Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Seebee
Date: 10-21-2003, 09:56 AM (1 of 11)
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Hi sewing gurus! I bought a dress on ebay, mainly for Rennaissance fair, maybe Halloween...maybe even not as a costume. Problem: I did the no-no and didn't get measurements. The dress is for someone tall and quite slender neither of which am I. I would really like to wear this, of course. What's the best way to do this? It may look alright adding a panel in the back or sides. Is a V-shaped contrasting fabric practical? My boyfriend thinks I should cut out the zipper and somehow make the back lace-up and something underneath. I'm not sure if that would be tacky, unrennaissance-y, or even easy. The front is also lace-up. It also needs to be shortened, which means changing the ruffle at the bottom. I'm not an experienced seamstress; I'd have to either sew by hand or use a friend's machine. Should I be safe and not attempt this endeavor? Take it to tailor? What's a reasonable price for this kind of thing? Didn't plan to spend a fortune! I'd love advice ~Maiden in Distress |
User: Seebee
Member since: 10-18-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: Seebee
Date: 10-21-2003, 10:00 AM (2 of 11)
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Trying to show the dress, but I couldn't get the image down to 1 byte, but here's the link to the auction, which should work for a some time. (isn't it nice?  )The auction link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2858454706&category=46795&rd=1) |
User: Seebee
Member since: 10-18-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: lovemyfabric
Date: 10-21-2003, 06:07 PM (3 of 11)
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The dress is very nice. If you're not a very experienced sewer, I think I would take it to an experienced seamstress and see if they can alter it. I'm not sure what you would have to pay. If you have a friend that sews maybe they could help you with it. Maybe someone else will have some other ideas for you. |
User: lovemyfabric
Member since: 06-06-2003 Total posts: 126 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-22-2003, 12:41 PM (4 of 11)
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It's a beautiful dress. You could easily shorten by taking the bottom ruffle off altogether. The bodice alterations should be done by someone experienced.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Seams Sew Right
Date: 10-22-2003, 02:47 PM (5 of 11)
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What about adding a gusset? Try this website: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pdf/TooTightGarment.pdf |
User: Seams Sew Right
Member since: 04-25-2003 Total posts: 18 |
From: Seebee
Date: 10-22-2003, 03:33 PM (6 of 11)
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A gusset! I knew there was a name for it! Is there a better name for the lace-up feature, besides "lace-up like a corset" or "pretty criss-cross fairy-tale look" or "like shoe laces"? Thanks, guys for responding I guess the I should take it to a professional  I certainly don't want to ruin it. And, as my roomate said to me "If I know you, you'll be up all night before the Renn fair frantically figuring out what you're going to do"  I guess that also means I shouldn't experiment with those inexpensive hand-held/mini sewing machines on my dress. Are those really a source of distain and disgust with you guys? My mom said (with a slight hint of a scoff) that I shouldn't bother with them, but I think they could be good for less delicate or risky things. I mean, it's not as if I can afford much more! What do you think? |
User: Seebee
Member since: 10-18-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-22-2003, 05:11 PM (7 of 11)
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Believe me, they scoff here too!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-22-2003, 06:16 PM (8 of 11)
You would do a lot less damage with a needle and thread in your hand and do hand stitches.. Those things you are talking about are toys, and the kids don't even like them..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-23-2003, 07:53 AM (9 of 11)
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LOL. I think that just about sums it up.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: dmoses
Date: 10-23-2003, 08:39 AM (10 of 11)
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SeeBee, You can get a new sewing machine for less than $100. I think I saw a 6-stitch Kenmore(Sears) advertised for $79. I don't know how much those hand-held things cost, but a 'real' sewing machine might not be much higher in price. And like Libby said, a needle and thread would be better than one of those hand-held things. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: chiloGod
Date: 10-24-2003, 10:29 AM (11 of 11)
| I have a sewing machine which I purchased 3 years ago from WalMart for about $99 and it still works great for me for just about anything. I also recently purchased a HandyStitch machine and believe me, its not handy. |
User: chiloGod
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 65 
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