I so can't sew! (Or, no more complaints about the cost of tailoring!)

I got out my rarely used sewing machine to work on some altering projects of mine: hemming 2 dresses and a skirt. One of the dresses I hemmed turned out okay, but I got the other hem disassembled, then realized it was going to be more work than I thought because of the button placket (is that what it's even called?) and I ended up giving up. The skirt was something I picked up at Goodwill months ago to practice my hemming skills on. I obviously need more work, because it wound up a little too short.

I'm now realizing I can't complain when a tailor wants to charge $35 to take in a dress or $10 to add darts to a waist, since I obviously can't do it myself.

I've bought things over the years that haven't quite fit thinking, hey, I could shorten this a little or put a few darts in here and there and make it fit better, but I'm realizing I now need to factor in the cost of tailoring or leave those items on the rack.

It's not such a bargain if I end up destroying it!

15 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from biscuitsmom

MNsara

Veteran

Clever you for, at least, trying it out on Goodwill pieces especially purchased with practice in mind!!

I have a few things waiting for me to try my hand at alterations. . .You will have me on my guard

15 years ago

chellebrate

Active Member

My alterations lady and I were just talking about how reasonable priced she is today when I took a top and some white jeans in. I don't like paying to have things hemmed and shortened and such, but I also know finding things that fit me well isn't always possible. I've thought about getting a machine to try some hemming myself. It's been years since I've sewn though.

15 years ago

Active Member

Really? May I ask who you use? (You're kind of in my area, right?)

I was a little disappointed with the last dress I had altered. For the price, I think she could have made it fit a little better.

Ooops, there I go complaining again!

15 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I give you credit for trying I can't even get a button to stay on. Once I had dreams of making all my own clothes or at least altering them. Then I bought a sewing machine and couldn't even get it to thread the needle!

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I am someone who really respects good handiwork. You have to think that it is not just the amount of time it takes someone to do something, but also that they can only achieve that level of skill with years of experience.

Having said that, it is hard to find a good tailor, but a good one is such a gem.

Buying some used clothes to practice on is a great idea! I think I will try that when I finally buy myself a sewing machine.

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Natalie, I literally can't even thread a needle, so I give you huge props for at least accomplishing one alteration project to your satisfaction! You're so right, though...tailoring is a true skill and I find you get what you pay for (provided you find the right person). Your post has made me want to go give mind a hug now.

15 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I have a big problem when dealing wth my tailor...language barrier. She is Asian and though she speaks english she speaks very quickly and low and I end up guessing at a lot of what she's saying. Not good. If I show her what I need its ok, but I have a couple items that need really detailed work I'd love to have done and I dont dare....Ive told her I dont hear well (which is somewhat true)and asked her politely to speak slower and louder, but she only does for about one sentence, then right back to the way she usually does. If she says just a few words I can understand her fine, but more than that and Im lost....I have no one to bring with me who could help and I HATE to think of finding a different one, cause she is a nice lady and does really good work...any suggestions would be appreciated!

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Well done for having a go though I have 4 items over the banister which my Mum is going to look at and I've pulled 2 off in the last week to wear! x

15 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

biscuitsmom, I AM a bit hard of hearing AND there are certain accents I have always struggled with, so for me it is a matter of polite perseverance telling them that I didn't quite catch it and putting the blame on myself so that the speaker doesn't feel at fault (even when they are. . .

You may be too young for this routine, but it usually results in a few more comments back & forth between us and I usually feel that we are at an agreement. So don't give up and just agree, try to make sure you understand them and they *seem* to understand what you want.

Getting alterations right is tricky enough even with flawless communcation!

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I applaud your efforts.

Alterations can be very tricky, which is why they are expensive.

15 years ago

Refugee

Veteran

This is one area where living in a small town has really paid off. My own sewing skills are very limited (minimal hand sewing) but I have access to not 1 but 2 talented tailors who are very reasonably priced. One is just 4 blocks from my house and her business is primarily custom made wedding dresses but she also does a lot of tailoring. Our kids grew up together so we always end up chatting and catching up when I go in to see her.
Two is the costumer at our theatre. Since she has dressed me for several shows she knows my body quite well. On a couple of occasions, I have been found in my skivvies in the costume shop while she (as she puts it) 'just fixes' what ever I am wearing.

15 years ago

Megan

Active Member

I found a good tailor who is a 3 min walk from my house! He is quite cheap for hemming but not for bigger jobs which is fair enough. I took a new jacket to him today to have it taken in and it's costing me $AUD50 to have it taken in from three areas (darts in the back and each side taken in). It's lined too, which increased the work involved.

I bought the jacket at a sample sale so it only cost me $20....so $70 with alternations for a cute jacket is okay with me

15 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

MnSara, Thanks for the advice....I guess I will need to just speak up and do that. I had tried it with her, but didnt persue it strongly enough...I just really dont want to offend her, she's such a sweet lady and is finally feeling comfortable enough to open up to me about herself, etc....I know I do have somewhat of a hearing problem, so Im not lying.....anyway, thanks again!

15 years ago

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