment, and no one will have any idea what to do. That was a spectacular save you made!

[@ErinBerlintop10]

You literally did the Lord's work on this dress!! Adding the stones to the ties really pulled it together for a cohesive look...great job!!

[@feliciaowens4094]

I know right 😊

[@trueloveingod2691]

You made a brilliant redesign of that dress, 4 sizes too small, hardly a custom fit. There was almost no way to solve that problem but you found a way and she looked beautiful in it.

[@MommaRose956]

Omg the beading. I got overwhelmed just looking at the picture. The unmatched fabric is a fashion statement. Contrast is all the rage! 😂

[@AriD2385]

A full refund is fair if the bride gave the tailor the correct measurements. Maybe they actually just sent a pre-made dress? 🧐 Anyway, you're a fantastic seamstress, and you'd also be a great gown consultant *pre-purchase* that could save women the frustration and stress of a bad fit!

[@Heyu7her3]

I think she gave a dress size with no consideration for measurements...

[@bipolartorecovery1485]

I was thinking something similar. Maybe they had a plain dress before beading then put the beads on after the order which might explain the large seam allowance as well

[@Silver_Orchid]

If it was ordered over the sea, it was probably from Europe or Asia. When it comes to Asia, I don't know the Chinese market, but in Japan and Korea, customer opinion and satisfaction are very important. In Europe, however, reputation has great importance. In both of these regions, if a company (in this case a designer) has to choose between a refund for one dress and a damaged reputation, it will almost always choose a refund. And I say this with full confidence as a former employee of one of the largest clothing stores in Europe.

[@AriD2385]

@@Silver_Orchid Sure. But it doesn’t make sense that the dress was so small if it was custom made. If they had her measurements they should have been able to make a dress that was at least in the ballpark of her correct size.

[@Silver_Orchid]

@@AriD2385 Honestly, very often it doesn't make any sense. It's just about leaving the company alone. I still remember several situations of this type from my work, but my favorite is the one when a woman came to complain about her child's pants after almost two years because "they were made of bad material and were torn" and they were obviously cut with scissors. The child probably outgrew the clothes so she wanted her money back. When we politely refused, she started threatening us with inspection and the media. Effect? Complaint accepted.

[@BallparkFrankenstein]

So kind of you to do the work on SUCH a tight and stressful deadline, just so she could have a beautiful dress on her wedding day. I think your solution was VERY elegant given the circumstances. I doubt anyone noticed the little details like slightly mismatched fabrics, as makers we care about that kind of thing, but everyone else was probably blown away by how beautiful she was in the dress

[@aliceandfriendsvideos]

They would have noticed the damn laces were a mess. 🙄 Should have taken a bit of extra time and care to do it properly, bride & aunt. Shame.

[@rochelle7901]

You always do an incredible job with what you have to work with and I hope you are charging these clients a premium for it too. The amount of stress and lack of time that is put on you is actually worth thousands.

[@professorbutters]

Agreed.

[@joycleckley2881]

You worked a miracle in those few days. The bride was STUNNING 💚💚💚. ABSOLUTELY no one paid attention to those ties being a different color. Kudos to you and your work. You ever cease to amaze me.....

[@sherrizanoli1398]

You are amazing at what you do. You get the worst issues and give the best outcomes. You are an angel and a saint.

[@annmeacham5643]

You were an angel when she needed one desperately. The same sort of event happened once to me. My friend called me in tears because her custom 1910 wedding gown had arrived and it was a disaster! Only six days left to fix it. Had to deconstruct entire bodice to fit her. So she’s relieved everything will be wonderful, while now all the pressure is on me to make sure her dress is intact in time. After hours of hand stitching, I insisted on a final fitting, i.e. dress rehearsal and only opportunity was the night before. We met at the hotel where all the parents were staying. The men folk were dismissed and her MIL, her mother, the bride and I enjoyed a heavenly Hen Night finishing the last details. Laughing, sharing stories, it felt like a quilting bee from days long gone. Assisting her into all the layers, because of course all her underpinnings were handsewn and period correct too, she slowly turned to face the mirror. Radiant with joy, she was the most beautiful bride imaginable. The gown flattered her full figure in an amazing transformation. When she stepped out, the older ladies gasped and we all started to cry, such a moving experience. By this time it was no longer the night before the wedding; it was the wedding day itself! Carefully extracting her from the dress, packing it for later, we parted for the few hours of sleep possible. It was a miracle how the gown had gone from a nightmare to a dream come true. She just glowed, a truly breathtaking sight.

