Welcome to 
Polkadot designs

Hi, my name is Tracey Symonds and I was a semi-finalist on series 4 of 'The Great British Sewing Bee.' I now offer a bespoke dressmaking service to clients, as well as sewing tuition and alterations. I specialise in wedding alterations but I'm happy to help you achieve a perfect fit with anything!
I also appeared regularly on 'Sewing quarter' TV, demonstrating dressmaking. You can find my appearances on you tube.

I'm taking bookings for 2026 already, so please don't leave it too late to get booked in , whether you're a bride or part of the wedding party, reserve your space in the diary as soon as possible!

New bridal service!

I am now offering a service to brides shopping for their big day, to accompany you and advise on possible alterations and costs. Too often brides are sold dresses, by sales staff who are not seamstresses, after being told by the shop 'ooh that's an easy fix' or 'that can be shortened cheaply' or worst of all 'that can be let out' when often this is not the case! I can offer my experience to give you a realistic idea of what's achievable and how long something would take, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds on alterations. If you think you would like to take advantage of this service please email me for more details. 

polkadotdesignschesterfield@gmail.com

Bespoke dressmaking
I offer a made to measure service, for mother of the bride and groom as well as special occasion wear.
Alterations
I offer an alteration service and specialise in wedding and prom dresses.
Tuition
I offer a tuition service to provide quality teaching, either in workshops, or on a one-to-one basis.

Testimonials

When looking for someone local to alter a loved outfit, for a pending wedding, that sadly no longer fits, I came across the lovely Tracey , who gave me a prompt appointment and made me feel very welcome in her own home . She advised in a very professional caring manner, of what alterations she could look to carry out on transforming my outfit once again to fit me . Wow ! what can I say, my outfit now fits perfectly, thank you so much Tracey for all your advice and your beautiful work you have carried out on my outfit . I would thoroughly recommend the service you offer all of which was for a very reasonable price .

Lisa D.

" I can't recommend Tracey enough,
she has made my daughter some of the most beautiful outfits, everything from pretty dresses with matching knickers to cute sun hats! The items have always been a perfect fit with so much attention to detail and made with lovely fabrics & patterns! I love my daughter wearing Tracey's designs & have had so many lovely comments about her outfits! " 
Natalie F.

A very happy bride to be thanks to the beautiful work done by Tracey at Polkadot Designs 
Tracey altered the neckline of Charlotte's dress as it was a little high and also the shoulder straps, all the tiny embellishments reapplied perfectly both sides.
The length ( every layer ) sewn beautifully.
Work was carried out within days and Tracey offered us advice on caring for the dress on the day of the wedding .
A lovely, lovely lady that made Charlotte feel at ease, all fitting nerves disappeared within minutes of Tracey welcoming us into her studio.
Highly recommended to all and we are 100% happy with her work 
Thank you so much xxx
Karen W.