Today's inquiries - Decisions in Gown Alterations

Yesterday I received a few different requests to alter gowns for upcoming proms and weddings.  I find it to be an interesting contrast of values when it comes to hiring a seamstress.

My first client was a mom whos daughter came to me last year needing overnight work done because the seamstress she originally hired decided she couldn't work on the dress because she was inexperienced in the sequin type work.  I remember the day she called panicked and frustrated with a seamstress who didn't call until the very last minute sharing she could not complete the job.

Yesterday her mom called, sharing how I was able to turn her negative experience of working with a seamstress into a positive one.  At a young age her daughter discovered the need to be pro-active in her search for someone she can trust.  This young client, knowing that alterations were a probable possibility for this years prom, decided to ask a friend about the dress she wore last year.  Her friend was happy to sell her gown, providing my client an expensive dress at the fraction of the cost.  In doing so, she saved resources so that the cost of alteration work would fit comfortably into her budget.  Fortunately, the other benefit of purchasing this gown from a friend similar in size could possibly result in less costly alteration work.

My 2nd request came from a woman who is new in the area, yet is in an upcoming, elegant wedding as a bridesmaid, asking what the cost and turn-around time would be.  In sharing with her that I don't provide estimates over the phone, but that my average bridesmaid/prom style dresses with minimal layers run between $150 - $200, also noting that some are less with very few alteration needs, while others needing extensive work cost more.  Right now my turn-around is approximately 3 weeks on bridesmaids, yet as my rack fills up, this will be extended.  After sharing the basic information, she booked with the understanding of my inability to provide an exact estimate over the phone and acceptance of my turn-around schedule.

Both are examples of customers who desire their gowns to fit well for both of their occasions, and although price will always be a factor for all consumers, these clients were  first looking for quality service.  My first client, knowing how quickly my schedule fills for the prom season, already satisfied with previous work I did for them, called soon in the season to avoid rush fees for waiting until the last minute, while also booking for both her daughters.  My 2nd customer was looking for a basic idea of what costs could be and a turn-around time.  Yet both understood the value of my time, for the work they wanted, in order to make their gowns fit them well.

My final call was from someone who has never needed someone to alter her gowns or clothing.  She found her dream wedding dress on Ebay for $50.00.  Personally, I think it's a great deal even if reasonable alterations are needed.  The only downside was that it came in too small for her with the request that I add small pieces of fabric to expand the sides.  Unfortunately, providing gussets into a gown can sometimes be a tedious and costly chore, as it requires lining fabric as well as matching gown fabric, along with determining how to apply them to fit the style of the garment as well as create a proper fit.  It is something I have done in the past, but is usually quite costly.  Not something I recommend unless there are no other options.

Sight unseen, if the client was really set on this gown, would require a paid consult of her taking the time to visit so we could discuss the options available.  The decision:  Since she only spent $50 on the dress, the cost for the consult along with alterations would cost more than she paid for the dress.  She decided she would rather buy a new gown.

The positive side of her decision is that she could probably find another dress that would fit her better, with less alteration work.  The down side is that her larger size will limit what she will be able to find off the rack, with only a month before her wedding.  If she is able to find a dress that will reasonably fit, she will still incur the cost of alterations, which can sometimes still cost more than the cost of a dress (most especially if found on sale) along with rush fees.  I hope she is blessed in finding a dress that fits her perfectly.

What I have discovered is that those who have never had the need for a seamstress for alteration or custom sewing services, find the cost to be a little overwhelming.  Some gowns need minimal work, so the cost comes under the norm.  Yet, sight unseen, I will let people know the averages of gowns I have worked on over the past year.  Excessive alterations and custom work will always increase the cost, many times matching the cost of the gown or more.  If their gown was purchased on sale, or clearance, they forget that a seamstress cannot provide their services to match the cost of their dress, most especially a $50-$100 gown, unless the alteration is mild.

My goal in sharing this information is to educate.  Seamstresses who run a business, even if done at home, are looking to provide you a quality service that you will be pleased with.  Quality service comes with experience and the ability to take the necessary time to evaluate your needs, listen to your goals, and take the time to properly evaluate the construction to determine the time involved in make those necessary alterations and/or added custom services.

