DIY Sewing

You may be the kind who prefers to sew a new garment to mending or altering, but you must admit that those skills are necessary even in today's world of ready made clothing. There are certain skills that probably everyone should have, such as altering a hem or cuff. One place to learn such skills is Hilary's U-Sew Site. Get an inside look at Hilary's site with this exclusive interview.

How did you decide to make a web site about clothing alterations and repairs?

Hilary: Prior to an interstate move, I was contemplating whether to re-start a new dressmaking business at my new address, plus I was also thinking of retirement at some future time. I looked at ways to offer my experience in a DIY situation.

I researched libraries, book stores, the internet, etc. I found countless publications offering "how to" do every aspect of clothing construction but absolutely nothing relating to altering/repairing existing clothing.

What are the three most requested repairs that people want to learn? Hilary:

1. Replacement of broken zippers,
2. Patching favourite jeans,
3. Repairing badly constructed garments.

What are the three most requested alterations that people want to learn? Hilary:

1. Taking in/letting out sideseams, darts, etc..
2. Changing the appearance of features that don't fit or aren't attractive,
3. Updating styles on favourite garments.

With clothing so inexpensive these days, what are the advantages of learning to alter and repair garments? Hilary: What you pay for is what you get. A cheap garment will never look or feel as good as a well made one. I am constantly advising U-Sew members how to alter their cheap garments to fit or look better. In other words; cheap garments usually need to be worked on to be improved, and quality garments occasionally need to be updated or repaired.

Do you have any tips for teaching children simple repairs such as replacing buttons or hems?

Hilary: Sorry, but I've never considered teaching sewing to children. My web site is aimed at those who can already do the basics. I didn't have daughters, only sons who still bring all their clothes to me for repairs. My teen age granddaughter is now studying garment construction so in time I may pass the family's sewing responsibilities onto her.

Hilary's U-Sew.com is a membership based site. She has some free hints, plus an advice section, and a "Contact Hilary" form. In the Sewing Topics section you can see the topics available for download by members. Everything from dealing with hems and waistands to different repairs or alterations for skirts, pants/jeans, sleeves, and tops. This site will give you information you need to learn to do the alterations you need for your own clothes. Mending and repairs will be simpler for you with the information by Hilary. So if you're tired of looking at that pile of mending and alterations, visit her site to get going.

Robin A. Brown writes about different sewing subjects. She is a fan of Singer brand sewing machines her whole life. She has sewn since she was in sixth grade, though not continuously.

She is now a mother with daughters who also are learning to sew. Robin prefers to sew a new garment than mending, so she makes herself do the mending before she gets to work on the new garments. That way the mending gets done.

Robin also markets Singer sewing machines and accessories at http://www.SewSing.com where she is publishing video tutorials on using mechanical Singer sewing machines. Visit http://www.SewSing.com today for video tutorials.