Chris Opdenaker

Welcome to OP Alterations! I’m a born and raised Jersey girl now running my alterations studio in the heart of Lancaster, PA.  My love for fashion and design started at an early age leading me to study Fashion Illustration at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. From there I began designing alongside Stan and Jan Berenstain creating an apparel line for the beloved Berenstain Bears franchise. My career initially started in design, screen printing, and embroidery, until I took the leap of faith to make my passion project my career. For years I was working independently as a historical costumer creating everything from 1860’s ballgowns to 1960’s party dresses. I spent those years lecturing at reenactments along the East Coast on period fashion and historical accuracy. I designed and costumed for many theater productions, my personal favorite being Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. My love for creating ballgowns naturally led me to the bridal world. As I began specializing in bridal alterations, I realized how integral my training in historical sewing would be. So many of the structural foundations in bridalwear can be traced back to those iconic shapes in history! Knowing this was my calling, I ran full steam ahead into the world of weddings. I worked as a bridal consultant and did freelance alterations for many local shops until eventually opening up a shop of my own. What started out as a tiny home business has now blossomed into my beautiful Willow Street studio, none of which would be possible without all of my amazing clients along the way. I can’t wait to welcome you to my sewing oasis!