I have read through my Alabama Chanin book three times now and I think I am ready to give a tee-shirt a whirl. I think my first “go” will be from a couple of Steve’s old shirts. I hope to stop at Jo-Ann’s this weekend to get some craft thread and get started.
Beyond that, I have this pile of clothing which all no longer fits. I have been pondering how to “re-sew” all of it into wearable items. However, the thought of ripping out all these seams and removing all the neck binding and pockets is a bit daunting. Really? That is lots of ripping!
This leads me to wonder if there is an easier way to do this, but if there is I cannot figure it out. So, my question to any sewists out there – is there an easy way? They are all too big in the shoulders and the bodies of the garments. However, perhaps if they fit better in the shoulder, the garment would not look so large? I am not certain at all and my garment alteration skills are limited to hemming pants and skirts!
It is days like this that I wish my Nana was still here, because she would certainly have a plethora of ideas on how to accomplish this!
Figuring out a solution would certainly give a boost to my summer wardrobe!
I wish I had suggestions for you, but since the only alteration skill I’ve got is hemming, I’m going to cheer you on, wait for Vicki’s thoughts, and watch you rip, sew, go!
My Alabama Chanin book should be here TODAY!!!
As far as your alterations, your Nana and my Aunt Harriet would have lots of options. My sewing skills have not been utilized much in the last 30(!) years, but in high school, I was quite the seamstress. There are lots of things to consider, depending on the new size you’re aiming to get, such as the arm scythe, which can be a problem if you’re going smaller than just a size or two.
Congratulations on the smaller size! You rock!!!
pick your simplest style garment. start by turning the garment inside out. put it on and pin where you want the new seams to go shoulder and sides. put right side out and try on carefully. (i still stick myself with pins) Will the resulting decrease cause the neck or sleeve to bunch up? Yes then un pick those items. Sew along the pins and cut off excess material. then reattach collar. many times you can make the collar smaller by sewing in a seam in the middle back. Sleeves usually have to be cut down. This makes wearable nice looking garments even if it doesn’t follow “proper” seamstress guidelines. Check youtube
I am no help as all, as I don’t sew beyond sewing buttons to a sweater, but I’m sure there must be a way to salvage these things!
I’ve done simple alterations and I have to say that I think sewing something from scratch is easier! I cannot offer any advice except to send them to ME! hahahaha
I sew quite a lot (and used to sew a WHOLE lot) . . . and I say this: Unless you really, really LOVE those clothes, you’d be better off sharing them with someone who will enjoy them as they are. Because alterations are super challenging and not for the faint-of-heart (and especially when you’re cutting things down, because the lines really do change). If you like some of the fabrics and want to hold on to them, perhaps you could incorporate them into your stitching projects? Or make other things out of them (I’ve seen lots of things on Pinterest where old shirts become aprons, jeans become purses, and sweaters become pillows!). Good luck! 🙂
PS — Don’t be intimidated by AC. (I was . . . it took me two years to unpack my first AC kit and get to stitching.) You will have a great time! 🙂
As Kym said, alterations are more complicated than starting from scratch. Repurposing the fabrics you love and finding recipients for the other items may be your best option.
I got nothing. 🙂 Waiting for your AC adventure though. Maybe in my retirement! (2020!)
NO help here. Im not a seamstress by any stretch of the imaginiation! GOod luck
No help from me either – though I agree with Kym. Better to re-purpose or donate. Can’t wait to see your AC project!!!
Zero sewing skills here (too) … but I can certainly make up for that in positive cheering mojo!!
I agree with Kym and Margene…you’re much better off donating the items and repurposing any you want to keep a part of…save your energy and nerves for something more fun.
Cheers~
I have done lots of sewing. I tried to alter some too big items a few years back and it was way too much work. One was a skirt that I really loved but my alterations changed the lines and I no longer loved it. In the end they went into the donation pile.
If the garments are ‘enough’ too big, you could consider this:
Remove cuffs and collars, then cut the larger pieces of fabric apart carefully along the seamlines. Using a favorite, correctly sized pattern, cut the pieces down and re-sew them. Reuse cuffs and collars if possible. If not, it’s an opportunity to combine one garment with another one.
For more ideas, take a look at the Refashion Co-op site:
http://refashionco-op.blogspot.com/
I am SO BEHIND with blog reading!! But I absolutely agree with Kym. I have had a little bit of success in altering sleeveless items, but once a sleeve is involved… no way!!
I’ll be following your progress with interest. This summer, I tried to shorten the hems on some storebought t-shirts (actually, I moved the factory hem up). I used a couple of YouTube videos as a guide. I did not get a satisfactory result. I think it’s partly because the shirts were not a straight cylinder in the body so I inadvertently moved from “hem territory” to “alteration territory.”
That said, I’m completely interested in the idea of making the textiles one has work for one’s life (rather than buying buying buying). So keep these posts coming!