mamapickle or other seamstresses- dress alteration question

Queen Mum

Mamapicklejuice or any other seamstresses,
Would you mind taking a look at this set of pictures that I posted of this dress that I need to take in? Pointers on where I should take it in? The last picture shows the back seams. Should I take in a little in both the side and those back seams, or do it all from the sides or backs?
I can sew, so I do trust myself, I'm just not an expert in alerations, but would like to try to do it myself if I can....
anyhow, thanks for looking and for any advice you can offer me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....013408904/

16 years ago

Dressing

3 replies

Latest reply was from Mamapicklejuice

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Take in the side seams only. I would baste the seams first and check for fit before your final stitching. Also, be sure to not to trim the SAs too much - give yourself future alteration wriggle room (haha).

If you take out the excess using the back seams, the side seams would slip to the back. (Even if you parsed out the excess between the front and sides.) If you had princess seams on the front and back, that would be a different story, and you could split the difference between the two, or all four (although that would be a lot more sewing, and you would have other issues to think about, such as bust fit).

Anyway, hth!

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

thank you so much- yes that helps. I would have tried to take it in from the back, so I'm glad I asked.
will I take it in all the way to the hem, or taper down to the hemline?

16 years ago

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Hm, if you taper, then are you changing the shape of the skirt portion? (Can't load your pix right now, so don't remember if dress is straight or a-line.) If it's a-line, it's probably fine to taper, as you will not significantly alter the silhouette. for a straight skirt, I would probably keep an even seam allowance down to the hem (after fitting through the hips, or the widest part of you). Do bear in mind walking ease -- I don't recall whether the dress has a vent in the back? Just don't hobble yourself!

16 years ago

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