Shop Shelby: The Sewing Room Whips Up Custom Creations

This week Shop Shelby visited The Sewing Room in Utica. This tailor is not your run-of-the-mill alterations shop. Owner Kellie Darling brings her experience in retail management to create a truly unique alterations shop. The store has been open since 1984, and Darling has been the owner for the past nine years. 

Darling always had a passion for sewing. In retail, she specialized in visual merchandising and helping people style things. The decision to take over The Sewing Room was an easy one. "It just kind of naturally fell into place," Darling said. Darling's husband even owns the shoe shop next door to The Sewing Room. 

The Sewing Room specializes in all types of alterations, including leather. They can also recreate a dress or outfit from a picture or just an idea. They recently duplicated a dress for a bridesmaid who was not able to find her size, so she could still be a part of the bridal party. The Sewing Room has even made custom costumes for theater productions in different states. 

A popular type of alteration at The Sewing Room is called the tricky hem, which involves seaming the original back on to prevent ripping at the bottom. 

Another specialty of The Sewing Room is revamping old styles.

"So you can save things," said Darling. "Over the years everyone fluctuates in weight."

Customers often bring in worn or outdated pieces, and Darling works her magic to update the look and make it new again. 

"I have customers who literally come in with their jewelry, their shoes and they'll want a fashion opinion," Darling said. "I take my time with every single person, because I want them to look good. I feel like I'm even their personal stylist. It's what I really enjoy. People know that I'm going to give them my honest opinion."

Darling also gives people options for every price range.

"We will work with them and give them different options for how we can sew it," said Darling. 

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