Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sewing and seamstress

Who in San Francisco can fix my coat for me?

gingerbeer — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:52:49 -0800

Can you recommend a seamstress or tailor in San Francisco? I need to replace the lining in my favorite vintage winter coat. I had a great seamstress who made my wedding dress, but she is no longer around, and I need to find someone new. Replacing the lining's a pretty simple job, I would think, although I have a few other things that could use some alteration.

Someone in the Mission or Marina would be ideal, but I'm happy to go anywhere in the city for a good person. Competent, quick, friendly, and not wildly expensive are other criteria.

They make sound so easy on What Not to Wear!

waywardgirl — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:58:25 -0800

I think I need a seamstress or seamster, but I am not sure how to find one. I am looking for a talented sewer to seriously alter a jacket that I own, and also to re-create a skirt out of fabric that I will provide. I think these jobs will require more than what the tailors at the dry-cleaners and local men's stores are willing to do.

I tried searching for seamstresses and seamsters in my area (Oakland County, Michigan) on ReferenceUSA and also on Google, but I am not getting very promising results.

Does anyone have any advice on how I might locate a seamstress or seamster? And how to find a talented one? Also, any idea about the cost of these projects? I looked over some previous Ask MeFi questions on seamstresses, and the answers all seem to say that the price will be something like twice the price of what you would pay for the item at the store, but I own $40 skirts, and I own $100 skirts... Does anyone have a dollar price that they have paid for similar work in the past?

who can build my kite

Gungho — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:30:48 -0800

Where can I get a number of appliqued kites made? I've googled, and come up with a number of Chinese manufacturers, but I don't think the quantity (around 100) is enough for them to bother with, and I am a bit leery of the whole international ordering thing. I suppose any qualified seamstress could do the sewing, and the rest I can do...Kite makers want hundreds of dollars per sail for something IMHO should only cost in the tens of dollars. The kite sail would be about 4 feet by 6 feet with a single large applique. I can supply the material and plans.

Help Me Find A Contract Seamstress To Make Plush Animals!

modernsquid — Tue, 22 May 2007 12:36:32 -0800

Where can I find a trustworthy contract seamstress? (more inside) I am looking to get a few oversized stuffed animals created (less than 100 pieces). I have a working pattern and can supply fabric but am at a loss as to where to find these contract seamstresses.

I've looked online but feel a bit weird sending someone who i've never met a lot of expensive fabric and then expecting something in return. The pattern is a little hard to navigate so I need to find someone who has some experience and skill. I am new to sewing and everything that I am finding online seems to be fashion or clothing related, which seems to be very different from plush animals.

I am in NYC. I wouldn't think this would be too hard to find, but its proving incredibly difficult! Please help!

Looking for a Seamstress in London

drill_here_fore_seismics — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 05:08:08 -0800

Looking for a good, affordable seamstress in London (UK)(preferably East London) who makes and/or copies ladies clothes. Recommendations, suggestions and/or ideas on how to find one are all welcome.

incoming sewing n00b alert

divabat — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:30:06 -0800

I've been inspired by t-shirt surgery and am thinking of getting into sewing. However, I've never sewed something in my life. Where do I begin? A request from a friend to design a t-shirt for her (odd, because I've only used an iron-on transfer before, but eh) and my fascination with t-shirt surgery has inspired me to delve more into it. I've been experimenting with cutting up stuff (right now I'm wearing a rudimentary skirt made by chopping a t-shirt in half) but know next to nothing about sewing.

I used to hate sewing. We had to do it as part of a Life Skills course in school and I just tossed the work to my mum. I get the basic idea of sewing, but can't tell you how to do a hem. I'm not even interested in fashion; I find it utterly boring. However, I like the creativity of turning something into something else, and t-shirt surgery seemed fun.

My qs:

1. I live in Brisbane, Australia. Are there any sewing classes in the area? Google doesn't get me anything specific (there is a Sewing Guild but that's all). Is it worth going? I'm a uni student, so time and money is a concern.

2. I've been reading up on sewing machines for beginners and I'm not sure where to get a good deal. I saw a beginner Singer for $199 at Lincraft but I have the feeling they're cheaper elsewhere. Any tips for where to look?

3. Where can an absolute beginner seamstress start? Assume I know nothing. I've been reading up things online but even the name of stitches elude me.

4. How do you do a hem?

Any info appreciated, though if it's Brisbane-specific even better. Thanks!