Hand Strands — Local services in Saco

The shop is very organized and clean. She does do a good job with any changes / alterations a garment might need, and her costs are a little less than the average rate, so you will get a savings here. But when she shortened my dress, she pinned it all the way around, and used the pins as the length it needed to be. I'm used to having the front of the garment pinned, then they used that measurement all the way around. I had two dresses that were the same, so I didn't try the other one, as I thought she would use the first dress as a guide. My dress ended up being lower in the back than the front, making the hem different lengths instead of the same length. On the second dress she altered using the first as a guide,, she accidently reversed the front to the back and vice-versa. Luckily, the dresses were tank maxi dresses (floor length) so she was able to correct the mistake by making the bottom seam the same all the way around the dress. (which is what I wanted in the first place.) All in all, am satisfied with her work, and will continue to use here for my alterations. (I always need things shortened because I am too tall for petite, and too short...

This was the WORST alterations place and quite frankly the worst small business I have ever gone to. Not only did she forget about my appointments not once but TWICE, she decided it'd be a good idea to "run errands" 5 MINUTES before my pick up appointment time and leave me standing outside her shop for 20 minutes waiting for her, only to leave and have to reschedule. On top of that, my alteration is not even straight. I needed a hem on a bridesmaid dress for a wedding in September, and when I brought it home and put it on with my shoes, I discovered the hem she did was uneven.There's a very clear dip in the front, AND SHE RIPPED MY DRESS, said she'd "fix it" yet there is still a tear in the back near the zipper. Definitely would never recommend Merry or Hand Strands to ANYONE, especially not brides. I usually like to stay local and support the small business in my town, but not this one....

I came in today with a dress I got online for my bachelorette. I was uncomfortable with how short my dress was and the straps were too long. I came for the straps to be shortened not expecting the dress to be able to be lengthened because of the complicated fabrics, but she found a solution! She made me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Getting something tailored when you don’t feel comfortable in something feels vulnerable and awkward, but she has no judgement and is kind as can be making the whole thing feel way better than expected:) Very thankful I went to her today. WHAT a breath...