Alterations ? from a lemming

Susie

Yes, I am a confirmed lemming. When I saw UmmLila in this coat, I wanted to try it. A coat that is not black has been a HEWI for me and this one is a nice weight for my climate. There is a whole lot going on with this style but I kind of love it!

The fit is very nice except for the sleeve length and they would need to be hemmed at least a couple of inches. But there are zippers at the cuff. Is it possible to shorten the sleeves??

Nordstrom

Laundry By Shelli Segal Ribbon Trim Tweed Coat (Regular & Petite)

$210.00 $104.98

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8 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from pil

Anonymous

Fab coat! Obviously without seeing it properly in person, I can't be totally sure, but as I see there are probably two ways to do the sleeves. First is to remove the zip, remove horizontal ribbon detail, add zip back again higher up, and re-stitch ribbon detail.

Second possible way is to remove the ribbon detail. Cut off the bottom section of sleeve just above the zip. Then add the whole bottom section back on with a horizontal seam which then gets hidden by applying the ribbons back over the top of it. Of course the upper sleeve may need a tiny bit taking in down the underarm seam just nearer the lower edge where the bottom section needs to be sewn back on as there could be a slight width discrepancy.

Hope this helps!

8 years ago

Susie

Veteran

Thank you so much for the detailed response, Diane! I wish you could be my seamstress

8 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's such a great coat, Susie. Hope you can make it work. Diane's a genius.

8 years ago

Banoffi

Veteran

Can it be taken up at the shoulders so you don't have to deal with the zippers?

8 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It IS possible, and Nordies will do it. It's just expensive.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Bannofi, it sometimes is possible to do it from the top of the sleeve, but then there are the issues of the fact that the sleeve gets narrower as you go down and that creates a lot of problems getting enough width to re-cut the sleeve head further down the sleeve.

I have actually done the method where you cut across the sleeve above the zip before, on my clients clothes. It is the method that involves the least work IMO, as you don't have to remove the zip and re-set it.

It will be expensive though, as Angie said

8 years ago

Susie

Veteran

You are so kind to chime back in, Diane. Since the coat is on sale, it makes alterations more affordable but I will have to see if my seamstress can do it and how expensive it is.

8 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I swapped for the next smaller size and it just came today. I like the fit better. The sleeves are still a bit too long. I don't think it has zippers on the cuffs, but maybe I am not being detail oriented (see below), and it will not be super hard to hem.

But I'm sitting out in my yard in cutoffs with a margarita and I just can't stand photographing myself In a wool coat in the heat. I will do it tomorrow.

8 years ago

Susie

Veteran

UmmLila, it's all your fault that I ordered it, so please pass the pitcher of margaritas!

8 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I just responded on UmmLila's thread too. Looking at the jacket in person today, I'd say the sleeves can be shorted just above the zipper detail with minimum fuss. It's an alteration that even I could do (I'm no alterations expert; usually, I'd sooner make a garment from scratch).

8 years ago

Susie

Veteran

Sharan, thank you! I'm no seamstress but that does sound doable, especially since you and Diane both think so.

I think another try on and more pondering is needed.

8 years ago

pil

Veteran

Great coat! I hope the alterations work for you.

8 years ago

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