If you want clothes that fit
If you want clothes that fit
On this page you can find the answers to many of the questions you may have about me and the services that I can provide.
How long have you been sewing?
For as long as I can remember, so that is getting on for half a century! I started with garments for my Sindy doll, then graduated to making clothes for myself, and eventually for others, and have continued to develop my skills throughout my life. Top
What formal qualifications do you have?
I have City and Guilds qualifications in "Fashion", which covers developing my own patterns as well as making garments to a professional standard. Top
What kind of things do you sew?
I specialise in altering garments to fit and making a limited number of larger plus size garments. I have experience in designing garments and creating the patterns for them, using and adapting commercial dress patterns and copying existing garments. Top
What kind of things don't you sew?
I do not make curtains or soft furnishings, nor do I mass produce garments or other sewn items. In addition, I have regretfully decided that I will no longer make any garments other than a limited number of larger plus sizes.Top
How much will it cost to have my garment altered?
This question can't be answered without my seeing the garment construction and what needs to be done. However, this list will give you an idea of the starting prices for typical alterations:
Prices from: |
|
Dress hems: Straight skirt per layer |
£14 |
Dress hems: A-line skirt per layer |
£18 |
Taking in bodice (without affecting bones or zip) |
£18 |
Repositioning bones or zip (extra per item) |
£9 |
Shortening spaghetti straps |
£9 |
Shortening jeans |
£9 |
Shortening jeans, retaining the original distressed hem (Euro hem) |
£27 |
Shortening trousers |
£18 |
Shortening jacket sleeves (with vent) |
£36 |
There may be garments in your wardrobe that no longer fit in the way you would want, or that have minor damage to them. If this is the case, you might consider having them altered or repaired so that you can continue to wear and love them. Before deciding to have something altered, think carefully about the practicality and the amount of effort involved, and compare this to how much the garment is worth to you.
Simple alterations like shortening sleeves and hems are, of course, the easiest. When looking at whether this will be possible, look at the details of the garment to determine if they will be spoiled by the shortening process. For example, shortening a skirt with a split may make the split out of proportion to the rest of the skirt; however, the shortening may remove the need for a split, and in this circumstance it might be sewn closed.
It is usually possible to make something smaller, as there will be fabric available. However, a large difference in size will mean that sometimes it would be more practical to take the garment apart, recut it, and make it again from scratch. I would therefore only recommend altering the size (width) of a garment by a maximum of two sizes. If, however, you have lost a great deal of weight and are thinking of having your suits made three or more sizes smaller, I would recommend against this.
The feasibility of making a garment larger depends on the size of the seam allowances, and whether fabric can be taken from another part of the garment (e.g. the hem) to insert.
With some ready-to-wear garments, the fit may be almost right, but require one part of the garment to be altered. In this circumstance, the important thing is to find a construction detail (e.g. seam) that can be used to make the alteration. If there is no convenient detail, it may be possible to introduce one, but this will alter the look of the design. Top
I teach private classes in dressmaking by arrangement. If you wish to start dressmaking, or improve a particular skill, please contact me to discuss your requirements.
I also teach classes at New Directions (The Learning & Employment Service for Reading). In the 2008 Spring Term I will be teaching the following classes:
* Handbag Workshop - a 1-day (Saturday) class in making the handbag featured on my free stuff page.
* Textile & Craft Workshop - a 10 week evening class giving you the opportunity to work on a project in dressmaking, knitting, patchwork or embroidery (or any other textile craft!) with tutor support.
(New Directions also offers City & Guilds fashion courses at different levels.)
For enrolment details, see the New Directions website. Top
I am occasionally asked to provide work experience placements for school students. I am unable to provide this service as I work alone in a small studio. Top
Do you offer any other services?
Yes, I provide a support service for home dressmakers, taking measurements and fitting garments. Top
When can I come for a consultation?
You must make an appointment to meet me, as I may otherwise be out, with another client, or busy meeting another client's deadline.
Appointments are available by arrangement on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings (last appointment 7:30pm), and on Saturday mornings. Top
I provide a custom sewing service in and around Reading, Berkshire. Look at the Contacts page for more details. Top