[@welshie2007]

30 years ago, my mom altered a size 10 to my 00 body. Thank you, mom! 7 years of home-ec paid off for her. Imagine being able to learn to sew in school now... it's too bad kids don't have that option in a supposedly more advanced society.

[@stephgreen3070]

Our school district still has the kids learn basic machine and hand sewing techniques! I think it’s when they are in 8th grade. They also teach them basic cooking, basic budget balancing and how to do a simple tax form.

[@jennyashmore1161]

I totally agree! I am 26 and didn't even have home ec in school. I wish I knew how to sew!

[@jenniferg2771]

And it is also too bad given this that I can't make a living doing this type of work that I love.

[@beastshawnee]

Sorry Brides but when I do a custom bridal gown-I take exact measurement over your exact foundational garments. And Then I add a full half inch on each side for the celebration cheesecakes you are going to consume after you ditch that impossible diet goal. 😂. And guess what- If it’s slightly loose at fitting I can say- “Oh I think you’ve lost some inches!” The relief sighs I get from Brides TELL ME they have been SO WORRIED because they were terrified it wouldn’t fit. And I can still take it in a bit. That rarely happens tho and often instead the dress is a perfect fit…(again a relief sigh!) and then sometimes it’s a squeeze at the waist and the baby is due just after the honeymoon. I let it out a tiny bit. 😅 😊 All good. Only once did I have to recut the entire top for a pregnant bride whose Karen mom was screaming at me as we couldn’t figure out why each alteration was still too tight…Then after resewing the whole thing…the Karen was cursing and screaming at me and I realized the problem. I put a hand up in front of Karen’s sputtering face and looked the bride in the eye and said “Are you gonna tell her OR AM I?” I let myself out and the bride confessed. There was screaming and a full on crying tantrum! And then I got an apology and I helped the bride pick an Empire waist gown. Karen had to pay for 2 gowns and 5 alterations. 😂

[@kimberlyrobinson3992]

That woman was delusional. She’s a mother herself and couldn’t tell that her daughter was pregnant? 🙄 You were so kind not to throw her out. The first cuss word at me that left her mouth and I would have been done.

[@jonquilgemstone]

Hiding a pregnancy from the seamstress is...yikes. Glad you didn't let the bride keep throwing you under the bus like that!

[@beverleybee1309]

I say, if you can't make it match, make it look like it was on purpose. You did great .

[@creative2716]

You were definitely her blessing, saved her day.

[@woin9361]

You’re out there using your skills to make people’s dreams come true! Well done 👏

[@Fizzypopization]

I think a partial refund is more than fair especially because it's hard to say if it was on the designer or if it was on the bride. If the bride gave wrong measurements or gained too much weight during that time there's not much that a designer can do if they don't actually see you every time. Of course it could have just been the designer went too small, but i think it's very possible that the bride wasn't giving as accurate of a measurement as she thought.

[@betsysanders4524]

No one tells brides that wedding dresses run super small. Whe I got married, I was a size 16 but my wedding dress was a size 24. It’s the way bridal gowns are made. You’d think that on your special day, if the sizing was going to be off…they’d make the dresses larger per size rather than smaller.

[@Heyu7her3]

Even when considering the measurements? _(the part that actually matters)_ Men get fitted with their measurements for tuxes, so I'm just shocked by all this...

[@GradKat]

Wedding dresses do not normally run four sizes too small. My daughters’ experiences when buying their wedding dresses is that the sizing was pretty standard.

