Reap what she ‘sews’

A tear, a rip, a busted zipper, or just a desire to add some new flair to an old wardrobe item, Maricopa resident Joann McNeil can do it all.

McNeil began sewing as a high school student and hasn’t stopped since. “I love it,” she said.

This new Maricopa resident loves the craft so much that she has turned it into a 19-year career, crafting purses, leather, and performing other repairs and alterations. Today, she offers her talents to Maricopans as Alterations by Joann.

McNeil takes many of the unique items she crafts to trade shows across the state and also offers many items for sale on popular Internet sites.

Her best-selling items are the purses she crafts from recycled blue jeans, of which she says no two are alike.

“Many times you will go somewhere and another woman will have the same purse as you; that is not the case with my designs,” McNeil said.

However, her expertise extends beyond handbags.

Many of the things I do are basic, like taking in a waistline or hemming a pair of pants, but I also repair unusual stuff like golf bags, she said.

At a glance:
Name: Alterations by Joann
Address: 43637 W. Caven Dr.
Hours: By Appt.
Phone: 928-553-1702
E-mail: [email protected]

Submitted photo