I received a good question via email today. It concerns taking in a garment where the customer has lost a lot of weight. Here is the question I received from a reader: “I need to alter scrub jackets for a woman who lost 22 pounds after she purchased them. They are embroidered with the dental…
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How to Replace a Jean or Pant Zipper
You know it’s time to replace a zipper when the teeth are missing or the zipper tab has pulled away from the teeth, like this one: It’s almost impossible to put the tab back on the track. (But if the slide has broken off and the zipper is still intact, you can always just replace…
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How to Sew a Zipper into a Pillow, the Easiest Way Ever!
Yes, there are many tutorials online that teach you how to sew a zipper into a pillow. But this method is Different. Easier. As I stitched up some pillows recently, I wondered if there was already a post out there with these instructions. To my amazement, there weren’t any. So I thought I’d share that with…
Read MoreHow To Add Lining and Hem Your Drapes or Curtains
Finding drapes in the color, length and fabric you need is not an easy task, unless you get them custom made. But that is expensive. I found a set of drapes in the color and style I wanted, but the length was too long. Also, when I stood on the curb outside, they didn’t look good…
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How to Make A Dress With A Tulle Skirt
As you readers know, altering garments is my focus, not constructing them. But, I just got a great question from a reader and I would love your input in helping her. I’d love your thoughts on the tulle (netting) fabric. Do you have some tips on how to expedite the process and make that skirt…
Read MoreThank You!
The WordPress annual report just showed up in my inbox. I am speechless. There were over 290,000 visits to this blog in 2013! That’s about 800 per day….incredible! And you are reading this blog from 179 countries all over the world… (from some countries I have never heard of)…..even more incredible! Thank you to each…
Read MoreShould You Charge A Minimum Fee For Alterations?
I get asked this question alot. Should you charge your customers or friends a minimum fee for alterations? Well, let’s take an example. This morning, I found a bag on my front porch. Inside was a pair of workout pants: The customer called to say that there was a hole in the seam at the…
Read MoreHow To Alter a Top With a Low Neckline
Have you ever tried to alter a blouse that was lower in the front than you were comfortable with? It can be a little intimidating to try and figure it out. I have a frilly blouse here that needs this alteration and I hope after reading all about how to alter this top with a…
Read MoreSewing With Treadle Machines in Africa
My family and I just returned from an amazing, life changing trip to Zambia, Africa! It is a trip we will never forget. Our daughter, Michelle, works for an orphan ministry called Every Orphans Hope. We wanted to go and see her working first hand and help where we could. There are 11 orphan homes…
Read MoreTeaching the Mamas How to Sew
Updated January 2021 Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I will be in Zambia, Africa, for the next two weeks! Last summer, as many of you helped raise money to buy the mamas there each a sewing machine, God was impressing on my heart that I should be the one to…
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The Sewing Garden 