Fanny’s Alterations

Dropped off my suit for alterations, never told me that they were going on vacation for two months. Called but just got message. Basically held my suit hostage for over two months. Never even called to tell me they were back. Don’t plan on ever using them again.

Very nice, very easy to work with and very accomodating. The only complaint is that I didn’t have an idea of cost up front, even though I’d requested it. The price took me by surprise but other than that it was a good experience.

I needed to get some pants shortened (They don’t make pants in my proportions, so this is a constant need). I started a new job that’s a bit fancier than other places I’ve worked, and had to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe in a few days. I was in a hurry, I dropped off a couple pairs of pants at 1pm, and asked if she could have it ready the same day. She wasn’t thrilled about the quick turn around but agreed. I picked the pants up at 6.30 that night. Wore one the next day and they were perfect. She did a real nice job, (like the pants were made that length!) and I really appreciate her working with me on the quick turn around.

I had a nerve-​wracking experience here: dropped of a bridesmaid dress to be taken in and then when I went back to pick it up on the agreed upon day, there was a note on the door saying that, due to an illness, the shop was closed for «a while» (!?!) tried not to panic since I still had a few days until the wedding
Called a couple days later, she’s open again with not much explanation. Odd. All that being said, she did absolutely beautiful work at a very reasonable price (not super cheap, but reasonable). The side seams I had taken in were complex with a lining and a peplum and it would up looking like the dress was just made for me. Loved her work, will go back for more tailoring.

The zipper on my favorite signature bag full of patches from my international travels finally zipped it’s last words. ARG! I was quickly on the lookout for a tailor in my new neighborhood of Ravenswood/​Lincoln Square. I couldn’t believe it that my neighboring Unilocalers had nothing to pitch in (5 businesses existed in the Unilocal search engine but all without ratings and provided an unconnected or no phone number). I did come across one Unilocaled cleaners in a Google search that does alterations but he (J-​Hee) possessed mixed reviews. I then took to the streets on this first day of the 2009 new year, passing each one of the shops listed on Unilocal.All had misadvertising «OPEN» signs turned around or flashing but my last option – Fanny’s Alterations!
I quickly opened the door to this Latino alterations shop with its windows filled with various posters (like one boasting «Alteraciones mientras espera – Alterations while you wait»). My eyes were so surprised that the «Open» sign really meant it was open that I stumbled down the two steps that sit inside right after you open the door (you have been warned).
A short older Latina woman was quick to greet me in her adorable accent while I was hoping she wouldn’t misweave the needle in her hands. I handed her my murse (man-​purse) and said, «I desperately need a new zipper for my bag.» She looked up into my blue eyes which either flashed $$ signs, OR she further concentrated on the word «desperately» that I had just mumbled. She said «Oooo-​k no problem mijo» as she played around with my bag’s zipper to reconfirm that it jumped off its track. She handed over the little carbon copy receipt for me to write my name and phone number as she stated that it would be $ 15.
«To replace a ZIPPER?!,» I thought to myself as I wrote down my name. I had remembered that a day prior I received an estimate of $ 8 over the phone from another business near my work. Fanny continued unaware that she was speaking Spanglish and pointing her broken wooden ruler at the calendar to show which day it would be ready… First on the 10^th… then the 9^th. I then pulled my non-​Gringo card and stated «Do you prefer to speak in Spanish» (in Spanish of course). She got a big smile, while I mentioned the other deal I had been offered in her native language. Fanny slid the ruler farther to the left – I had opened up a can of worms – and said in Spanish, «OK, $ 10 and it will be ready on the 6^th. Do you mind if the new zipper is a bit of a lighter color». I both internally and externally smiled and nodded at being pleased yet tricky with my Spanish-​speaking skills. If that wasn’t enough, my bag did have a bunch of Latin American flags represented on it.
I said «gracias» and went on my merry way, wondering what day after all my bag would be done. Hopefully when my murse is in my possession again, my nickname of «Patches» will continue to live on.