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

That’s what happened to me. We ordered a 16 off an outlet on Ebay. I think they run smaller. My mom thinks it was mislabeled. Either way it didn’t fit, and we had to make it work.

[@kray3883]

Bridal sizing doesn't "run small", it's just completely different. It is much closer to UK sizes than US sizes, so if you go based on your US size it will be completely wrong. This is super well documented.

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

@@kray3883 well, it was 21 years ago for me, and we bought off Ebay without going to a bridal shop to learn this tidbit of info (you’d think David’s Bridal could have put it in the listing). I’m glad it is more well know now, cause it was pretty devastating to me.

[@emmalove135]

I think the work that you did was “ a nice SAVE “. ( If it was me I would have likely ordered the dress in a size or two larger , thinking that it would be better to have the seam allowances to be “ taken in “ instead of having them “ let out” . Great job , though. 7:32

[@27Kallisto]

I am blown away by your talent… that dress is absolutely beautiful. You’re a Miracle worker

[@Lindarianmusic]

Hi, Monde: Great job, I would have done the same trying to match as close as possible like you did. As an experienced seamstress who has worked in a bridal shop, Monde was right on about this. People don't realize how expensive the fabric for a dress like this is. Beaded dresses are a pain to deal with, because if they come undone, you can spend hours and hours beading and beading a dress like this can cost a pretty penny. Even though the color of the dress is ivory, the white false back is normally done at bridal stores and is complimentary to the dress.

[@charlottehardy822]

That is an amazing job in the time.

[@MondesThreads]

Thank you ❤

[@andreainpa5739]

I have not commented on anything for a long, long time. But I looked at the 1st picture of the client "in" the dress, and BURST OUT laughing! Just that picture alone, has made my evening! Thank you so much for sharing😅. It was well worth my time.

[@Lisabug2659]

I remember being in a bridal shop with my mom to buy a dress. The dress I selected was on the cover of Bride magazine back in 1984. I knew I was trying on a sample, but I knew the samples were like a size 6 and I was a 10. The dress size we purchased was absolutely depressing to me at the time, it was a 16! They tried to assure me it was bc the dresses ran small. Psychologically, it messed with my head as I thought I would look like a huge snow beast! I was about 8-10 lbs over weight at that time. It took 6 months for that dress to come in and another month to alter it. The seamstress said “the reason it costs so much to alter is because they HAD to order a size that fit your breasts, it’s too big everywhere else! Uhhh……? I can’t sew on a button ( clueless) but apparently working with mesh and heavy beading in the top and bodice (?) is risky and a PIA. My parents ended up paying nearly as much for alterations as the dress cost! But, it was beautifully done. Now, I am 64 and donated the dress to the national kidney society. I had no idea that the dress could be re-worked or fashioned. The store I bought it from is still in business, they knew I had the magazine and bought the dress there. The store wanted to know if they could use it in a display as an anniversary commemorating years in business. Lord, I felt like a museum piece……older than Georgia clay!

[@nickorange4881]

but that means its classy then. classic and classy styles are always good.

[@TallulahB58]

Always buy to fit your largest measurement. It's much easier to take something in than let it out.

[@poodlemuffin]

That was an amazing fix!!

[@MondesThreads]

Glad it worked out

[@belladriver258]

You do your customers so right. Nobody would had touched that dress.

[@vincenzolee6576]

From one Seamstress to a true Master Seamstress--You are a magician!

[@happyandblessed5640]

10 days!!! That was a toughie. Did she give the designer the correct measurements? I think the ties go so low that this was a labour of love. If the bride had wore a longer veil it would have covered the back much better. Love your work. You are a talented seamstress.❤

[@jeans1129]

That is what a gifted person does, looks for alternate solutions. You empathized with the person and situation and she got to enjoy her wedding day. Amazing outcome for both.

[@VaughnjtheChameleon]

Fantastic job I just hope you were well compensated. That was some straight reconstructive tailoring in a small time frame which is WORK! As designer I know we want the best for our client's but many times they already know the deal. That plus some try to undermine the monetary worth of what we make or alter to help make them happy and satisfied. Custom fitted im sketchy on that part. unless they had a freak accident with measuring tape.

