A PERFECT FIT

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Nov 28, 2004 | by McAlpine, Linda

ONALASKA, Wis. - Kaying Vue, a petite woman, found that she often had to alter clothes she bought to get them to fit right.

Figuring that other people of small stature probably have the same problem, Vue decided to use her talent with a needle and thread to start a business.

Kaying said people would notice how nicely her clothes fit and ask her to alter theirs.

Kaying and her husband, Thai Vue, established K's Alteration and Custom Tailoring in 1999.

"Kay's expertise is sewing," said Thai, noting that she does the alteration work for J.C. Penney and Talbots, a woman's apparel shop in Valley View Mall.

"She has also taken sewing at Western Wisconsin Technical College in addition to her experience in alteration and tailoring," Thai said.

Kaying also worked as a seamstress for a monograming company, he said.

Kaying works out of a workshop in the lower level of her Onalaska home.

One wall of the shop is covered with spools of thread in a rainbow of colors. Another is lined with bolts of cloth. A bank of five sewing machines sit idle for the moment.

A long maroon bridesmaid dress hangs from a hanger, completely encased in a clear plastic bag, the latest completed alteration project.

Mai Houa Vue, the company's business manager, is busy measuring a shirt on the large green table that is the center of the shop.

Beside doing alterations, such as raising or lowering a hem or taking in or letting out seams, Kaying also does custom tailoring.

"Someone can bring in a pattern or a picture of what they want, and, I can make it," she said. I can make wedding or prom dresses, too."

The shop specializes in Hmong and Lao custom clothing.

Kaying also makes drapes and cushions for lawn chairs and can monogram items such as towels for a wedding gift.

Sports fans and even the military have asked Kaying to sew patches onto uniforms.

Thai said having the business in their home has been handy.

After his day job at the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Thai said, he often helps with the alteration business.

A can help, like taking out a broken zipper," he said. I can be part of the team."

Kaying said the most difficult job she tackles is making wedding dresses.

"There is stress because you want the person to be happy, and when they are, it is very fulfilling," Thai said.

He isn't fond of having to work with broken zippers on down-filled coats or jackets, Thai said.

"They can make a terrible mess if you're not careful, with all the feathers going all over," he said with a laugh.