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Trying to find resources for learning alterations

Recently, I have had the very double-edged sword predicament of having lost weight through exercise and nutrition (good!) to the point where all my clothes don't fit (bad!). I was previously an RTW size 6-8, but now I'm finding a lot of 4s too big, especially pants. I would like to salvage as much of my large (2 closets + dressers) wardrobe as possible and have found the cost of outsourcing the alterations a bit prohibitive for the sheer amount of items which need fixing. Plus, I can sew, right?, so I would feel a little guilty about doing that.

My Mom taught me when I was a teenager and I've been sewing off and on over the years. I'm mostly strictly a pattern sewer, but I have done a little tailoring on some of my projects. Skill-wise, I would classify myself as a "determined beginner/intermediate". The most complex alterations I have made so far, though, are only shortening hems. When faced with changing sleeve lengths or taking in waistbands, I quiver a bit. Especially with lined items. *shudder*

I've found tons of information on tailoring, but not much on changing a finished garment. Here is the *single* book I have found so far and even it looks a little out-of-date and iffy:

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Do any of you know of any learning resources (books, videos, etc.) that teach alterations to the beginner/intermediate?

Reply to
Julia Sifers
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The book may look a little dated, but that really doesn't matter: the techniques don't change! :) I still use tailoring techniques that have been around for 200 years...

Personally, I HATE alterations, and look on my weight loss as a grand opportunity to update and replace my wardrobe. :D I went down from a UK

22-24 to a UK 10-12 (lost 63 lbs - down from 213 lbs to 150 lbs). But if you want to try it, get the book and start on something that you don't like TOO much! :)
Reply to
Kate Dicey

Reply to
Melinda Meahan - take out TRAS

Even high priced designer wear gets bumpkiss for resale but it's probably better than nothing. Women's Shelters are always in need of clothing in good condition and you'll get a generous receipt for a tax write off if you donate to them. If you worked that hard to drop to a four, which I personally think of as an age or possibly an IQ you most likely deserve some new duds. However, you are reading a post from a woman who would rather be impaled on rusty farm implements than doing the alterations you are thinking about. EPEE-Gads, just thinking about this makes me feel the need for a cool cloth on the back of my neck and a pile of chocolate on my lap.....I need to go lie down *shudder*

Good luck, Val

After thought; Perhaps you could find somebody who does alterations who badly wants a few buckets of the elusive sawdust and you could do a little trade and barter. Otherwise I'd just wax up the VISA, do a little carbo-loading and head for the Mall.

Reply to
Valkyrie

Hahahaha. Thanks, everyone. Well, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one changing set-in sleeves gives the eebie-jeebies to. I think I'll try a combination of picking up that book to help with the easiest of the alterations and donating the rest of the items. Thanks again for the feedback. Ya'll are swell.

Reply to
Julia Sifers

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