As a seamstress, Yuka Kennedy has been sewn to a fading trade since she was 17.
Kennedy, 40, has altered and repaired clothing at Downard’s Ambassador Laundry, 15 W. Stimson Ave., for two-and-a-half years, but she has been sewing almost her entire life.
Before moving to the United States in 1990, Kennedy lived in Hyogo, Japan, where, at the age of 17, she took a sewing class required of all girls in school.
“I was very bad at it and disappointed my grandmother, “ Kennedy said.
To improve her sewing skills, Kennedy went to her grandmother’s every day the following summer for lessons. It was important to her grandmother that Kennedy was able to sew, she said.
“It used to be that every woman pretty much knew how to sew,” Kennedy said. “Now, people don’t even know how to just put buttons on.”
That’s not to say there is no longer a need for seamstresses and tailors. There are all different shapes and sizes of people, and clothing companies can’t accommodate everyone. That’s why even the smallest alterations can make a big difference, Kennedy said.
Justin Brown, a senior studying retail merchandising and fashion product development and the creative director of Thread magazine, agreed that altering clothing is important to a good look.
“In dress clothes, being tailored and well-fitted is extremely important,” Brown said. “How you dress is a representation of yourself.”
Making clients look good and feel good about their appearance is Kennedy’s ultimate goal, she said, adding that she enjoys seeing customers return to her with new projects.
Though most jobs are hemming, sleeve lengthening or shortening, and simple repairs, one woman sticks out in Kennedy’s memory.
“She had a bunch of clothes in her closet that didn’t fit her right,” Kennedy said, “so she brought them to me and wanted a (clothing) makeover.”
Many alterations were required to adjust the clothing, Kennedy said, but the customer was able to improve her closet without buying a new wardrobe.
“It’s a blessing being able to walk in here and do that stuff for people,” Kennedy said, “That’s what keeps me going. That’s a blessing from God.”
Anna Chapman, who works with Kennedy at Downard’s Ambassador Laundry, complimented Kennedy not only as a tailor but also as an individual.
“She’s a wonderful person,” Chapman said. “We all just love her.”
sj950610@ohiou.edu
