Stupid question about having clothes altered

[artifarti]

I have a dress, lined, with the zip up the back that is too big for me, especially around the waist and gaping around the armpit/chest area. It's a really nice dress so I would like to get it altered. The man in my local dry cleaners said I had to pin it but how do I go about this? (I told you it was a stupid question!) Do I unpick the existing seams first?

I don't think you do have to unpick the seams, but not sure. Can't you take it to an alterations place where they pin it for you??? Last time I had something altered they pinned it for me. Seems odd that you have to pin it yourself??

That's what I thought - but I have been to two places and both have looked at me like I'm a pervert when I suggested them doing the measurements! Was beginning to think I was making a big fashion faux pas...

No you need to find a proper seamstress rather than a dry cleaner - they are a bit thin on the ground but will definitely do the pinning for you!

Get a friend to pin it on you. The drycleaner was being unnecessarily sarky and really ought to lose this bit of business! Is there another drycleaner nearby? or, if you have a fabric and haberdashery shop nearby, that is the place to find someone to help!

THere seem to be no end of small places/tailors near work that offer alterations - if you are in London maybe worth a try?
Round Gt Portland St sort of area.