About Us'
NEW! Newsletter
(scroll all the way to the bottom)
Please text (do not call-Calls are not answered) if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment
(312) 502-9781
OR email at
PLEASE READ About Policy Changes in Appointments for Alterations Effective 9/26/2025
When you bring in an item to be altered, you need to bring in the shoes/top/bottom/jacket, or other article of clothing etc that will be integral to completing your outfit. Once you leave, you will be responsible for any changes needed. As an example, if you did not bring the shoes you will be wearing and the hem still needs to be shortened/lengthened-after you leave the final try-on, you will be charged again to re-hem the item.
Please communicate any time discrepancies, if you believe you will be late. We will allow a 15 minute window.
Anything 16 minutes or more will need be rescheduled. Every consultation is individual, and tailored to your needs.
Any alteration not picked up within 30 days will be donated to a thrift store or dropped in a donation box.
We offer
Alterations & Now Selling Fabric!!
Please see the links below. There will be many fabrics to choose from. Shipping and taxes are not included in the price, please ask prior to purchasing. Thank you for your patience as fabric is slowly added. Photos, writing the listing and uploading take time.
ALL classes must be paid for at least 24 hr prior to class meeting, unless otherwise stated.
A L T E R A T I O N S
Alterations are done by appointment only-no walk-ins. Any alterations left over 30 days will be donated.
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PLEASE NOTE: You will need fabric, a sewing pattern, the list of notions below, (scroll down) and matching thread to start the class.
Make a Zippered Skirt
Who is this class for?
This class is for the absolute beginner, or for those who have had “some” previous basic sewing skills, (I.e. high school sewing, Scouts) or you’ve made a pillow case.
What will I be able to do with my learned skills at the end of the class?
At the end of this sewing class, you will be able to:
Thread a sewing machine, fill a bobbin
Learn how to measure and compare your measurements to the pattern, make slight pattern adjustments to suit your figure
Learn to cut your tissue, or paper pattern for optimal sewing results
Learn to sew in straight lines, sew in a regular zipper or elastic, sew in a waistband and a basic hem
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Make a Button Down Shirt
Tuedays
NOT BEING OFFERED AT THIS TIME
6 Sessions
6 :30-9p
$450.
Who is this class for?
This class is for the advanced beginner, or for those who have had “some” previous basic sewing skills (maybe you’ve made simple garment or tote bag before)
What will I be able to do with my learned skills at the end of the class?
At the end of this sewing class, you will be able to:
Measure and compare your measurements to the pattern for a custom button down shirt
Learn to cut your tissue pattern for optimal sewing results
Thread a sewing machine, fill a bobbin. Operate a sewing machine, making straight & curved lines and simple machine sewn buttonholes
Learn to machine sew buttons on a shirt
Learn how to simply ease a sleeve cap, for beautiful results
Learn how to assemble and complete your shirt/top
Production sewing is not offered
Tailoring is not offered
Please read below, if you are unsure what is meant by "custom sewing", "production sewing" or "tailoring"
What custom sewing is: You want a dress made
You started a shirt and need someone to finish it for you You need cushion or pillow covers for your couch
You would like curtains made/repaired/relined for your living room
You saw something cute on Pinterest, have no desire/time/skills to make it. You have started a project, and have no idea how to finish it-sorry, we will not complete your vision project
What production sewing is:
You are a designer and need someone to do sample garments for you
You have this great idea for mass producing _______, you just need someone to make your dream a reality-This
is not us
What tailoring is:
Men's suits. We do not alter men's suits
To have your suits fitted, please consider a tailor
FAQ's
Where are you located?
2020 N. Western Ave.
In Bucktown, between McLean and Armitage, on Western Ave.
Conveniently located 1 mile west of I-90/94, Armitage exit.
By CTA, just 1 1/2 block north of the Blue Line, Westen Ave. stop
Steps from the 49 Western Bus Stop
Steps from the Armitage Ave. Bus stop
Steps from the Milwaukee Ave. Bus Stop
I've called, but no one answers the phone
Sorry-due to all of the phone scams, we do not take phone calls unless you are a registered student.
I've emailed, but have not gotten a response.
Please allow up to 2-3 days
We make every attempt to respond to all emails in a timely manner, but sometimes time just slips away. Thank you for your patience
What is your turnaround on an alteration?
Please allow 10 days. A rush fee starting at $25. will be added to any alterations requiring a rush
R E F U N D S
(Please ask if you have any questions)
Please know that once classes have begun, there are no refunds under any circumstance
You must complete all consecutive classes, makeup classes are not offered-please make sure you are available for all consecutive classes prior to signing up. Exceptions will not be made.
Thank you for understanding
Mission
- At We Sew Pro (Art InSTITCHtute of Chicago), we aim to inspire creativity through sewing. Our mission is to empower sewers of all levels to express themselves with fabric and thread.
NEW! Newsletter
Art InSTITCHtute
NEWSLETTER
A l t e r a t i o n E d u c a t i o n
December 12, 2025
Welcome to the first of (I hope) many newsletters. Someone asked earlier this week if I had a newsletter, and while I cannot remember who it was, as soon as they left, I thought, huh! A newsletter! That sounds like a good thing! SO, shout out to whomever it was! Please come forward, so I can thank you!