Don't call a seamstress expecting to pay $25 - $50 for gown alterations.  The same holds true for hems on pants, jeans and slacks....long gone are the days when jean hems cost $5.00.  There's more to alteration work then putting the item on the machine and stitching in place.

Almost like going to the mechanic for your car inspection.  Sometimes the minor repair you want to have done is not so minor.  Until they see your car up on the lift, they will not be able to definitively share what your estimate of labor and parts will be.  The same holds true to your garment alteration and custom sewing needs.

Laura

Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

Deciding when to alter a garment - educating the customer

Men slacks with shorten cuffed hem

Jean hem shorten to look like original

Throughout the course of a day or week, I receive a variety of phone calls from clients looking to have a variety of alteration work done.  It ranges from a simple hem to replacing thick leather jacket type zippers, among the many other type of inquiries.

Unfortunately I cannot possibly know for certain what each item will cost until I see the garment/item.  But, for those who are ready to run over with the basket of clothing or a pair of jeans they just received at an incredible deal, I share with them that my hems range starting around $20.  For some this is too much.  But, what it does do is allow them to take a look at what they have and decide if the cost outweighs the value of their garment/item.

This provides me the opportunity to educate my potential client.  Using jeans as my example; depending on how much of a hem change needs to be made on the jeans, depends on how much time is involved.  It's not always about cutting and hemming, but rather removing the secure jean type stitching, measuring and remeasuring to make sure I am placing the hem where the client has chosen for the length they chose to wear them at.

There is more to a hem than sitting at a machine and stitching.  These are the steps for pant hems (not including overhead costs):

1. meet with the client  - sometimes they have already pinned the garment and other times I need to spend 15 min fitting to the shoe height they desire to wear their pants with.
2. determine if the hem can be cut off, or stitches need to be removed
3. if applicable, remove the old stitching
4. cut the excess off
5. refold, add bias tape, etc...whatever is needed to prepare for the new hem
6. either machine stitch, jean stitch, blind stitch or hand stitch in place.
7. put thread into machine and replace needle to make sure there are no burrs to snag material from over-use of a previous order (or thread a needle if hand stitching)
8. press the hem
9. double check to make sure the length is accurate
10. create their invoice, email (sometimes followed up with a phone call) and schedule a meeting for them to try on and pick up their garment(s)
11. hang garment(s) and clean up to prepare for next sewing or alteration job.

Not everyone is willing to value the work that goes into making their garment fit them well, as they look at the cost they paid and subconsiously have decided what they are willing to pay.  Yet some will take the time and rationalize that "well, I paid $120 for these dress slacks, I want them done well", or "I got a great deal, it is worth the extra that I saved to get the length I need", etc.  While others will not take the time to understand that my time is invested on their behalf so that they look great!  People work hard for their earnings and there's nothing more discouraging when, no matter how much or little, realize that their awesome deal will cost them more than a few dollars to fit well.

My goal as a seamstress, whether creating from materials and patterns, heirlooms from a wedding gown, applying military patches or even the basics of hemming jeans and replacing zippers, is to provide a quality service that makes the customer leave knowing that I care about how they look or feel about their final product. 

I want my customers to feel good about the value of service they are receiving from my seamstress skills.

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Bridal, Prom & Other Formal Wear Alterations – What to Expect & What Will it Cost

Bridal, Prom & Other Formal Wear Alterations – What to Expect & What Will it Cost

By Laura D. Field of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

As a seamstress, there is nothing better than seeing a client leave with a smile knowing that you made their garment fit them the way they envisioned it to fit.  It’s a joy to see that the final look is flattering on them as well as makes them feel beautiful.

My services include a large variety of alterations and custom sewing, but this article is about altering the gowns.  The client is either arriving with a gown they spent many hours shopping for, an heirloom gown that was passed down to them, or having to wear a dress that was selected for them (re: bridesmaids).  My goal as a seamstress is to provide a fit that works for the dress and client.  Many times they have an idea of what they want, and as a team, I work with my client to reach their goal.  Sometimes, I might make a few suggestions, and sometimes I will suggest not doing something if the change is not that imperative to the occasion.