[@tarawalker7193]

Girl, you are out here saving lives!!! Beautiful work!

[@kellyebageon]

Lady, it's official. You are the Jesus of sewing because that was absolutely a miracle! Amazing 😍🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@ritamarkley3939]

You have the patience of a saint.

[@valeriebrincheck6034]

Wow that is a HUGE gap that you had to fill in the back. People have no idea how to order the right size for themselves. I used to make custom gowns for people and I commend you on a superior job of getting her into this dress.

[@marijabu]

Wow! I worked in bridal for many years and I would have not taken this dress on. Kudos to you for accepting this heroic task, and in such a short time frame. Well done.

[@uncurled520]

My favorite trick for seam ripping those impossible seams is to use a double edge razor blade meant for a safety razor. Since the razors are sharp enough to shave with, they glide right through the thread without resistance. Though that also means you can easily slice through the fabric if you aren't careful so it requires concentration and a well lit work space.

[@sharisweeney6020]

That was amazing! You are a miracle worker and exceptionally kind. Kudos to you! Also to the original maker to refund the client, a person of integrity.

[@oratuwe8114]

It's so refreshing to see you alter a dress that's good quality.

[@betsydaly1284]

Exactly!!! How does a custom made dress not fit ????? You were very creative in attaching the loops. A true miracle worker.

[@lenorevelez6563]

You did the best you could given what little you had to work with. This is why people should buy at their local bridal boutiques. The sizing is never accurate when made in a different country. I’ve encountered this problem many times and had to return the item. I’m glad you were able to help this bride. You are amazing!

[@karalinell9736]

You are a miracle worker. Every video I am so impressed with your work. These clients are so fortunate to have found you.

[@AndresAndres8401]

Not only are your skills unmatched but your patience alone. 🙏🏾

[@erikamuse2526]

You're a HERO Bless you for helping this young lady

[@pamz7531]

Great fix, you are a brave woman

[@hestiaa9354]

This is why you get yourself accurate measurements before ordering a dress-especially overseas. If the dress is a bit too large by the time it’s delivered, it may not be as big of a challenge to alter it.

[@terejosh13]

i can not get enough of you. Im going to etsy to get some of your magic 😂

[@meggzcharm]

Dang! So stressful and yet you’d never know looking at the after photos. Always amazed at your creativity and work. You really saved the day (again)!

[@ewilliams-vr5tl]

I think you are a complete miracle worker and you're nice about it too!

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

I wish we could have done corset back with mine. It had a beaded lace back. We did side panels and tried to add lace, but the lace didn’t match and the panels looked noticeable to me. I didn’t feel secure in the dress. It took me years to appreciate that I did in fact look beautiful on my wedding day. You do such good and important work. 😇

[@modernaccountant]

Well, you did brilliant. I was waiting to see how you were going to deal with this one. You have a great talent. I think I would be so worried about taking it apart.

[@snestah]

This is a wonderful example of technical skill, artistry, and customer service. Thank you for talking through how you approached this, so many people dont realize and they think, " just go to the store and buy something to help me!". Also, I love the rhinestone solution for the ties. Along with the veil and the rest of the dress, the extra fabric blended in even more than I expected.

[@missypoo8545]

First of all the wedding dress was 5 sizes too small. That was a classic case of a person wanting something that was not made for them. You are a FANTASTIC seamstress, your skill level speaks multitudes concerning your abilities.

[@katiehart1125]

You are an angel, a savior and deserve an award!!

[@magicalspacegiraffe]

You're truly a fairy godmother! That's some pure magic! I wouldn't be able to tell there's any alterations for the final look, so happy it worked out for the bride since that's one of a kind wedding dress and must have meant a lot. And btw your glasses are awesome!

[@mississippiqueen2u]

It is so funny. Since I started watching this channel, I give every Bride the side eye. I be looking at everyone’s dresses now. This was a good save with what you had to do in the amount of time you had to do it. You said yes when others said no! Now the bride can look back and laugh instead of cry!