Why Handmade Matters
Handmade pieces carry meaning because someone poured time, care, and intention into every stitch. They’re a form of art, lovingly crafted with the intention to bring joy, not just to fill shelves. So whether I’m hemming jeans, repairing a favourite dress, or re-fashioning something sentimental, my goal is simple — to honour the story your garment already holds, and make sure it can be loved for years to come.
Worth the cost?
Handmade clothes and alterations may seem more expensive compared to buying a $5 top off the rack at Westfield, but the true cost of fast fashion is paid elsewhere — in environmental damage, unsafe labour conditions, and mountains of discarded clothing.
Rapid production cycles encourage over-consumption, and garment workers often face low wages in unsafe factories in order to keep prices artificially low. The fashion industry produces 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, with most of it ending up in landfill rather than being recycled (source).
The Benefits of Alterations
Most clothing isn’t made to fit real bodies — just averages. It’s no wonder so many of us feel uncomfortable in off-the-rack clothes, and then sadly assume something is wrong with our bodies.
A good alteration can:
Make your clothes feel tailored to you — boosting your confidence
Extend the life of what you already own — reducing waste
Save money long-term — quality over quantity
Your clothes should adapt to fit your body, not the other way around.
Supporting Local
When you choose a local seamstress, your money stays within the community, supporting local families and small creators rather than large corporations. You also receive a truly personalised service — the kind where you can talk through your ideas face-to-face and feel confident that your vision is understood. And importantly, you help keep traditional skills alive, preserving the craft and knowledge that make clothing last for years to come.
If you’re in Rochedale South or surrounding Brisbane suburbs, and you need something hemmed, mended, or altered— I’m here to help. Enquire on my alterations page to get started.