Many of my clients are repeat or recommended by my past clients.  But I do get many new clients who, for the first time, need a seamstress to alter their gown.  The first question I often get is “How much will this cost?” along with the added comment that “It just needs a few simple alterations”.  It is so difficult for a seamstress to provide an estimate over the phone without seeing the dress in person, the materials it is made out of, and how the dress is fitting the particular client.  Everyone is shaped different, making the same gown look different on each lady who wears it.  And, what might seem “simple” is actually a little more involved than what one would generally expect.

How to prepare for your fitting and alterations:

• BRING the shoes that you plan on wearing, or at least a pair in the same height you expect to wear.  Change in height equals additional alteration costs
• Wear/Bring your undergarments you plan on wearing.  Every undergarment is different and can add inches.
• Bring along the required cash deposit
• BE ON TIME – If you are late, and/or another client arrives on time, you risk the possibility of your appointment being rescheduled and possibly being charged for lost time.  Time is set aside specifically for you, to discuss what you want done, measure, pin, etc., to be sure I know what you are looking to have done so if can be done efficiently.  Call 24-48 hrs in advance to cancel your appointment.

What can you expect when you arrive for your fitting and alterations: 

• Inspection of your gown to see what type of material I will be working with, how it is made, how it fits you, etc.
• Discussion of what you are looking to have done.  This is your gown.  Since I am not wearing the gown I will need to understand what you specifically want done. 
• I will always explain why I can’t do something you had your heart on, and offer an alternative, or suggest not doing it at all.  But in the end, it is your decision.
• I will suggest what I see needing to be done, but you will never be pressured to use that suggestion.
• You will leave with an estimate of your alteration costs.  This is just an “estimate” and could change depending on finding something I didn’t expect, you making changes, etc.
• You will find that I want you to feel confident in knowing that I’m here to do a quality job for you.  You will be given my contact information so that you can reach me via phone or email for any questions you might have after you leave.

When Should I Book my First Fitting/Consult?

• Brides - at least 6 weeks in advance
• Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride/Groom - at least 2 weeks in advances unless it is a little more detailed than the average dress
• Flower girls - 2-6 weeks.  These little dresses range from simple to as elegant as the bride.  If it is a simple little dress 2 weeks, otherwise 6 weeks for the dresses that have lots of layers, beads, or any extra "fluff".
• From March through July, add an extra 2 weeks.
• Rush Fees are added to dress alterations where enough lead time is not given.

BUT, How Much Does It Cost??

This is a tough question to answer over the phone.  I don’t know until I see you, your gown, shoes you will be wearing, etc.

So, to help a little, this is what I share with those who are price shopping:

•  Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride/Groom, Flower Girls, and young ladies donning their Prom gowns, the average gown is $150

• Bridal Gowns have an average of $350

Gowns Are Not All the Same:  I did a prom dress for $50, yet I’ve done prom dresses for $200 and some were $350 (the full, princess style gowns).  I’ve done bridesmaid dresses for less and others more.  It all depends on the dress, the client, and what needs to be done.

Bridal gowns do average $350.00.  I’ve recently done a bridal alteration for $150, yet I have a couple of dresses that I’m working on now that are over $600 in alteration costs.  How does it get to be so expensive?  It is all dependent on the type of fabric, how many layers that need to be hemmed, fullness of the gown, how many layers of tulle netting, type of bustle, type of fitting changes that need to be made, etc.  If everything needs to be done along with a lot of changes, the price will be higher than the average.

What I recommend if you are price shopping, is to understand that a seamstress that has been altering gowns for some time won’t be able to give you a blank price/quote.  It’s not that we don’t understand that you are working with a budget, but rather we understand the time involved in taking apart and remaking the gown for you and your unique specifications.  Select a seamstress you feel comfortable working with so that you can enjoy the experience of preparing for your wedding.

Re-fashioned Harley Davidson Overalls to Jeans

Taking the opportunity to refashion overalls brought my was a delight.

This particular customer decided that it was time to rid her wardrobe of her favorite pair of overalls.  In doing so, she made the decision the create jeans so that she could continue to wear them. 

It was clear that the pants still fit her well, so there was no need to alter the waist.  In removing the bib I was able to create a fun pair of jeans that she will be able to continue to enjoy.

