Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with clothing and sewing

Recommend a Tailor in Seattle

matildaben — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 10:25:04 -0800

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.

My jeans NEED to have rhinestones on them

SampleSize — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:30:03 -0800

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? I went to The Rag Shop to do some research. It seems I have several options, none of which seem all that great.

1. I can glue on rhinestones using fabric glue. I can spend many many hours doing this and then wash the jeans and goodbye rhinestones.
2. I can do the same with sequins. They don't look quite as cool, but still acceptable, and seem a little less likely to pop off. This would also take many many hours
3. I can get some sequin rope like this and hire a tailor to sew it on. This is easy and, I think, would look okay. I'll probably do this if no one has a better idea.

Really, I'd like rhinestones. I started doing some Googling and noticed a variety of rhinestone applicators, but none that stood out as a great option, so I said, Y'know what? I'll just ask on mefi. Someone will have the answer.

So...please help me transform my jeans into AWESOME JEANS.

I want to be the next Thom Browne

spicynuts — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:10:35 -0800

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. At the very least I'd like to be able to tailor off the rack purchases for myself. I live in NYC and it looks like FIT does not have any adult ed/continuing ed classes for this and I can't find any men's clothing oriented classes elsewhere in the city. Does anyone know where I could learn these skills in NYC?

My Beau Wants to Design Menswear

ao4047 — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:17:22 -0800

My boyfriend wants to experiment with designing menswear - both casual and formal (he's had experience sewing wedding dresses). Looking for:

Standard books/design he should look at (incl pattern-making books) - what are the 'canon' books/ideas?
Online resources for menswear design and construction
Favorite fabric stores in Chicago (preferably not in the suburbs)

Please help me dress myself better than the mall can...

Alison — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:51:46 -0800

What are your favorite styles or pieces of clothing that defy trends? I have recently been inspired to make most of my clothing for this spring/summer and next fall. Due to the time and energy investment I would like to end up with a wardrobe that will be unique but will still look good years from now. I am fairly experienced at sewing and have a big pattern library, so I can figure out how to make almost anything.

I am looking for things that can be hard to find at times as availability is often decided upon what will be popular rather than what will be practical for years. For example, I like making things like pleated skirts or fitted tweed jackets, but these might not be in stores depending on the trend cycle and most likely won’t be available in a color I like. Lately, I have been finding a lot of inspiration from vintage clothing.

So what are your favorite looks? Is there a skirt you have that looks good with everything? Do you have a coat that still draws complements after five years? Have you seen something special enough to make you look at it again? Pictures or links to patterns would be appreciated as would any inspirational book recommendations. This is also not limited to women’s clothing; I’m interested in looking at men’s styles, too.

Dressmaking patterns for FREE

sconbie — Mon, 15 Aug 2005 01:26:09 -0800

I am looking for free dressmaking patterns. Skirts, blouses, pants, tops, etc. Any suggestions for sites that have downloadable patterns that can be traced and enlarged from A3...?

How can I find a good tailor besides trial and error?

SpecialK — Tue, 20 Jul 2004 15:57:29 -0800

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? Also, does anyone know what the standard turnaround for getting some shirts laundered is? I just started having to wear all this professional stuff regularly, and while I know how to dress and how to select clothes, I'm finding I'm really clueless on the maintenance part. The cleaner in my neighbourhood wants 3 days to wash, starch, and press shirts...

Any other dry cleaning tips would be appreciated. I already know little things like not to leave the plastic tabs in your shirt collar when you send them out to get them cleaned... but like I said, other than that, I'm clueless.