Off-topic clothing alterations

I have a problem, some of clothes don't fit, around the waist/hips. I really can't afford to buy new clothes and I'm thinking if I alter the cloths, this will get me thru the next few months, then I can buy some items, little by little.

I've searched high and low, does anyone know of a website where I can get instructions on how to alter my clothing? I sew, have a sewing machine, have made costumes, curtains, dresses, etc. so I think with instructions I could do this.

I'm tired of pulling my pants up, buying belts and having that safety pin crease on my skirts.

I would go to your local craft store. Like Joanne's micheals and see if they have any classes on tat kind of ting. Alot of times tey are free classes. Good luck. Have you tried going to 2nd and stores. You can get some good stuff till you can buy brand new stuff.

I gather you're taking things in. That's pretty easy to do. One way to go is to put them on inside out, pin the old seams snugger so it looks and feels about right, then caaaaarefully remove the garment, and sew where the pins are. Just taper down what you're taking in 'til you meet the old seams somewhere they still fit. Kind of like making a dart, if you've done that. Then try it on the right way. If it's ok, then you can cut off some of the extraneous material (down to ordinary seam width), press so it doesn't bulge and zig-zag so it doesn't ravel (however that's spelled).

Oh, and if this means you've lost weight, and if that was your intention, then congratulations! Wish I could say and do the same. :)

My method for anything like that is to give them to my Mum and then do something nice for her. Works a charm! :D I think bikeless's way is pretty effective too though. ;)

hehe I am still a bit wide around my hips and bought the men's Gore Tool jacket. Now the bottom of the zipper is coming off its seam because I am constantly stretching there a bit - would a couple triangles of stretchy material on the bottom be easy to do?

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Originally Posted by tlkiwi

My method for anything like that is to give them to my Mum and then do something nice for her. Works a charm! I think bikeless's way is pretty effective too though.

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You wouldn't happen to be my daughter, would you, hiding behind that alias? :p

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Originally Posted by alpinerabbit

hehe I am still a bit wide around my hips and bought the men's Gore Tool jacket. Now the bottom of the zipper is coming off its seam because I am constantly stretching there a bit - would a couple triangles of stretchy material on the bottom be easy to do?

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Yes, that should work. Find a color that suits and patch a triangle into each side seam down by the hem, just like a gusset. When you fold the seams back outward, the gusset material should lie flat. You should probably take out a bit of the hem either side of the seam first, then re-hem across the bottom of the stretchy stuff as well when done. Still a fairly simple job, and would look a bit neater. This should make a better women's fit out of a men's garment. We're the ones with curves the men covet. ;)

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Originally Posted by bikeless in WI

You wouldn't happen to be my daughter, would you, hiding behind that alias? :p

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Heh. Deep (or not so deep) down you know you'd much rather have your house vaccuumed and a cup of tea made for you than let someone else within touching distance of your sewing machine. ;)

Oooh! You do floors for sewing! :) :) :)
If you're not my daughter, I'd adopt you any day! :D

Alpine rabbit- IO have the same problem! I can't find nice womens jackets (or jerseys) that fit me well and the mens are ok but tight in the hips. I'd be very interested to know how your jacket turns out. I think I will have mine done by the local tailor as I don't sew that well!