Clothing alterations

[Ashley1]

Maria just posted pictures posing in a jacket, and she said that she thought that the sleeves on the jacket needed to be lengthened which brings up the question: What do you do when you acquire a piece of clothing that needs to be altered? I have just acquired two almost new and expensive business suits that need alterations to both the skirt and the jacket. I do not sew so I will perhaps need to take them to a tailor. I am not "out" so I thought that I would write down the waist measurement, hip measurement and length that I want the skirts to be and the sleeve length that I want on the jackets and tell the tailor that the suit had belonged to my wife and I was having it altered for my daughter who lives out of town. What do you do when you need a garment altered?

[Joy Carter]

Ashley, Just suck it up and call around to taylors in other towns close by. I have found only one who thought it was a joke. But the others sounded like they wanted the business. $$$$$$$:rolleyes:

[Dragster]

DIY Ashley! I'm an engineer and treat sewing like engineering with cloth. Started 35 years ago when I shot myself in the foot by suggesting that my wife should make curtains for our new house because "It can't be that difficult!" I'll keep my mouth shut next time, but the skill has come in useful for altering her cast-offs to fit me, only she's not aware of that activity!

Tony

[BobbieCD1944]

One of the best excuses... "I'm going to a costume party NewYears Eve" [or office party.. or.. or..] Several years ago a friend invited me to a rather upscale celebration she was hosting. I wanted to find a femme tuxedo type suit. I went into a store near a Ross (cross) Dress for Less. Told them what I needed, wasn't sure of my size.. etc..etc. They said I'd probably wear an 18, but they did not carry that size. I went to the Ross, found a great Suit. Black. Top fit ok, but the skirt didn't. Went back to the first store, they said they could do the altering. Wheeee. They actually seemed to enjoy the idea that this old f**t was going to go all out at a party.

[marie354]

If it was a hand-me-down... Off to Good-Wil... If I just bought it... My other half would exchange it for me. (Guess I lucky there.) Other than that... I'm not sure what I'd do. I did buy my GG a sewing machine. Maybe I'd try to re-hem it my self. Never used a sewing machine before, don't know if I could do it, but I might try. What would I have to lose if it didn't fit right anyway.

[Alice D]

I've taken several things to a local seamstress dressed in drab and have never gotten a second look- important thing is to mark things well and pin instructions on each garment.

[linnea]

Well, I would take the clothes to a seamstress, but if I needed to keep my CDing secret, I would have to have the job done out of my own town. Getting the measurements and giving them to the seamstress would be a good way to handle the problem; you still have to have a backstory. Since I'm involved in theater, I've used the "these are costume pieces that we need altered." That could work for anyone, really.
Good luck!

[Glenda58]

Find a tailor most have back rooms for fitting for men and women. A good tailor won't care that it's for you. Plus they could give you some pointers on what size you are. Or you could find a seamstress.