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I have a blanket my grandmother made, two pieces of cotton fabric with batting in between, and it has ripped on the underside. I am looking for a seamstress/tailor/quilter/someone who knows what they are doing, ideally in River North, who can repair it so I can continue to nap under it with my cats. I don't want to do it myself because it is sentimental and I would like to pay money to have it done by someone with experience. Does anyone have recommendations? (Asking for a friend)
posted by jeather on Mar 10, 2020 - 3 answers

The local furniture superstore has a Flexsteel couch in Kashmira on crazy clearance. It has a small (one inch?) vertical tear in the back, which doesn't show because the couch will go against a wall.

1. Will the hole likely spread over time? There won't be any extra impact or load on that spot.
2. Could we stitch it up with fine thread and a tiny needle? Or would those holes weaken it even more?

Thanks!!
posted by wenestvedt on Jul 27, 2018 - 6 answers

The lining of my purse has ripped, and is starting to make the purse non-functional. Every time I try to get anything out of or put anything into the purse, it gets worse, it has rendered the zippered pocket useless, and is generally annoying. Removing the lining entirely doesn't seem feasible; the interior of the purse behind the lining in this particular bag would make a very bad interior. This seems like a common thing that happens to all of my purses, and I can't figure out a good way to fix these flimsy fabrics in a way that will stay fixed. [more inside]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty on Jan 7, 2018 - 5 answers

It's rare that my pants wear out in any way other than this - a failure along the seam of my, uh, inseam. I'm wondering if there's a practical way to patch it rather than toss the pants. [more inside]
posted by phearlez on Feb 28, 2017 - 8 answers

I am trying to find the best way to repair runs, snags, and a large, jagged hole in expensive sheer curtains. I am so upset about it and have probably one one shot to fix it and don't want to make matters worse. [more inside]
posted by LillyBird on Jul 5, 2015 - 19 answers

I have an Elna Supermatic (Beige, Type 722010) that worked great last time I used it (two years ago...) and now runs incredibly sluggishly. Or doesn't run. I tried oiling it with 3 in 1 and waiting, but that didn't help. I'm not entirely sure it is worth fixing, though this is an early, all steel-parts, Swiss-made machine so it is theoretically a keeper. [more inside]
posted by amandabee on Feb 2, 2013 - 5 answers

I have a couple new pairs of black dress trousers and would like to keep them hole-free as long as possible. I need some practical assistance on the subject of sewing a lining into the crotch area. [more inside]
posted by cranberrymonger on Oct 26, 2011 - 3 answers

How can I repair or disguise small holes and tears in wool gabardine (skirts)? [more inside]
posted by skbw on Oct 4, 2011 - 10 answers

The leather-thing holding it on snapped and one of the toggles has come off my duffle-coat. I have the toggle itself, and I have acquired some spare leather-things, but I'm not sure of the best way to re-attach. I don't have a sewing machine, and I don't think I know anyone who does. I have discovered that a thing called 'Fabric glue' exists, but is it any better than superglue? Will superglue work on wool/leather? I could put a few hand-stitches, but the thickness of both bits of material make me think that I might not be able to do a very good job. [more inside]
posted by gregjones on Sep 26, 2011 - 7 answers

I tore a silk dress, a long way from any seams or pleats or details. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by carbide on Sep 24, 2011 - 12 answers

Correct parts for a Bernette/Bernina 812 sewing machine? [more inside]
posted by Perplexer on Nov 6, 2009 - 4 answers

Sewing Gear Filter: I have a number of sewing machines that have nylon or plastic composite gears that have broken. Some of them I can have replaced, some of them are no longer made. I am wondering about DIY bionic sewing machine parts. [more inside]
posted by Tchad on Jul 1, 2009 - 10 answers

Sewing-filter. I need to replace the fly-screens in a canvas tent. Hints/Tips? [more inside]
posted by bystander on Apr 14, 2009 - 5 answers

Please recommend a good place to have a sewing machine serviced in San Francisco. [more inside]
posted by Quietgal on Oct 1, 2008 - 1 answer

Recommendations for sewing machine repair places in New York City or Jersey City? [more inside]
posted by yarrow on Jul 13, 2007 - 2 answers