Eco/sustainability board - clothing alterations

[ChunkySloth]

I've recently lost 3 stone and plan to lose another 2, but I have clothes I really like, and I don't want to waste money buying new while I'm still losing. Plus I want to stop being so wasteful with money and resources.

Is there a sustainability board on here? Where I can learn about altering my clothes? Or does anyone else do this?

I do check charity shops first before buying anything now and have massively cut down on spending if not necessary.

I think there is an ethical living board but I don't know if there is much there. Also craft board for sewing people.

YouTube videos are probably a good starting point to alter clothes

This thread is all about sewing and should have some good advice:

Stitch and bitch thread #3 Sewing is harder than it seams http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/artsandd_crafts/4261344-Stitch-and-bitch-thread-3-Sewing-is-harder-than-it-seams

@InMySpareTime

This thread is all about sewing and should have some good advice:

Stitch and bitch thread #3 Sewing is harder than it seams http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/artsandd_crafts/4261344-Stitch-and-bitch-thread-3-Sewing-is-harder-than-it-seams

That looks a bit advanced 😂

@parietal

I think there is an ethical living board but I don't know if there is much there. Also craft board for sewing people.

YouTube videos are probably a good starting point to alter clothes

Ok thanks

In my experience it’s quite difficult to take something in by one or 2 sizes. You’d have to unpick all the seems, recut then re-sew. Are you good with a machine?

@bebanjo

In my experience it’s quite difficult to take something in by one or 2 sizes. You’d have to unpick all the seems, recut then re-sew. Are you good with a machine?

No, I'm starting from.an absolute beginner level. I can sew a button on or sew up a hole.

I am not an accomplished seamstress but, if you are willing to give it a go, the only advice I have is something I heard from a tailoress (that's what she called herself!) years ago - which was only to do stuff on the side seams because they are the least visibile to others.
I often take in the waistbands of trousers and skirts (I am an odd shape) and the mid-sections of dresses.

Maybe have a go on something that's not too precious, to start with?

Also, you can tack where you think you should sew (i.e. don't rely on just pinning) to make sure it's right before you go to the "final" stitching.

But if your clothes are generally very tailored/"fitted", it will be much more difficult. All my successes are on more casual clothes - A-line dresses, full skirts etc.

I also second the suggestions to look at YouTube.

Good luck! Would be interested in your results if you give it a go.

@cruelladepoppins

I am not an accomplished seamstress but, if you are willing to give it a go, the only advice I have is something I heard from a tailoress (that's what she called herself!) years ago - which was only to do stuff on the side seams because they are the least visibile to others. I often take in the waistbands of trousers and skirts (I am an odd shape) and the mid-sections of dresses.

Maybe have a go on something that's not too precious, to start with?

Also, you can tack where you think you should sew (i.e. don't rely on just pinning) to make sure it's right before you go to the "final" stitching.

But if your clothes are generally very tailored/"fitted", it will be much more difficult. All my successes are on more casual clothes - A-line dresses, full skirts etc.

I also second the suggestions to look at YouTube.

Good luck! Would be interested in your results if you give it a go.

Thanks, that's really good advice. I'll update if I butcher alter something.