The Studio Journal
I was born in the small town of Plesetsk in Northwest Russia and lived in Russia for 37 years. I graduated from law school there and worked for a long time in the legal profession. But from early childhood I was always involved in creative work, such as knitting, sewing, embroidering, crafting various things. Such activities always greatly inspired me, filled me with positive emotions. Previous generations in my family also engaged in creative work. My great grandfather, who lived in the country, knitted stockings and other things for the family and taught this skill to his daughters. My grandmother, who was also named Raisa, was a great craft maker. She crocheted and sold wonderful bed covers, table cloths and other things. She also wove area rugs and runners out of colored strings of cloth. There were very few rugs in those days, and my grandmother had a lot of success selling hers. Her husband died in 1945 from wounds he sustained during the war, and my grandmother raised her two children alone, built her own home in the 1960's, and she always worked very hard. I remember how I helped her weave those rugs on a big wooden loom. My grandmother taught me the fundamental techniques of craft making. In addition, my aunt Nina was a professional seamstress. And my mother, who received formal education in sewing, always made me dresses for the holidays. For many years I devoted all of my spare time to sewing and craft making, and to an ever deeper study of the technology of making clothing and accessories. I attended sewing school in Arkhangelsk, Russia and took courses from excellent teachers with many years of work experience. More recently, I received a degree in Image Consulting from the Moscow State University of Culture and Art. I moved to Portland, Maine in 2009 with my American husband, and we settled in Portland where I started my business. I shipped most of the equipment that I use here in my Studio from Arkhangelsk before I left. I could never leave my machines behind! I truly love my work. I view it as an opportunity to give joy to people, to create positive emotions by doing the very best that I can with each piece of clothing or craft.
Contact MeI was born in the small town of Plesetsk in Northwestern Russia, where I lived for 37 years. After graduating from law school, I built a career in the legal profession. Yet throughout my life, creativity remained an essential part of who I am. From an early age, I was drawn to making things with my hands—knitting, sewing, embroidery, and various crafts. These creative pursuits brought me joy, inspiration, and a sense of fulfillment that has stayed with me throughout the years.
Creativity runs deep in my family. My great-grandfather, who lived in the countryside, knitted stockings and other necessities for his family and passed this skill on to his daughters. My grandmother, whose name was also Raisa, was an exceptionally talented craftswoman. She crocheted beautiful bedspreads, tablecloths, and decorative pieces, and she wove colorful rugs and runners from strips of fabric. At a time when handmade rugs were highly valued and not easily available, her work was greatly admired and sought after.
After losing her husband in 1945 to wounds sustained during World War II, she raised two children on her own, built her own home in the 1960s, and worked tirelessly throughout her life. I still remember helping her weave rugs on a large wooden loom. It was my grandmother who introduced me to the foundations of craftsmanship and taught me the value of patience, dedication, and quality.
My family's tradition of sewing and craftsmanship continued through the next generation. My aunt Nina was a professional seamstress, and my mother, who received formal training in sewing, lovingly made many of my holiday dresses by hand. Inspired by these remarkable women, I devoted countless hours to sewing, creating, and studying garment construction and accessory design.
Over the years, I pursued professional training to deepen my skills. I attended sewing school in Arkhangelsk, Russia, and studied with experienced instructors who shared decades of industry knowledge. Later, I earned a degree in Image Consulting from Moscow State University of Culture and Arts.
In 2009, I moved to Portland, Maine, with my American husband and established my own business. Before leaving Russia, I shipped most of the sewing equipment that I still use in my studio today. Leaving my machines behind was never an option—they have always been an important part of my creative journey.
Today, I truly love what I do. Every garment, alteration, and handcrafted accessory is an opportunity to bring joy, confidence, and beauty into someone's life. I approach each project with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence, creating pieces that are both functional and meaningful. For me, sewing is more than a profession—it is a lifelong passion, a family tradition, and a way to connect with people through craftsmanship and creativity.
Some occasions demand more than an off-the-rack solution. Whether you are stepping into a high-stakes professional networking mixer, attending an upscale high-society soirée, or celebrating a milestone moment, custom dressmaking and tailoring ensure you look entirely unforgettable. From the clean lines of a sophisticated corporate dress to the breath-taking details of a bespoke gown, every piece is meticulously engineered to reflect your personal aesthetic and individual frame.
Signature services include bespoke wedding gowns, prom & evening wear, custom corporate couture, and intricate fabric & embellishment handling with premium materials like delicate lace overlays, fine silk satin, detailed beadwork, and layered tulle.
A wardrobe is an investment, but even the finest off-the-rack clothing rarely fits perfectly right out of the box. Professional alteration and repair services bridge the gap between a standard garment and a flawless, custom-tailored silhouette. Whether it is a sharp corporate dress, a high-society evening gown, or everyday apparel, expert modifications ensure your clothing speaks to your personal brand and aesthetic.
Services include bustles, bodice reshaping, train curation, and delicate handling of premium textiles like silk, tulle, fine lace, and organza. We recommend 4-8 weeks for complete bridal alterations to ensure perfection.
Here are some examples of my custom jewelry and accessories, most of them made from semi-precious stones. These designs can be purchased at my studio. I believe in the special power of natural stones, which can give us energy and good fortune, can heal us, and can help us attain spiritual peace and balance. Every stone is unique and has its own significance.
You can learn about the qualities of various stones on the internet and order your own special piece of jewelry custom made by me, for example one that matches your astrological sign or has some other significance for you. My own positive creative energy will give your piece of jewelry additional power, imparting my wishes for your happiness and good luck.
899 Brighton Ave, Portland ME
By Appointment Only
New England Region / Studio Headquarters
Inquiries: raisasewing@gmail.com
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Mon: 3 PM - 6 PM
Tue-Fri: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sat, Sun, Holidays: Closed