Another seamstress question!

[cabbageroses]

I am just under average height and find that some dresses- the kind that have a fitted waist- tend to be too big between the shoulder and the waist.

As I am petite I like and suit what I would call a fitted shift dress style.

The way to fix the sizing would be to have the shoulders taken up by an inch or so IYSWIM. Reducing the height of the "bodice" to be precise!

I wouldn't do this myself on a tailored dress, as it would mean unpicking the lining perhaps- but certainly unpicking the seam nearest the neck line to get to the shoulder seam, and it's very hard to get it looking neat again.

Has anyone ever paid anyone to do this- if so, what kind of person did you find- a dry cleaning/alteration shop or an expert tailoress?

I would go to a proper dressmaker/seamstress. Dry cleaning shops are great at the "taking up/lowering hem" type jobs but I think what you are asking is for something more specialised, imo.

Look in the Yellow Pages or go to the local bridal store/boutique and ask who they use/recommend :) Also, lots of high street stores use or recommend a local tailor for their alterations so its worth asking when you purchase the dress.

Thanx