The Alterations Diary
One common misconception I’ve come up against a lot is that alterations are always “cheaper” than buying new.
Unfortunately, that’s actually not always the case.
While clothing alterations and repairs can add longevity to your wardrobe, promote sustainable living, and inspire creative expression of your unique style, they can actually be more expensive under certain circumstances:
the wedding gown that needs to be altered by hand, because the material is too delicate to put under a machine;
the fitted-replica of a designer-label that hasn’t been mass produced in over 30 years;
the extensive, decorative patch-work and mending that is required to up-cycle an heirloom into something new…
As with most things in life, the reality of alterations is surprisingly nuanced. Made even more tricky as sewing-knowledge is still not common-knowledge among most general shoppers.
In this series I’m hoping to pull back the curtain a little bit and demystify the world of stitch-craft, clothing, and alterations.
And all for two, semi-self-serving, motives:
to help my friends and family save their hard-earned money on clothes shopping
and give them, and prospective clients, some much needed tips and tricks for researching skilled-professionals - which will tell them when and where to go to to someone for alterations.
At my very first job out-of-college, a wise mentor once told me that she believes in learning on the job - because experience is the best teacher.
So, in order to give my non-sewists friends an idea of what they should look for, I’ll be taking you through a series of some of my most common alterations, as well as some of my most esoteric projects, in order to give you a better idea of :
the quality you should be looking for (in both materials and technique),
how to find the right expert who makes you feel comfortable and confident, and
when you should invest in alterations or a new-purchase,
Because alterations and repairs are, in fact, an investment, and something so personal and precious that it can’t be bought in a big-box store.
So, if you’re really interested in learning more about the trade- the craft - and like to stick it to the fast-fashion-establishment - then come on in and join us in the studio… we have fun here, and like to raise a little Cain on the side ;)
Welcome, my friends, to Rigsby Studio!
Rigsby Studio, 2019