"I must write to tell you how pleased I was with the entire outfit you made for me. There were so many compliments! My best friend who came with me said she heard "oohs and ahs" as I walked down the aisle. When my husband and I walked up to the alter to light a candle, the detail on the back of the jacket really showed off. I really felt beautiful and elegant." "...attention to details...". "Fondly, L." Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. October, 2008
Dear Eleanor,
"I wanted to thank you for all of your WONDERFUL work regarding A's Bat Mitzvah. We all looked like royalty-thanks to you! T. was out of a dream in that gold and lace gown. And, I was so elegant and comfortable! Thanks so much. Warmly, H." Weston, Ma. October, 2008.
As with many a small enterprise, my Mom, sister and I began a little alterations business from our room we rented from a lovely lady in the projects of Altgeld Gardens. We soon relocated to Hyde Park in Chicago, Illinois.
My divorced Mom of two boys and two girls had figured out this was a good home-based business idea in order to keep an eye out for us. She was my very first employer and right away, I earned my very first two bucks for an assignment to rip out a seam. There were five of us then.
Business grew and grew along with the size of the apartments. Wonderful rewards included take-out meals and European holidays each year.
Soon, Chicago to Paris, France. And, continued to provide alterations and tailoring services and included custom designing. Really inspired!
Returned home after 18 months with the opportunity to continue my trade skills in Chicago. Later, Boston's School of Fashion Design with a Certificate Degree along with a fashion design line presentation: "Couples International". The Line consisted of coordinated garments for five couples representing cities throughout the globe.
Taught advance construction technique SFD's / Evening Division. Sewing instructor at the Boston Center for Adult Education was a lovely and fun opportunity, too.
By day, Filenes', both womens and mens alterations. And later, the very first female fitter/tailor of menswear in New England.
Onward to Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York at Chestnut Hill, Armani. Opportunities as fitter or seamstress or tailor or workroom manager.
In 1993, The Traveling Tailor was established and began a unique service; providing alterations and tailoring services to home and to office. The Traveling Tailor has been honored with appearances on Chronicle / WCVB Channel-5 TV, Boston.
Currently, alterations and tailoring services are provided to the Ritz Carlton Residences at Tremont, the Four Seasons, the Collonaide and Heritage on the Garden Residences including the staff and guests for The Hotel Commonwealth. We travel to suburban Boston including: Arlington, Belmont, Concord, Newton, Weston and Wellesley.
The Traveling Tailor Studio is now located here at Coleman & Mason named in honor of my wonderful parents. Our goals are identical as in the beginnings: To provide to our clients excellence in alterations service and delivery, the very best in fabric selection and attention to fine tailoring detail in design and construction. In that regard, time is a requirement!
Thank You,
Eleanor Helene Mason, Owner/Designer
