Last year I bought a wool blend coat (45% wool, 55% other fibres) that I fell in love with. It was on the roomy size (good for layering under) but not too large - however due to some health issues and associated weight loss, it did not fit so well at the start of this cold weather season. I moved the buttons which amended the fit, and also shortened the stance - which improved the look! Then, I noticed pilling of the fabric! It was hidden somewhat my the busy pattern, but I didn’t like it at all! I bought my first fabric shaver and gave it a go! The device worked, and no more pills!
This was my favourite cold weather coat, and with the tweaks, has maintained its standing in my wardrobe. I’m prepared to keep up the maintenance to make it work.
This made me think about maintenance of items, and tailoring - in order to keep a beloved garment in rotation. I haven’t had much luck with tailoring a piece - beyond successfully having sleeves let down on a jacket I loved. Somehow the adjustments seems to fall flat, if not actually ruin the garment. Heel repair has worked, but sole repair turned out clunky and heavy, and heel height adjustment had mixed results for $$ cost. Belt shortening and hole additions het a ‘thumbs up’.
I’ve had better luck with items that require some degree of maintenance - like ironing cotton or linen, reconditioning leather, and special care when washing delicates. Now I can add shaving wool!
Have you gone the extra mile on a special garment? To what degree will you expend $ or effort to make a garment work? Have you had a good success rate?
