I want to learn about the cultural significance of clothing, as well as how clothes are made, but I want my process to be fun. What do you think are the best popular Hollywood-style movies, in which the characters discuss what clothes mean to them? What about movies in which the characters are involved with the sewing or designing of clothing? Do garments play a major part in the plot of any movies? Any suggestions for movies that have helped you to think about clothes would be most appreciated.
posted by mortaddams
on Jan 12, 2013 -
42 answers
Where should I look for information on becoming a bespoke tailor (through books/self-education, training, and/or apprenticeship) in the United States?
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posted by faeuboulanger
on Nov 18, 2012 -
9 answers
AskMe sewers! That's as in ("sewing," not as in sewage). I found a piece of fabric I'd like to make a simple tube-style dress out of, sewing in a back seam to join the fabric and then sewing in elastic above the bust. I have two kinds of elastic on hand. Should I use the flat 3/4 inch specifically "non-roll" kind, which seems kind of wide and bulky, or the flat 3/8" braided one?
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posted by foxy_hedgehog
on Jul 3, 2012 -
12 answers
Help me work out how to alter
this dress pattern for a big bust. A friend walked me through doing one with a bust dart, but I want to avoid frustration with this and hopefully get it right myself.
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posted by mippy
on Jun 7, 2012 -
13 answers
Mefi Sewers! I am a beginning sewer and just found a fabulous vintage patterned length of fabric (two yards x 58 inches) at a thrift shop for two bucks. I want to make a very simple a-line shift dress that is made from two cuts of fabric, front and back, that sew together on the sides of the body. A zipper in the back is ok. I cannot seem to find a pattern, vintage or otherwise, that fulfills these criteria.
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posted by foxy_hedgehog
on May 19, 2012 -
8 answers
Hi Sewers! I'm just learning how to sew thanks to a new sewing machine and a community college class this summer, but I'd like to develop a specific expertise in alterations and tailoring due to my love of thrifting. There are lots of sewing books out there- is there one that has an especially good chapter on tailoring and altering?
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posted by foxy_hedgehog
on Apr 23, 2012 -
4 answers
I've lost a lot of weight in the past year and have gone from a size 14 to a size 8. After a few years of thinking it was just a metabolism/getting older thing, my doctor recently discovered my weight gain was caused by the beginning stages of hypothyroidism. (I ballooned 47 lbs. in a year and half.) After I started taking medication (and increasing my workouts,) the weight started dropping off. I was a size 4 before all the gain, so it's possible I might lose more.
I have a lot of nice clothes that don't fit me anymore. Some pieces are really nice designer items and I'd like to keep them and protect my investment in them.
Alterations are expensive, and buying new clothes isn't cheap, either.
Is it worth it to learn how to sew and do my own alterations? Before I invest in a sewing machine and some classes, I want to know if this plan is doable. I know nothing about sewing, so is taking in clothes something that's complex and should be left to the professionals?
posted by matrushka
on Mar 30, 2012 -
16 answers
How can I repair or disguise small holes and tears in wool gabardine (skirts)?
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posted by skbw
on Oct 4, 2011 -
10 answers
Small tears in the linings of wool coats and dress-pants. How can I go about mending these in a functional (but not necessarily pretty) fashion?
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posted by Bardolph
on Aug 23, 2011 -
4 answers
How can ICT be better used in Home Economics (or if you like, with the economics and management of the home and community) also known in some places as family and consumer sciences?
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posted by b33j
on Nov 29, 2010 -
8 answers
What type of fabric is this shirt made from? Nobody at the fabric stores can give me an answer.
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posted by scrowdid
on Oct 27, 2010 -
12 answers
I'm interested in learning to make clothing. I'm looking for a book that goes from basic sewing skills to basic garments. Difficulty: for men.
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posted by usonian
on Sep 1, 2010 -
8 answers
Copy my dress shirts - Is there a tailor who can make exact replica's of my best fitting button down dress shirt?
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posted by thankyoumuchly
on Feb 4, 2010 -
9 answers
Can anyone recommend a tailor in Seattle or the Eastside? I need alterations done on several pieces of women's clothing, somewhat more complicated than just doing hems, so I would like a real tailor, not a dry cleaning shop that does alterations. I've already Googled, but would much prefer a referral to someone whose services you have actually used.
posted by matildaben
on Apr 16, 2007 -
5 answers
I have a pair of jeans. It is a normal pair of jeans. I would like to have a line of rhinestones going along the outseam on either leg. What's the best method?
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posted by SampleSize
on Dec 26, 2006 -
10 answers
Making my own suits and shirts. I'd like to learn to create my own clothing (I'm a guy), particulary suits, shirts and sport coats.
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posted by spicynuts
on Nov 27, 2006 -
12 answers
My boyfriend wants to experiment with designing menswear - both casual and formal (he's had experience sewing wedding dresses). Looking for:
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posted by ao4047
on Aug 9, 2006 -
2 answers
I am looking for free dressmaking patterns. Skirts, blouses, pants, tops, etc.
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posted by sconbie
on Aug 15, 2005 -
6 answers
ClothingFilter: I need to find a tailor to make some alterations to an expensive sportcoat. The retailer I bought it from only does alterations to new items, and their tailor works for them... I've always had good experiences with that tailor, but the other things I've gotten done (through the place that dry cleans my clothes) really sucked. How can I find a good tailor besides trial and error?
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posted by SpecialK
on Jul 20, 2004 -
9 answers
