Autumn Grace’s path to becoming a skilled and sought-after seamstress has been stitched together by mentorship, community support, and a deep love for turning fabric into something meaningful. Now the proud owner of One Of One Alterations in downtown State College, her story is a tribute to creativity, perseverance, and the people who believed in her.
A Family Tradition of Craftsmanship
Autumn’s sewing journey began at home, surrounded by generations of craftsmanship. Her mother, Maggie, sewed everything from her wedding dress to baptismal garments for her children. Autumn fondly remembers helping mend her great-grandmother’s quilts—the moment that sparked her love for sewing. “It’s in my blood,” she says, recalling how she started by altering her clothes to match her family’s religious standards of modesty.
Mentorship and Growth
In high school, Autumn was inspired by her neighbor and seamstress Sue Spalvin, who crafted teddy bears from recycled fur coats. Sue encouraged Autumn to sew for herself with her vintage Singer machine and even pushed her to make her costume for a school Renaissance project. Her confidence grew through these challenges. Her best friend’s mom, Erika Isler, also played a pivotal role. “Erika handed me her jeans and said, ‘Don’t bring them back until you’ve fixed the zippers,’” Autumn recalls. That nudge out of her comfort zone taught her the importance of problem-solving and learning by doing. Another key influence was Lori Pacchioli, her boyfriend’s mother, whose networking and marketing expertise helped Autumn start thinking of her passion as a business.
From Apprenticeship to Penn State
Autumn continued building her skills through an apprenticeship with Anne at Harper’s Fine Clothing, a local tailor. She later moved to New York City and worked as an alterations and repair specialist at Lululemon, gaining experience in high-paced, professional fashion settings. Returning to State College, Autumn took on a unique role as the seamstress for Penn State’s football team. Her quality work became legendary, so much so that no opposing team has ever managed to rip a bowl game patch off a PSU uniform. Her precision and skill earned her a loyal client base through word of mouth.
A Passion for Personalization
At One Of One Alterations, Autumn specializes in everyday fixes and deeply personal transformations. “Whether it’s making a dress more modest or bold, or restoring an heirloom, I love creating something meaningful,” she says. One project that stood out involved turning a client’s childhood baptism dress into a dedication gown for her baby. “We cried when we finished,” Autumn remembers. “That’s what makes my work special—the stories behind the stitches.”
Building a Business, Stitch by Stitch
Today, Autumn offers everything from quick turnarounds to custom alterations, continuing to serve the State College community with heart and craftsmanship. A graduate of State High, she remains grateful to the mentors who guided her journey. “My career has been shaped by the people who believed in me—my mom, Sue, Erika, Lori, and every client who’s trusted me with something they love.”
If you’re looking for alterations with a personal touch, Autumn Grace at One Of One Alterations is ready to bring your vision to life.
Reach out at OneofOneAlterations@gmail.com or direct message Autumn on her Instagram or Facebook page to schedule your alterations.
