Sunday, November 9, 2014

Altering & Tailoring

Since most clothing is mass produced, retail stores cater to “average” body types. If you are a petite size, plus sized, or really tall like me, you might find yourself shopping at specialty shops.  However, even if you fall into the “average” category or have a body shape which doesn’t necessarily fit into the mold, you will most likely find that you need to adjust or customize store-bought clothes according to your particular body. Every body is different and whether you are sewing brand new garments or adjusting ones you own or purchase, knowing how to alter clothing can come in super handy.



Every-day Alterations
Simple alterations such as hemming, taking clothes in/out, or adjusting darts might seem minute, but a tiny adjustment can make a huge difference and drastically improve an ill-fitting garment. And what’s even better is that anyone can easily learn how to take up or release a hem on a pair of pants or a skirt (at times, a sewing machine is not even necessary!).

Tailoring
Besides mastering tricks when constructing a garment, I believe every sewer/seamstress should be as good, if not better, at tailoring a piece of clothing simply because the main focus in this process is fit. Popular tailoring techniques include: waist adjustments, adding darts, changing, adding or removing sleeves, and adjusting shoulders. Depending on the amount of adjustments, you will most likely have a garment that fits you exclusively.      

Mending/Repairing
Other common mending/repair alterations include: fixing broken zippers, patching up a rip, blind-sewing a tear, or replacing a lining. Accidents happen, and you’ll save time and money if you know how to fix these boo-boos on your own.


Curious about learning how to alter your clothes? Send me your questions and comments below!




Make It Yourself: Gym Shorts Into Dressy Duds

It's not too warm outside here, but it must be HOT somewhere! If you're a DIY lover, live in a sunny place AND if you're absolutely tired of your workout shorts, turn them into to-die-for shorts with sheer panels. You can rock these dressy duds to the club with a crop top and pumps or to the office with a tucked-in blouse and loafers. Go on, show off those long stems you've got!     


Supplies

1 pair of gym shorts
¼ yd sheer mesh fabric
marking pencil
measuring tape
thread
scissors


STEP 1 

To create high-waisted shorts, take in/adjust the side seams accordingly. The process will vary whether your shorts have an actual waistband or an elastic one.  

STEP 2

Mark the placement of the sheer panels with a marking pencil by measuring on the side seams of the shorts. Use the same measurement to guide your measuring tape along the hem and mark around the pant legs which will be the cutting lines.

STEP 3

Cut pieces of the sheer fabric to make inserts for front (2) and back (2) of the shorts. Sew together (or serge – depending on the fabric of your shorts) the front and back pieces. You should end up with a tubular piece of mesh for each pant leg. 

STEP 4

Cut on the cutting lines. (Keep the bottom pieces of the pant legs.)



STEP 5

Sew/serge the mesh inserts to the shorts. Then sew the bottom pieces of the pant legs to the mesh.