Nothing better than meeting the goals on my clients.

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura

Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DavinaDawnSewingSpecialties

Purchasing Quality Garments

Today, with the economy the way it is, it is even more important for people to spend their hard-earned money more wisely. Coupons, sales, clearance racks and more provide the quick/fix satisfaction of saying one has saved on their clothing budget. It also helps to take advantage of these savings when you know you will have to spend more resources to have your clothing altered due to your physical stature and unique fitting needs.


Those that know me know my frugal and conservative nature. It's not about being cheap, but making sure the money spent will be used wisely. There are many ways in which one can acquire quality garments at affordable prices yet when you shop be cautious of how manufacturers are able to provide you those low prices.

Many of us shop at the department stores for casual wear. There is nothing wrong with finding good deals that fit within your budget at these stores. But there are many things to take into consideration before grabbing those $5 deals.

Things to be cautious about:

Fabrics are thinner, resulting in the need to wear multiple layers. The style to wear two layer tank tops, or two t-shirts, etc. was not so manufacturers could "cheapen" their fabrics, but rather a fun style to enjoy. I noticed this at a store I really enjoyed shopping at in the past, as I was shopping for my daughter at Christmas time. I found a fun T-shirt that both my husband and I spotted five racks into the store. We walked over to it, and when I picked it up, I could see the light through the other side. The only reason I purchased it, was that I decided I would be getting her new tank tops as well, and would put one with this particular shirt, plus it was marked down substantially.

Another area that manufacturer's are saving money are in the manufacturing of jeans. Take a look at your belt loops. Are your belts curling on you? It could be the result of two missing belt-loops on the back. What manufacturers are doing, is instead of providing 7 - 9 beltloops, they have decreased them to five. Those who are thin probably won't even notice this, but many will once their belts start to curl on them. I am finding that I am adding belt loops to men’s jeans lately due to this problem. They used to provide two on each side in the front near the zipper and now there is only one on each side. And, there used to be two in the back between the side loops and center loop. Instead, the back still has it's center loop, but the side ones are moved back slightly past the side seams.

A quality garment will have all the grain going one way. If the vertical grain is not going straight up and down, then you will end up with an item that not look well after the first washing. The cross-grain should run horizontal to the vertical grain.

A quality garment will have more buttons and are securely sewn on. And many of the quality garments have an extra 1-2 buttons "just in case". They used to be sewn to the inside of garments, which they no longer do. If you have to bring things to your seamstress to be altered, ask him/her if they would stitch the extra button(s) to the inside of the garment in the event you need them in the future.

Make sure you try the new blouse on. You want to make sure that buttons close at the appropriate places, versus open things up for the world to see.

Quality garments will also use metal or high quality plastic zippers (some quality plastic zippers used in clothing are sold at places such as Lands End, LL Bean, etc.). Take the time to move the zipper up and down a few times to make sure it is in working order and not getting caught in the garment fabric. Also, check the stitching where the zipper is. I recently had to reinforce the stitching on a gown that still had its tags on it. My client only tried it on two times, and I was taking it in, so it was obvious it was a manufacturing defect.

Check your seams...are they sewn straight? Are they secure? You can check the seams by gently tugging on the garment to see if it is securely sewn together. You will know if it is not, as it will pull apart too much.

Do you enjoy wearing plaids and stripes? Make sure they line up at the seams. A little off, most people will not even notice, but there are cases where the plaids are obviously not matched correctly. Some might find that I'm being a little particular here. That's okay. If you are comfortable with the plaids and stripes not really lining up, I won't pick on you.

Sometimes hemlines on pants are not the same length. This is okay when you have one leg shorter than the other does (yes, I have customers where I have to alter one pant leg due to this problem), but it's not okay when you are purchasing a new pair of pants. Take the pants and fold in half and check to see if the hems match up? Great! If not, put them back on the rack and look for another pair. NOTE: When purchasing 2nd hand at thrift stores, make sure you try them on. People get their clothing altered, and sometimes the size on the garment is not necessarily the size you wear.

With skirts, jackets, blouses, and other items, do the same. Fold the garment in half to make sure the sides are symmetrical.

