Sewing And Alterations in Nanaimo

“Outstanding, friendly service. Love the store samples! Great service by phone as well!“

“Corrine was absolutely a pleasure to work with! She did an amazing job with my wedding dress alterations. The custom sleeves (tie up/how) Corrine made were everything I could have imagined. During the alteration process, Corinne showed so much kindness and patience and it was lovely getting to know her. Highly recommend checking out Material Things if you need alterations, their work is top notch!“

“I walked into Tip Top Tailors needing something to wear to court. Life’s been… heavy. Unstable. Like I’ve been living between places, between moments, trying to hold onto some kind of structure

Derrick greeted me with calm and quiet confidence. I told him I had court coming up, and without hesitation, he began measuring and moving pulling pieces from the racks like he already knew what I needed. He understood.

When I stepped upto the change room, I mentioned, almost offhand, “It’s for court… I’m trying to get custody of my daughter.”

That’s when the atmosphere shifted. He didn’t ask questions or try to comfort with clichés he just nodded, focused, and helped. When I admitted I’d forgotten to put on underwear that day, a little embarrassed, he simply gave me space and kindness like it was nothing at all. No judgment.

I hesitated on blue pants and the grey dress shirt, unsure if it felt right. Derrick looked at me and said, “Its not over the top and it looks good ” Something in his voice made me believe it.

Once I changed, he took the shirt to press it not because I asked, but because he cared enough to want it looking its best. He returned, folded everything neatly, and said, “You can keep the hangers hang them in your closet when you get home.”

That’s when my chest tightened.

I looked down for a second, then replied, “You can keep the hangers… I uh… don’t have a closet.”

The words barely left my mouth before the silence wrapped around us. Derrick turned away for a moment. I glanced toward his coworkers they’d heard too. No one said a word, but their faces said enough. There was this deep, still recognition of how heavy things must be.

And in that stillness, something real happened.

I walked out of Tip Top with more than a bag of clothes. I walked out carrying a rare moment of human grace when someone meets you where you are, without pity, just presence.

I don’t have a closet. I don’t have a fixed place to hang a shirt. But I’m fighting. For my daughter. For some kind of ground to stand on. And for a few quiet minutes in that store, I felt seen not as a case or a mess but as a father trying to hold it together.“