I was born in the small town of Plesetsk in Northwestern Russia, where I lived for 37 years. After graduating from law school, I built a career in the legal profession. Yet throughout my life, creativity remained an essential part of who I am. From an early age, I was drawn to making things with my hands—knitting, sewing, embroidery, and various crafts. These creative pursuits brought me joy, inspiration, and a sense of fulfillment that has stayed with me throughout the years.
Creativity runs deep in my family. My great-grandfather, who lived in the countryside, knitted stockings and other necessities for his family and passed this skill on to his daughters. My grandmother, whose name was also Raisa, was an exceptionally talented craftswoman. She crocheted beautiful bedspreads, tablecloths, and decorative pieces, and she wove colorful rugs and runners from strips of fabric. At a time when handmade rugs were highly valued and not easily available, her work was greatly admired and sought after.
After losing her husband in 1945 to wounds sustained during World War II, she raised two children on her own, built her own home in the 1960s, and worked tirelessly throughout her life. I still remember helping her weave rugs on a large wooden loom. It was my grandmother who introduced me to the foundations of craftsmanship and taught me the value of patience, dedication, and quality.
My family's tradition of sewing and craftsmanship continued through the next generation. My aunt Nina was a professional seamstress, and my mother, who received formal training in sewing, lovingly made many of my holiday dresses by hand. Inspired by these remarkable women, I devoted countless hours to sewing, creating, and studying garment construction and accessory design.
Over the years, I pursued professional training to deepen my skills. I attended sewing school in Arkhangelsk, Russia, and studied with experienced instructors who shared decades of industry knowledge. Later, I earned a degree in Image Consulting from Moscow State University of Culture and Arts.
In 2009, I moved to Portland, Maine, with my American husband and established my own business. Before leaving Russia, I shipped most of the sewing equipment that I still use in my studio today. Leaving my machines behind was never an option—they have always been an important part of my creative journey.
Today, I truly love what I do. Every garment, alteration, and handcrafted accessory is an opportunity to bring joy, confidence, and beauty into someone's life. I approach each project with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence, creating pieces that are both functional and meaningful. For me, sewing is more than a profession—it is a lifelong passion, a family tradition, and a way to connect with people through craftsmanship and creativity.
Every garment deserves the perfect fit. At Raisa's Sewing & Accessories, we specialize in professional clothing alterations and custom tailoring designed to enhance both comfort and confidence.
Whether you need a simple hem adjustment, a zipper replacement, resizing, or detailed garment reconstruction, each piece receives careful attention and expert craftsmanship. We work with a wide variety of clothing, including everyday wear, business attire, formal garments, bridal dresses, and special occasion pieces.
Our goal is to preserve the original beauty of your garment while ensuring it fits your body perfectly. From subtle adjustments to complex alterations, we take pride in delivering high-quality results with precision and care.
We believe that well-fitted clothing not only looks better but also helps you feel your best. Every project is approached with personalized service, professional expertise, and a commitment to exceptional workmanship.
Let us help you transform your favorite garments into pieces you'll love to wear again and again.
Your most cherished moments deserve a flawless fit. Whether you are walking down the aisle, attending a gala, celebrating at a prom, or preparing for a special evening, expertly tailored alterations can transform a beautiful garment into one that feels truly made for you. We provide professional alterations for wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride attire, evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and formal wear. Every adjustment is performed with exceptional attention to detail, preserving the original beauty of the garment while ensuring comfort, confidence, and elegance. From hemming and resizing to intricate bodice adjustments, sleeve modifications, bustle creation, and custom fitting, each piece is tailored to complement your unique silhouette and personal style. Our passion is helping you look and feel your absolute best on life’s most memorable occasions. With skilled craftsmanship and personalized service, we ensure your garment fits beautifully and allows you to enjoy every moment with confidence.
Professional repair services to restore and extend the life of your favorite garments. From fixing tears and replacing zippers to repairing delicate fabrics and intricate details, expert craftsmanship ensures your clothing looks as good as new.
Specializing in comprehensive garment repairs including hemming, patching, reinforcing seams, and restoring damaged embellishments. Each repair is handled with care and precision to maintain the integrity of your clothing.
Bespoke Accessories: Artistry in Detail & Memories in Every Stitch
At Raisa's Sewing & Accessories, I believe that a flawless look is defined not only by the perfect fit of a dress but by the accessories that carry meaning and a story. I offer unique solutions that transform the tailoring process into the creation of a complete, couture ensemble.
