Life alterations stitch together new path

Patsy’s Alterations, Etc. opened for business at 309 Walnut in Fulton in July of 2019, and from that time, owner Patsy McCaig has continued to use the talents and skills she learned in home economic class to stitch and sew for hundreds of customers.

Her clientele originated while she still worked from home, altering and repairing clothing and household items through the South Fulton Cleaners, as well as personally servicing countless prom goers and bridal parties.

When she opened her shop at the Walnut Street location, she also utilized the rear portion of the building to display upscale consignment items.

“By all rights, Covid should have just killed my business, but it didn’t,” McCaig said in a recent interview.

“I really thought I would probably be here, at this shop for another 10 years,” she said.

However, life has a way of creating different paths, and McCaig has decided Aug. 31 will be her last day to operate her business here in Fulton.

While she and her husband, Darrell have sold the home where she resided for over three decades, and now have purchased a home in McKenzie, Tenn., that relocation is not what has factored in to her decision to close her shop, and only offer pickup and returns for alterations at South Fulton Cleaners and a dry cleaners business in Union City.

“My husband is going to retire Aug. 3. And we did sell the house. But, it is the recent birth of my grandson that has changed my philosophy. I am 70 years old and I want to spend every bit of time I can with him,” McCaig said.

Her daughter, Katie, her son-in-law, her baby grandson and his older sister all reside a few hours, so no doubt, a number of trips will be made on a regular basis there, she said.

“It has been a hard decision. Since I have reopened after Covid, my husband and my daughter have wanted me to close. I will still pick up alterations for South Fulton Cleaners and Town and Country Cleaners in Union City. I have loved having my shop. I have done well with the sewing, as well as the consignments. If I were 10 years younger, I might would not be in a hurry to close. But I just want to enjoy spending time with my family,” McCaig said.

For now, McCaig will continue hours at her Walnut Street location, on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This month, she plans to begin offering discounts of up to 50% on merchandise in the shop, and continue the markdowns through August. For more information, contact McCaig at 731-796-2540.