Smoking Iron Alterations

Hello and welcome to Smoking Iron Alterations. I am Michael Dollinger, owner and operator of this multifaceted tailor shop. I have been serving the Indianapolis area for over 30 years.
Having learned the tailoring trade from my father, I started my professional career at Redwood & Ross in 1981. In 1987 I helped to open and run the mens' tailor shop at the Jacobson's Department store. I was able to expand my craft by helping with the ladies' alterations department in bridal and business wear.

The name "Smoking Iron" comes from the old-time charcoal burning irons that I have and use to demonstrate 18th and 19th century tailoring techniques at reenactments. Though my shop is filled with working antique tailoring tools, I do have, and use, modern sewing machines and irons to alter, fit, or refashion your wardrobe to your liking.

My interests in American history led me to work at Connor Prarie Pioneer Village. My sewing skills proved very helpful in the creation of my character's clothing. This led to the manufacture of other people's historical clothing and later expanded to include other time periods. If you peruse the catalogue, you can see examples of my work that spans over several centuries of fashion for men, women, and children.
Besides the clothing and head wear I have made, I carry specialty items made by other artisans in the reenactment hobby.

Come to Smoking Iron Alterations, where more than just the service is old fashioned.