Those looking for some custom-made clothing for children will find it at Hemming Way, a new seamstress shop in North Adams.
Pam Langlois, the sole owner and employee of the store, opened her Ashland Street doors Aug. 1. She claims that her first work in sewing began 13 years ago, while working at a tailor shop. From there she moved on to a clothing store, where she worked for eight years doing retail sales and alterations. Her experiences led her to reach the conclusion that she was ready to explore some new possibilities.
"I've always had a passion for sewing," she said. "I figured it was about time to venture on my own and try it."
What Langlois' store specializes in is a variety of handcrafted children's clothing. These clothes are typically for young girls, as Langlois admits that most young boys wear jeans and tee shirts, anyway. She also offers some alteration work, although it is on a very minimal basis.
"I offer light sewing ... [like] hemming [or] adjusting the waist," she explained. "I'm not advertising alterations because I'm not doing a full line of alterations."
Langlois does not rule out the possibility of one day doing more alteration work, but with her business being so young she wants to focus on one thing at a time.
"I'm not into that yet," she said. "I want to try the children's clothing and see how that goes."
Of course, part of the reason that Langlois wishes to maintain focus is because she is the only seamstress on hand at the store, something that leaves her very busy, especially during back-to-school time.
"I do all the sewing," she said. "[E]verything here in the store, as far as clothing, is something that I've made."
On a small scale, there are other some other things for sale at Hemming Way. Langlois hopes to expand these "gifty" items in time for the Christmas season. For now, however, she is perfectly content to run her modestly-sized shop and offer quality children's clothing with a handcrafted, personal touch.
"We've had a good reception," she said. "A lot of nice comments from customers coming in so far. ... That's all you can ask for at this point."
Langlois invites people to see her storefront window, where passersby can see examples of her work.
"A lot of it has been, 'You have a really nice window,' and 'We were walking by last night and saw your window,' " She said. "I think that's their No. 1 comment."
Hemming Way is located on Ashland Street, next to Dilego's Jewelry Shop, and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
click for more
