A 1 Is A +

Ah what master he is, Warren. Here are some close-ups of the belt and buttons he and Jan made for me. Just amazing.

The buckle is a vintage Art Deco rhinestone I bought from Ruby Lane (just got lucky when I did a Google image search.) When I brought it down to A 1 Pleating, Warren's keen eye saw there was a missing rhinestone which I did not know- they're itsy bitsy ones. He found one and replaced it. That's how he is. Professional. They sure don't make'em like that anymore, do they...

The belt is backed with sueded leather. The buttons are backed with china silk- not exactly your standard Dritz version :)) I tell you; it's hard to show just how exquisite everything is by a simple photo. I will never try to make a belt or covered button again- unless I'm down at Warren's of course. I wouldn't mind learning how it's done. Bet he has some awesome tools :))

A-1 Pleating Co.

I just returned from A-1 Pleating Co. in its new location. Warren's new shop- like his old, is located in the alley behind W. Third Street. And again, he occupies that "Harry Potter" space, this time 8318 1/4- just love those fraction numbers :)) We spent some time chatting and he's a wealth of information. I'm encouraging him to put up a website and he's promising to do so.

Here's his new address:

A-1 Pleating Co.

8318 1/4 W. Third Street

Los Angeles, Ca 90048

Warren's cell: 213 674-4555

Warren in front of the driveway entrance

The tiny space is still in a state of "we just moved", with everything stacked on tables and leaning against the walls.

The main entrance

Jan and Warren

It was so nice to see Warren and his assistant, Jan, again. Warren has been in business since the early sixties and may be the only one left who provides some of these services, like the custom belts and buttons. He has clients from New York, which tells me that this is indeed a dying specialty. He told me that when he first came out to Los Angeles, the downtown garment district was full of shops like his...  and now, not a single one is left :(

I promised to spread the word and I'm more than happy to do so. His work is so first rate that even the most finicky customer won't find a thing to complain about :))

I ordered my belt and buttons and they will be done next week. So while I wait...

It's a good time for a giveaway!

This time I'm giving away Warren's services :)) This is your chance to have that fabulous custom belt made to go with your suit/coat/dress/skirt/pants, or, custom buttons (I'm having mine made with the fabric and an insert), or pleats! Any pleat you need- go check your patterns, or look for inspiration on the web. But don't forget to leave me a comment first :))

There are two rules: 

1. You have to post a review of A-1 Pleating Co. on Pattern Review after you receive your item, and 

2. You must have left me a comment in the last 6 months.

All my overseas friends are of course included as always!

I will do the drawing at the end of the week. And I'd love to use the "random" tool some of you used in your drawings, please let me know where I find that one :)) 

Here are my reviews where I used his services:

BWOF 09-2007-122 Blouse-Jacket (Wish I had a better picture of the belt but DD has taken the entire suit to boarding school!)

BWOF 09-2007-123 Skirt

11-2007-108 Skirt