DIY Alterations: Lined Coat Edition

Do you remember this camel coat from a few weeks ago? Well, I took it in to my tailor to see how much it would cost to have it taken in, since it is so loose at the waist. He looked at it and said, "Usually for a lined full-length coat, I would charge $75, but since you are so short, I will charge the same as for a suit coat - $40". It was a nice gesture, but I would rather put $40 toward a new coat than spend it on an old one that I hardly ever wear.

So then, I was left with two choices: give it away or alter it myself. What do you think I did?

First, I needed a strategy. I noticed that there was a seam going all the way down under each arm, which meant that I could simply slim the waist just like I have done to many, many blouses. But first, I needed to get at the inside of the seam underneath the lining. 

So, I pulled out my trusty seam-ripper (my most used sewing tool) and separated the lining from the coat along the bottom. I tried to rip out as little as possible, knowing that I would have to sew it back by hand in the end, which resulted in about a 10" hole at the bottom of each of the two seams that I needed to work with. 

Here is a view of the seam pulled through the hole between the lining and the coat bottom. 

I pinned it the way I thought I wanted it and then tried it on to make sure of the fit. 

Then, I sewed along the pins, making sure to join with the old seam as gradually as possible over the hip area.

  

After I was happy with the final fit, I cut off the excess fabric.

Finally, I sewed the lining back to the coat. I think the proper stitch is a slipstitch, but really, I just winged it, since it would be covered by the lining anyway. 

Drumroll, please! 

Ta da!

And from the back...

What do you think? 

In case you are wondering what I am wearing underneath the coat...

Coat: Ann Taylor (circa 5 years ago)

Sweater: Old Navy (recent)

Jeans: Ann Taylor (recent - Petite Modern Fit Bootcut)

Shoes: BCBGeneration (via TJ Maxx)

Tailoring: Grey Pants

These are the pants that I bought a few weeks ago, and I decided to take them to the tailor instead of hemming them myself. I like the grey color and slight texture, and I love the fact that I didn't have to agonize over the right length for the hem or spend an hour pinning and blind-stitching them. 

All I had to do was step up to the mirror and look ahead. He pinned them and asked if it was the correct length (it was), and then I changed back into my shorts and left. I think that from now on, with high quality pants, this will be my new modus operandi. For $10, I think it is worth it. 

I got the shirt, and another of the same in eggplant, the other day during the 50% off the clearance rack sale at Ann Taylor. Do you like it tucked in with a belt or left untucked better?

Blazer: Ann Taylor

Necklace: Gift

Shirt: Ann Taylor

Pants: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Belt: Target

Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Do you hem your own pants or take them to a tailor?

Tailoring: Leopard Skirt

My second newly tailored (by a professional) item is this leopard pencil skirt. When I first bought it, it fit perfectly around my hips and the length was right, but it was too loose at the waist. The gap wasn't enough to stick out, but it didn't help at all to define my waist. So, for $10, my new tailor took it in. 

 Part of me wishes that the skirt sat a little bit higher on my waist, but then my behind would be in the wrong place, so I guess I will work with it as is. Next time, I may add a thick elastic belt to give the illusion of a higher waist, which will work better now that it has been tailored since there will be less fabric to bunch up underneath it. 

P.S. Do you like my penguin pose? I think I was thinking animal print + dressed up = penguin. Hmm, I'm not sure it all adds up.

Does anyone know the name of the extra little panel at the bottom of the back of the skirt that makes it flowy? I like it, but can't figure out what it is called.

Earrings: Target

Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Shirt: Ann Taylor

Bracelet: 10,000 Villages

Skirt: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Tailoring: Black Dress

This is the first of a three part series documenting three pieces that I had tailored. They will be scheduled while I am away in Florida visiting Katie. I will write some fun Florida-themed posts when I return.

I honestly can't believe that it took me so long to seek out some professional help. Believe me, I will be leaving my major alterations to the pros from now on, but I will still take care of the minor ones myself.

You may recognize this black dress from my previous post, In Memory. Well, I finally followed through and took it to a tailor, who shortened it and took in the sides. When he first saw how it fit, he said, "hmm...a little bit too grandma." He speaks Italian and has a sense of humor.

After the tailor did his magic, I found that rather than hanging from my shoulders, it is now body skimming, but not too tight. I think the shorter length suits my height better as well. So after 10 years, this classic black dress has found new life. What do you think?

Here is the before and after:

Here is a shot of the little tailor shop. Look at the old sewing machines and iron! Plus, as I mentioned before, he speaks Italian, so I can practice. It is so quaint and he did a great job, so I will be going back.

                                                        

Here is my 'I'm so happy that I found a good tailor' shot.

Dress: Ann Taylor (tailored)

Necklace: Target

Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Have you ever had anything tailored?