Today’s workdesk pic requires a little bit of background info.  As I mentioned in previous posts, I’ve lost quite a bit of weight in the past year.  So a couple weekends ago I spent a Saturday morning trying on just about every stitch of clothing that I own.  (It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be!)

The results?

  • Three large trash bags of stuff that was too big. Donated.
  • Two garments that I spent quite a bit of time making but are too big to keep.  I hope to sell these.
  • One pile of garments that I like enough to take the time to alter.
  • And, of course, a much neater and easier to access closet!

What you see on today’s workdesk is a lavender jacket from the pile that’s always been a favorite.  It’s made out of stretch moleskin, seems to be indestructible and looks good with just about anything.  Now it’s way too big to look good, but I hate to get rid of it.

2011-03-23-woyww

My plan is take the finished measurements of this jacket, compare them with the finished measurements of a jacket that fits well, take the jacket apart, make a pattern from the taken apart pieces and then grade down the pattern to match the measurements that fit.  Make sense?

I’ve done the measuring bit, the next step is to take seam ripper in hand and start deconstructing.

Yikes, I’m scared.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

(And, if you’re wondering why I posted a photo of my workdesk, go here to find out and check out what others from all over the world are doing.)

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18 thoughts on “WOYWW – Altering Favorite Garments

  1. Well done for shifting the weight – by the looks of the clothes that are too big you must be teeny tiny now! Have fun with those alterations – I used to do a lot of dressmaking when the kids were little but the machine only gets an outing now when I want to do some sewing on a card – sad little blunt needle in it and everything :-0 Happy WOYWW – Hugs – Caroline xoxo

    1. Any advice you can offer would be great, I’m kinda figuring this out as I go along. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by!

  2. Happy Thursday. I’m just doing a very quick blog dash to make sure all our WOYWW friends get the heads up on the BIG celebration draw over in our blog shop. Please excuse this copied and pasted message but it’s the only way I can get round you all this week. If you check out my blog you will see what’s keeping me busy 🙂

    Shop draw

    Good luck,
    A x

    1. We shall see. I’m glad I didn’t start cutting yet, I just remembered two more measurements I needed to take . . .

  3. Good for you. That does require a certain talent and you’ve obviously got it. Not everyone is good at sewing that’s for sure. I’m impressed! I also noticed those beautiful zipper flowers on your side bar. Outstanding!!!! Have a great day! TFS

    1. Thanks, I do try. 🙂

      The zipper flowers are for sale in my Etsy shop, or you can make your own with the tutorial here.

      Thanks for stopping by!

  4. WOW you are such a busy person! I used to sew a lot but got out of the habit. I will be interested how you get all this accomplished. I need to alter some stuff. Sorry I am so late making it around but last week was very busy. Thanks for sharing. Vickie #162

    1. Vickie, I find the time only by not doing as much housework as I should, lol.

      Not that my house is a mess, I hate clutter and keep things neat. It’s just that that dust bunnies hiding under things don’t bother me one bit. They’re welcome to multiply as long as they don’t come out where I can see them. ***grin***

  5. Ohemgee, how brave! I understand how you need to keep the jacket – it’s gorgeous. Am sure you can do it though – otherwise you couldn’t contemplate it. Talk about an edge of our seats WOYWW crowd!

    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence! Right now it’s all taken apart. Time to iron all the pieces, remove excess threads and start tracing the pattern.

      I think the trickiest part will be grading down the armhole/sleeve cap.

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