The studio
Two tailors and an apprentice, upstairs on Weavers Row.
Nell Ashby trained as a cutter and spent nine years making suits before opening the workroom in 2011. Joe Fell joined from a theatre wardrobe, and does most of the wedding dresses and anything that needs a steady hand with lace.
Every job is pinned, cut and sewn here, on the same three machines and one long cutting table. We’d rather tell you a garment isn’t worth altering than take your money for it, and we’ll say so at the fitting.
Nell and Joe
2011
opened on Weavers Row
4,000
hems and sleeves a year
3
pairs of hands in the workroom
0
jobs sent out to others
Questions and answers
Turnaround, fittings and what to bring.
01
How long do alterations take?
Most hems, sleeves and zips are ready in three to seven days from your fitting. Linings and jackets take one to three weeks, and wedding dresses are spread over eight to twelve weeks.
02
Do I need a fitting?
For anything that changes the length or fit, yes. We pin it on you so it’s right first time. Zips, seams and patches don’t need one: just drop them off.
03
What should I bring to a fitting?
The garment, clean and pressed, plus the shoes and underwear you’ll wear with it. For a wedding dress, bring any petticoat, belt or veil too.
04
Can you do it faster?
Jobs marked ‘Express available’ on the price list can be done in 48 hours for 50% on top. Ask at the fitting and we’ll tell you straight away.
05
When should I bring my wedding dress?
About three months before the day. That leaves room for three fittings without a rush, and for any lace or beading that has to be moved by hand.
06
How do I pay?
Alterations are paid on collection, by card or cash. Made-to-measure is half when we order the cloth and half when you collect.
07
Do I need to book, or can I walk in?
Walk in for simple hems and repairs during opening hours. Book for wedding dresses, made-to-measure and anything with several pieces.
08
What if I can’t collect?
We’ll keep finished work for three months and send a reminder. After that we may give unclaimed items to a local charity shop.
Visit the workroom
First floor, above the old haberdashery.
14 Weavers Row, Calderwick, CK3 8RT. Ring the bell by the green door and come up. If stairs are hard, call ahead and we’ll do your fitting in the ground-floor room.
Monday
Fittings by appointment
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
9:30am – 5:30pm
Thursday
9:30am – 7pm
Saturday
9am – 4pm
Sunday
Closed
Fittings Tuesday to Saturday
Bring it in, or book a fitting.
Most alterations need one fitting and are ready within a week. Wedding dresses and made-to-measure take longer, so get in touch early.