I called them to ask if they sew patches on leather vests. They assured me they do it all the time. I dropped the vest off and told them I wasn't in a big rush for it as it was November and riding season was over. I showed the delightful person working in the alteration department where I wanted the patches at on the vest. Everything seemed fine, but in retrospect, I should have been much more specific. At the time, I didn't think I would need to mention that I would like everything done correctly. I actually typed in "sewing patches on leather". Within the first 2 minutes of watching these videos, I saw what they did wrong. Very basic stuff.
Fast forward a couple of weeks. I get a call that it's done. I stop in on my way to work and pick it up. Later that night, I take a look at it. I was literally shocked at how bad of a job they did. The next morning, I took it back in. The first employee that I showed it to agreed with me that it was a poor job. She sent me back to the alteration department. Here are some of the items I showed her that I wasn't happy with...
1) One of the patches was sewn on the bottom only. The top wasn't sewn at all.
2) Every video online said to make sure the liner is flat otherwise you will have ripples in the leather. This was not done and the leather has ripples in it.
3) There is a zippered access on the back so you don't have to sew through the leather and the liner. She sewed over this zipper.
4) Not a single patch was centered or level. It looks ridiculous.
5) Every patch has a foot long piece of string hanging off it. Not a big deal but definitely a sign of a lack of experience or skill. Your pick, but definitely something that a customer would expect a "professional" to take care of. You are sitting there at your desk with your scissors next to you. Cut
more