The Magic of Transformation: Custom Fabric Brooches
When I shorten the hem of your gown, precious remnants of fabric are often left behind. Instead of letting them go to waste, I transform these delicate pieces into an exquisite, handcrafted accessory.
The Finishing Touch: Handcrafted Clutches & Handbags
No special occasion outfit is complete without the perfect bag. I design and create exclusive clutches and handbags that serve as a natural extension of your evening or bridal look.
Your style is a reflection of your individuality. Let me create the accessories that tell your story.
The Thread of Time: A Dialogue Between Generations
There is a silent dialogue between the fabric of the past and the dreams of the future. When I work with a vintage 1980s wedding gown, I don't just see lace and silk; I see a story that is waiting to be retold for a new era.
The Transformation:
I reimagined the classic silhouette to fit the spirit of a modern bride, but the soul of the original gown found its new life in the details. I transformed the vintage train into a bespoke bridal purse, accented with a modern ring handle and delicate pearl embroidery.
The Philosophy:
This is more than just upcycling; it is about continuity. As the bride walks toward her future, she carries a tangible piece of history in her hands. It is a bridge between two lives and two eras, proving that beauty is never lost—it only changes form.
At Raisa's Sewing & Accessories, I believe that every stitch is a connection. I don't just create accessories; I weave together the threads of memory, ensuring that the elegance of the past remains a living part of your most beautiful moments.
At Raisa's Sewing & Accessories, I treat every garment as a piece of art. To ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship and a focused experience, I kindly ask you to observe the following studio policies.
When an Appointment is Required: To ensure dedicated time for complex fittings, appointments are mandatory for:
How to Book: You may schedule an appointment by calling or texting me at (207) 650-4441 or via email at raisasewing@gmail.com.
General Alterations: For single-item, minor alterations (e.g., simple hems or repairs), you are welcome to visit without appointment during regular studio hours.
Required Footwear: For all dress, skirt, and trouser fittings, you must bring the exact shoes you plan to wear. Any change in heel height after the length is pinned will require additional labor and will be billed as a new service.
Undergarments: Proper fit depends on the foundation. Please wear the specific undergarments or shapewear intended for your outfit during every fitting.
Clean Environment: I maintain a clean studio floor to protect the delicate fabrics of long evening and bridal gowns. My goal is to ensure your garment remains as clean as the day you bought it. Please remove outdoor shoes when entering the fitting room.
Clean Shoe Policy: To maintain this standard, I kindly ask all clients to bring clean, indoor-only footwear for their fittings. Please ensure soles are free of dirt and debris before entering the fitting area.
Garment Condition: For the protection of professional industrial equipment and hygiene, all garments must be clean. I reserve the right to decline items that are soiled or have strong odors.
Standard Lead Time: General alterations typically require 2 to 4 weeks.
Bridal & Custom Projects: Due to the complexity of bridal gowns and custom upcycling (e.g., vintage lace/pearl work), please allow 4 to 8 weeks.
Rush Services: Depending on capacity, rush orders may be accepted for an additional fee (starting at 25% of the service cost).
Payment Methods: I accept Cash, Personal Checks, and Venmo.
Deposits: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for all complex projects and bridal services to secure your place in the production schedule.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is due in full upon the final pickup of your garment.
Scheduled Pickup: Your specific pickup date and time are indicated on your service receipt.
Communication: If you are unable to collect your order at the designated time, please notify me via call, text (207-650-4441), or email as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.
Timely Pickup: I kindly ask that all completed items be picked up within 14 days of the scheduled date or notification of readiness.
Storage Fees: Due to limited studio space, items left longer than 30 days will incur a storage fee of $10 per week. Items left unclaimed after 90 days will be considered abandoned.
Artisanal Care: While I exercise the utmost care when working with vintage, heirloom, or upcycled materials (such as repurposed wedding trains), I cannot be held responsible for the inherent fragility or hidden defects of aged fabrics that may react unpredictably during the sewing process.
For any questions, updates, or to schedule a fitting:
899 Brighton Ave, Portland ME
Gowns and multiple orders by appointment
New England Region / Studio Headquarters
Inquiries: raisasewing@gmail.com
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Mon: 3 PM - 6 PM
Tue-Fri: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sat, Sun, Holidays: Closed
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