Has anyone used a dressmaker to let a dress out?

[whataboutbob]

I bought a lovely Agnes B shirtdress on ebay but it is a touch too tight around the waist and bust (can wear it, but it feels like I have a corset on). It has several panels with about 1" of spare fabric on each seam. I am thinking of taking it to a specialist dressmaker/ alterations shop but wonder 1) whether it'll be successful 2) whether it'll be very expensive.

I regularly use a local alterations shop for all sorts of clothes - and assuming there's enough material in the dress to let it out, then I think you should go for it! I often have dresses taken in (I like Boden, but some of their dresses can be a bit shapeless) I paid approx £15 last time.

I use dressmakers regularly, to take stuff in or even make stuff. I can't come to on price because im not in thr UK but I think you might be suprised.

Thanks guys for your encouragement. Although I suspect letting out might be quite a bigger job than taking in, and more expensive. Agree with a bit shapeless boden dresses!

a stitch ripper and a simple sewing machine and you can do this as you will be following the last line if stitches already sewn. Try it !

Thanks amarmai but I confess I can't do any sewing beyond replacing a button, I don't have a sewing machine, but I would be willing to take it to a competent dressmaker and pay.

I do my own dressmaking and would agree letting it out could be harder/more expensive.

Would the dressmaker have to do both sides to make it even? Would it involve moving a zip?
Are the edges over locked?

I take in almost all of my dresses or have it done by a dressmaker (depending on time, complexity and my inclination) because I have a tiny waist and comparatively big bum and just hate how the fabric pools around my lower back otherwise. It's really worth it!

If you have that much fabric to spare in your Sean allowances this should be a breeze to alter. Go for it!

Thanks for the encouragement! There's no zip Sunny just buttons down the front , 4 panels down the back and 2 on the front. It's a beautiful thick cotton fabric.