Pearce's Pins

Testimonials

Kind words from customers who've had something made, altered or repaired.

Hilary made me a beautiful top which I love. Her alterations show what a true perfectionist she is and I will continue to use her.
LD, Suffolk · 2026
I have worked with Hilary 1:1 on a couple of garments for special occasions. I can sew and follow a pattern, but Hilary has taught me so many couture techniques – from amending a pattern to fit, working with a toile and difficult fabrics, to finishing techniques that can't be found in the pattern instructions. These techniques really do elevate the quality of the finished garment. Hilary has encouraged me to take on a challenge and always treats me with respect and kindness, and as a result I am a much better and more confident seamstress. Thank you so much Hilary. I look forward to the next project!
JB, Suffolk · 2026
I have just arrived home and put the dress on to show my husband. He thinks it is lovely, too, and we are both over the moon about such a special piece of work. Thanks so much for a beautiful dress.
AK, Bedfordshire · 2026
Huge thanks, again, for all the alterations to my dresses.
JW, Suffolk · 2026
The trousers arrived safely. Thanks very much. They are lovely.
AK, Bedfordshire · 2026
I came to Ixworth today to view a property but the most exciting part of my trip was discovering your beautiful shop. What a delight to see! Shops like this are so rare but needed, and to be encouraged. Who will sew in the future?? I wish you lots and lots of success and I will be back for sure and will certainly be sharing with others. Warm wishes.
JP, Norfolk · 2025
Thank you for an amazing Christmas Craft day and for all you do and help in our lovely friendly Pachamama group.
HR, Suffolk · 2025
To a lovely seamstress – thank you so much for your patience and wonderful work.
JC, Suffolk · 2025
Great endeavours in altering my trousers to create good results! Thank you for all your help.
IH, Suffolk · 2025
Thank you so much – I love the skirt you kindly made for me. Just perfect.
MK, Suffolk · 2024
Thank you for taking on this task. It is much appreciated and way above anything I can do!
LC, Oxfordshire · 2024
Dear Hilary, I'm really pleased with my trousers, they fit beautifully. Thank you.
MH, Suffolk · 2023
Additional Testimonials

Case Studies

A bespoke garment is a wonderful piece to have in your wardrobe. The garment will be a joy because it fits the wearer and incorporates the personal touches that make the garment specific and one-off.

Dressmaking – The Process

Geraldine's Shift Dress

There is a certain degree of cachet involved in dressmaking, but I have had permission from one of my customers to describe her order so that I can demonstrate the dressmaking process at Pearce's Pins.

Geraldine wanted a stylish shift dress in a certain colour, which she couldn't find in the shops. I had a piece of poly-viscose dogtooth fabric in magenta displayed in my shop that caught her eye. She bought the fabric and made an appointment to look at patterns and agree a style and the costings.

We picked Vogue 8995, which is a semi-fitted lined dress with seam detail, sleeves, back zip and hemline slit. I took Geraldine's measurements and we discussed the pattern and bespoke adjustments. This included extending the finished length and making the sleeves a specific length. I made the pattern adjustments to fit and incorporate the design details, then I made up the lining as a toile. At the first fitting, we discussed dropping the neckline to suit her jewellery and selected a concealed zip, rather than a lapped zip. A week later, Geraldine came to try on the dress, which was fully made up. She wanted a closer fit, and a tighter neckline at the back so that when she wore her shrug, the dress wouldn't bunch at the back. I made the adjustments to the side seams and back neck line and the following day Geraldine was able to have her finished dress.

The dress took me 10 hours to make in a 4-week period.

I have had several alterations to garments by Hilary but had never had a bespoke garment made before.

Passing her shop one day I was drawn to a lovely fabric she had for sale in the window. This was exactly what I had been looking for but had been unable to find as a ready-made dress in a high street shop. After spending time with Hilary in her very welcoming and comfortable environment we found the perfect pattern for my chosen material to achieve the look and fit I was aiming for. From start to finish the whole experience was very enjoyable as Hilary is so friendly and helpful as well as extremely professional.

So if you are having trouble finding exactly the style, fabric and fit of a special garment you would like to add to your wardrobe why not consider having Hilary make it for you?

A Bespoke Wardrobe

Anna

Anna has used Pearce's Pins to create a wardrobe that fits, is stylish and personal. The bespoke garments that I have made for Anna include: two Donna Karen close-fitting dresses in stretch jersey; an Anne Klein dress in tweed, a wool crepe shift, two boiled wool skirts, a winter skirt, two summer skirts and a denim skirt.

These ten items have become key items in Anna's wardrobe. What I think is great is that Anna has discovered the satisfaction of having bespoke items made for her: clothes which fit and are comfortable and suit her style. When clothes fit well, the wearer has greater confidence in how she looks and feels. Bespoke day wear makes for great value.

Not having a standard shaped figure, I have always had trouble finding clothes that fit me well and I usually wear stretchy clothes which are not ideal for smarter occasions, so I asked Hilary to make me two tailored winter dresses. If you have never had clothes which actually fit then you are missing out! They are so comfortable and they come in exactly the colour and style and length that I like. I discuss with Hilary what I am trying to achieve and she makes useful suggestions – for example my boiled wool skirts have blanket stitch round the hem which is attractive and not bulky and I would never have thought of doing that. The clothes that Hilary has made for me are finished beautifully and of course she is not competing with Matalan but I don't think that they are any more expensive than upmarket boutique ready to wear and they fit so much better. Thank you Hilary.