Whew! It’s been a few weeks!
2025 is really ending with quite the bang! For the last week and a half, I had been without a phone. Admittedly, I prefer to not use my phone, however, it is a very necessary tool for my business. I respond to texts, remind my clients of their appointments, update them with any last minute changes, or questions I have, and most importantly, I make appointments via text 90% of the time. These are just a few of the things I use my phone for in my business and honestly, I appreciate being able to do these things with my phone.
I ordered a new cell phone and feel whole, as a small business owner again. Thank you to everyone who thought to stop by when they could not get through via phone. I appreciate your patience and hopefully, I am set for a while now.
Oh! Wait! If you are a former, or current client who has been here 1x or 2x, please just text me and say “Hello, this is (insert your name)”. This way, when/if you call me, I will know that you are a client. I lost all of my clients contacts when my phone conked out on me! Ugh!
This week I have done quite a few skirt hems, pants hems, lengthening and shortening sleeves on coats, taking in seams, and adjusting shoulders. I even removed a pair of (hefty) shoulder pads! It seems shoulder pads are making a comeback!
Sweaters. I have been asked many times to repair sweaters. It is one of my most favorite challenges. While I will not take on all sweater repairs, I will definitely look at them and let you know you if I feel I can repair. I also knit and crochet, so I have an understanding of the stitches. Just don’t ask me to knit or crochet anything, please.
On the subject of comebacks, I am seeing many younger folks looking for and purchasing vintage clothing. I love it! The younger generation is seeing the importance of having staple pieces in their wardrobes, sustainability, and how having better pieces is better than fast fashion not just for the environment, but for their pockets as well. Kudos to everyone shopping vintage and taking more time with their wardrobes!
Men: I seem to be getting a 50/50 mix of men’s clothing and women’s clothing. When I first went into business, I truly did not expect to do many men’s alterations, yet, here we are! While on the subject of men’s alterations, I’d like to take this time to clarify something. I am NOT a tailor. I do not construct men’s clothing. I am not a men’s clothing specialist, I will not rip a lining out of man’s suit jacket and re-line it. No sirry!
Here’s what I “may” do on a men’s jacket…Lengthen/shorten sleeves, narrow a lapel, add/remove/change buttons. There may be more, but you get the gist. I will shorten men’s pants hem, narrow the legs, and on most men’s pants, I will take in the waist. If you have any questions, please ask! I’m happy to answer any texts!
About pricing. I realize pricing is a huge factor which goes in to decision making when getting your alterations done. I have a policy where I do not give prices over the phone, via text, or email. I really need to see the item you need altered in person. And here’s one example of “why” this is my policy.
Story time…I had a client text me a photo. The client stated that they needed 3 points altered in the garment. Simple, right? I gave them a price. They dropped off the garment. I wound up spending 5 hours working on their garment (not including my time for the fitting and the numerous text exchanges we had). In total, I spent approximately 6 hours for a little over a $100 bill. The garment needed way more work than the client “thought” they needed. Was that priced fairly? Do the math. So, For this reason, and many more, I will not be giving a quote over phone, text, email, etc. To date, I have been taking the hit for the price discrepancies, however, that is not a sustainable model, and why I’m ending making exceptions for giving prices, sight unseen.
And while on the subject of pricing…My price is my price! I do not entertain haggling. My light, gas, and other bills do not haggle either. I know you understand.
Newbie at the alterations scene….
It has come to my attention that many people who have come to me have never had alterations done before. I want to share a few things for anyone who has never had alterations done before.
When you get alterations done, you already have an idea of why you are here. Say you need a hem on your dress/skirt. Sometimes I will notice that the waist is a little bit larger than it should be, or your sleeves on that dress are too long. I may make a suggestion to take these into consideration. Of course, you do not have to have those things taken in, or shortened. I get asked all the time “What do you think?” I give the same response “How do you feel in that (said alteration)?” I may think you need to go shorter/longer, etc., but if that is not your comfort level, then don’t go with it. Some people prefer longer sleeves, and that’s just fine!
The one recommendation I DO make is to the ladies. I always say, “Go shorter for as long as you can! You will not always be able to wear the shorter dresses, and show off your figure for as long as you can, ladies!”
Lastly…
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have left Google reviews! This really helps other potential clients get a better understanding of what I do, and alter. It’s been a mixed bag from delicate formal bridesmaids dresses, to vintage fashion, to outerwear and I’m here for it!
If you are a current or former client, please consider leaving a Google review! They are all appreciated!
I think this does it for this week! I have a lot more to say, however, I will save it for the next newsletter.
Admittedly, I cannot guarantee that this will be an ongoing theme, but I think I like this Newsletter writing idea! I see it as a good way to express what I cannot always convey to my clients en masse.
If you like the Newsletter, please share it with someone and please let me know! I’d like to know whether to continue or not, provided that I have interest from readers and clients, as well as the time to write it.
~Daisy
Video
Video
Lave Lamp Ladies Wall Quilt
Video
Jean Jacket Collar, Yoke, & Sleeve Head Repair
Follow me as I repair this jean jacket
Repair, Reuse, Recycle
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