Made to measure
Dresses and outfits drafted from your own measurements, so they fit your shoulders and your hips at the same time.
- Pattern drafted for your body
- Help choosing fabric
- Two or three fittings as it takes shape
Thimble & ThreadAnna's dressmaking studio, Fremantle WA
Dressmaking and alterations in Fremantle
Clothes made to fit you, not a coat hanger.
Made-to-measure dresses, formal wear and everyday alterations, from a friendly little studio just off the main street in Fremantle. Twenty years at the machine, and still fussy about a hem.
- 5.0 from 58 Google reviews
- Alterations from $15
- Fittings by appointment
What I make and mend
Everything is cut, sewn and finished here in the studio. No sending it away, no production line, just me, my machines and your measurements.
Repairs and refashioning
Give a favourite piece a second life: mend it, reshape it or turn it into something new.
Tell me about itPick a fabric
Tell me the occasion, then tap a fabric to see how it looks made up. I keep these four in the studio all year, and I'm happy to source others.
Illustrative photos. Your dress is drafted to your own design and measurements.
Blush silk
Soft and floaty. Lovely for a garden wedding.
The stitching on this page now matches your thread.
Free guides for your next outfit
The three questions I get asked most, answered before you've even walked in. Have a play, then send me your answers so we start the fitting one step ahead.
When should I start?
Pop in your event date and what you need. You'll get a working plan with fitting dates counted back from the day.
What will my alteration involve?
Choose the garment and what needs doing. You'll see a typical turnaround, how many fittings to expect and what to bring.
What needs doing?
Measure yourself at home
Grab a soft tape measure and a friend. Tap a box to see how to take that measurement. I'll always re-measure at your first fitting, but this helps me plan fabric.
- BustAround the fullest part, tape level across your back. Wear the bra you'll wear with the dress.
- WaistYour natural waist: the narrowest part, usually just above the belly button. Breathe out, don't suck in.
- HipsAround the fullest part of your bottom, feet together, tape level all the way round.
- HeightBarefoot, back against a wall. Tell me your heel height too, it changes the hem.
- Nape to waistFrom the bone at the base of your neck, straight down your spine to your natural waist.
- LengthFloor-length is measured in the shoes you'll wear on the day, so bring them to your fitting.
Recent makes
A few things that have left the studio lately, and a peek at where they're made.
Dresses that fit, and people who say so
5.0
★★★★★
from 58 Google reviews
Sample reviews
“Anna made my wedding guest dress from scratch and I’ve never had so many compliments.”
“Took a dress in two sizes and you’d never know. Quick, affordable and lovely to deal with.”
“Finally a dress that fits my shoulders and my hips. Worth every cent.”
“She rescued my late mum’s old dress and turned it into something I actually wear. I cried a bit.”
“Three bridesmaids, three very different shapes, and every dress looked like it was made for her. Because it was.”
How it works
No pressure and no jargon. Bring a picture of what you love and we'll work it out together.
Say hello
Send a message or use one of the guides above. I'll reply within a day and find a fitting time.
First fitting
We chat about the design, I take your measurements, and for alterations I pin it on you.
Made and fitted
I cut and sew in the studio. Made-to-measure pieces usually have two or three fittings as they take shape.
Pick it up
A final try-on and a press, and it's ready to wear. If anything's not right, I fix it.
Hi, I’m Anna
I’ve been sewing since I was eight and dressmaking for twenty years. My studio is a little shopfront just off the main street in Fremantle.
Pop in for a chat, bring a picture of what you love, and we’ll work it out together. Whether it’s a gown for the biggest day of your year or a hem on your favourite jeans, it gets the same care.
20 yrsdressmaking
5.0★58 Google reviews
$15alterations from
Anna
Questions I get asked
Do I need an appointment?
For fittings, yes. It means you get my full attention and nobody's waiting. For a quick drop-off like a hem or a zip, just pop in during opening hours (Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 4pm).
How far ahead should I book for a formal or wedding?
For a made-to-measure dress, the earlier the better: around three months is comfortable. For alterations to a dress you've bought, three to four weeks is ideal. Try the timeline guide above for dates worked out from your event.
How much will my alteration cost?
Simple alterations start from $15. Anything more involved, I'll quote once I've seen it on you, so there are no surprises. Nothing starts until you're happy with the price.
Can you take a dress in two sizes, or let it out?
Taking in is almost always possible. Letting out depends on how much seam allowance the maker left, which is often only a centimetre or so on shop-bought clothes. Bring it in and I'll check the seams for you.
What should I bring to my fitting?
The shoes and underwear you'll wear with the outfit, plus any pictures of styles you love. For alterations, bring the garment clean and pressed.
Can I bring my own fabric?
Of course. Bring it to your first fitting and I'll tell you if there's enough. If not, I can help you find more or suggest a lining or contrast.
Do you do bridal gowns?
I make bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride and wedding guest outfits, and I'm happy to chat about simpler bridal dresses. Get in touch early so we have time for fittings.
Can you fix something with sentimental value?
Yes, and I love these jobs. Old dresses, a parent's shirt, a christening gown: we'll talk about what's possible and I'll be gentle with it.
Book a fitting
Send me a message with what you’re after and I’ll get back to you within a day.
- 0400 XXX 000
- Tue to Sat, 9:30am to 4pm
Fittings by appointment - A little shopfront just off the main street, Fremantle WA
Where my customers come from
- Fremantle
- South Fremantle
- Beaconsfield
- White Gum Valley
- North Fremantle
Happy to see anyone who's willing to make the trip. Plenty of brides come from further afield.