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Seams to Last

A Place Where Kid's Clothes Get a Make Over

By Candace Mangold March 1, 2018

Seams to Last has been in business in Port Townsend since 1985. When Michelle Grupe first started creating children's clothing she was a staple at local craft shows. She eventually moved into upcycling gently used clothing in 2000. When she opened her store front she was ahead of her time and it’s likely the reason she’s remained in business all these years. Today we call what Michelle does upcycling, but back then we didn’t have a trendy buzz word for the creative alterations Michelle makes to children’s clothing. However, she has stayed true to her roots in original children's clothing design and today most of what she sells is one-of-a-kind handmade items.

Seams to Last was built on the idea that any garment can be re-imagined and re-designed to give it a whole new look. No garment should be generic. Every children’s shirt, pant, coat, overalls, etc. can have a custom, individually chosen, fabric applique sewn on to create a newly designed piece of clothing. Michelle takes generic to chic in a matter of stitches!

I recently purchased a basic hoodie at Seams to Last and had Michelle add a patch my son received in his stocking this past Christmas. I also had my son pick out some pirate fabric and had an applique sewn onto a pair of jeans. I loved the newly reimagined items because such a simple change turned these basics into one-of-a-kind classics that had meaning for my son. He had chosen the fabric and now felt like he had played a part in the process of making his own clothes.

Seams to Last is a Macaroni Kid approved business. I encourage you to pop in and pick up an original outfit for the child in your life. One-of-a-kind, handmade designs from over 13 local artisans are also available. You’ll swoon over the leggings, hats, and hair accessories too! A treasure trove of ideas for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Follow and shop online with Seams to Last at:

www.facebook.com/seamstolast

www.etsy.com/seamstolast

Visit the shop at:

940 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Phone: 360-385-5899

Email: seamstolast@msn.com

Store hours:

M, W, Th, Fri 11:30-5

Sat. and Sun. 11-5

Closed every Tues.