Alterations by Kathy

Kathy saved my favorite windbreaker by putting in a new zipper. It was done by the next day, and she charged me a bit less than what she had quoted (a fair price). It’s funny to me when people complain about her really cluttered shop. If you’re searching for an ocd roommate skip Kathy. If you want fast, reasonable service, as I received, come on by.

The first time I walked into the shop I was a little taken aback, but the staff at several stores in at Uptown had recommended Kathy and her shop. Yes, there is clutter and clothing, but the quality of work done by Kathy and her staff makes it worthwhile.
She has completely altered dresses to fit me perfectly, hemmed pretty much every pair of pants I own, and fixed numerous tears, buttons, etc. You know that shirt you love, but hate how the sleeves look or some other issue? Kathy will fix it and make it perfect.
Another thing that’s really important is that the prices AND quality are excellent. I’ve never had a repair or alteration come apart, and I can bring a bag of pieces 6+ pieces and leave paying under $ 50.
A good seamstress/​alterations person will allow you to buy the clothing you like and want, rather than only buying what fits. This has saved me money but also let me expand my style and wardrobe! Thanks Kathy!

I spoke with Kathy last week as to have a dress taken up. I was told to come by Monday morning as she was closed for the holidays and was told her hours were 9 – 5. I took time off work to get to her office by 9. When I walked through the door I received an unwelcome from a women that was «cleaning up» and was made to feel as if I were a bother. The office looks like the home of a hoarder with only a small pathway to walk with stuff piled everywhere. I hear she does good work but I will not return.

Kathy does a great job and usually for a good price. I’ve taken just about anything there, including my wedding dress. Her shop is tiny, and a total disaster — I’m not sure how she keeps track of anything but she does. She rarely calls to let you know when something’s ready, and sometimes you can go in to pick something up and end up waiting an hour, but at least the job has been done well. She’s also quite the character and when it comes to weddings she’s full of great advice!

Kathy has an expert eye and is an excellent seamstress. If some of her employees do the work, items can be crooked or sloppy. Kathy can be bossy about what she will & won’t do but she is generally right. She will re-​do anything that isn’t to your liking. Shop is disorganized & dirty. Her wait times are off the charts. Days, weeks, sometimes months. That is unacceptable. Quality alterations are hard to find in Albuquerque, so the moderate-​high price & unpredictable wait times are a trade-​off.

I’ve worked in very-​very high end fashion in NYC and San Francisco for many years, but grew up in Albuquerque so return from time to time. Whenever I’m in town and need something taken care of, Kathy is the only person I trust to do a good job.
She’s done simple things like hems, waist/​seat adjustments, among others. She’s done complicated things like cutting down suits entire sizes, and she’s done some repair work on things I thought were goners. She will do whatever you want her to do, she’ll do it right and she’ll do it fast.
Don’t mind the clothes hanging everywhere: it just tells me that she’s got a lot of customers that trust her.

Alterations By Kathy is located near Central and Louisiana in a little house they converted to an alterations business (think Guava Tree but for alterations). Don’t mind all of the clothes and dresses hanging everywhere. I trust she has a system of some sort to determine which ones are to be finished for certain days. Kathy was nice on the phone and helped me with my bridesmaid dress. The wedding was a couple of weeks away, so I didn’t have much time. Kathy was very helpful and did a great, fast job. I had to get my dress hemmed and taken out a tad (must be from eating out all the time). The dress fit perfectly once she was done.
Would have given this place 4 stars if it were a little more clean and a little less cluttered (i.e. less clothes strewn around or organized more). Also should probably have less sewing needles and pins on the dressing room floor.