Time for the "Scrunch test". Take the fabric and scrunch it in your hands. Does it fall back and continue to hold its shape well? Great! Does it leave heavy wrinkles? How much do you enjoy ironing? If it wrinkles a lot or feels flimsy, you might not consider it worth purchasing. Fabrics such as wool should bounce quickly back, which would indicate its resistance to wrinkling.

Trims and beading you will want to check in a variety of areas on the garment to make sure they are securely in place. One loose thread could mean there are a variety of loose threads.

Patch pockets should lie firmly against the garment and not fall away leaving a gap between the garment and pocket fabric.

With linings you will want to make sure that they don't hang lower then the hem of the garment (pant, skirt, sleeves and jacket hems).

The goal in shopping wisely is to have longer lasting garments as well as keep alterations to a minimum. Yes, many will still need to have their clothing altered, but a poorly made item with inferior fabric is not worth the cost.

Alteration tips: Pre-wash all garments before you bring them to your seamstress/tailor to remove all shrinkage. 100% cottons could stand to use two washings (two times through the dryer as well) to make sure the shrinkage is completely out.

Also, some seamstress will charge for pre-washing or washing smoke-filled garments, or possibly refuse to do the work for you.

As you shop, consider purchasing classic styles that never go out of style. These items will last a long time if well made and taken care of. With a watchful eye, you can find great buys!

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~
Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/

Serving Those Who Serve Our Country

As part of my business of serving others through my sewing skills I am asked to frequently alter and place service patches for many service men and women.  This is an amazing group of people who depend on me to provide a service that is exact. 

Some are new and others have been serving our country for many years.  But what they all have in common is a great deal of pride and dedication to their service to our country.  They show respect to their uniform as they bring it to me for their specific alteration need.  They have an expectation that when they leave their uniform in my hands, that it will be done well and to the specifications of their branch of service.

In return, I find that I am honored to serve these men and women who risk their lives to protect me.  I find that I am more aware of my work as I measure and re-measure the placement of their service bars and stripes, before actually securing them to their uniforms.  I find that I have an additional element of pride as I serve them.

When they arrive for pick-up, they inspect their uniform, as it represents who they are and what they stand for.  My hope is that they leave totally satisfied in my work, knowing that they can wear their uniform with the pride that they carry within them. 

To those who serve our country, thank you for allowing me the priviledge of serving you with my sewing skills.  It is a honor to serve you in this capacity.

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura
Custom Seamstress
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

To Be a Seamstress

Being a seamstress allows me to use needle and thread to alter, repair, create and tailor custom and ready made clothing, as well as create a variety of other items from doll clothing, infant blankets, specialty clothing on through to include home decor type items.  There are many titles and definitions that describe the work that I do, from seamstress, dressmaker, crafter, and tailor. 

Custom dressmaking and tailoring is when one creates clothing to meet the specific requests of their customers.  This can be done using existing patterns as they are designed or altered to meet the customer's preference of style and fit, as well as creating custom patterns specific to the customer's measurements.  The custom pattern making I provide is generally on the small scale, creating patterns for dolls as I replicate fashions as requested by clients, as well as young infant clothing.  For adults, I often use ready made patterns and alter then to meet my clients request.  Occasionally, I will create a custom pattern for adults, but it is not a frequent need.

Part of  a seamstress job is to help educate customers in fabric selection for their style selection.  At times, when a customer requests it, I will spend the time shopping with them to get the fabric that is best for their style preference.  Depending on the style of their dress, it is important for me to share with them how one fabric would work better than another for their style selection.

With dressmaking and tailoring one needs to measure and fit through to the completion of the garment.  Depending on the garment, this could take from two to six fittings.  A bridal or other formal dress will take up to six fittings, where a man's vest could take two with a final fitting upon completion.

Tailoring also incorporates altering ready made garments to better fit my clients.  The most common request is for pant hems, but I frequently fit jackets, take in waistlines on slacks, jacket lining replacement and more.  In some cases, a customer will request that I add inside pockets to their jackets, change a collar, restyle or refashion a specific dress, etc.  Tailoring is about creating a look and fit that makes my customer comfortable, from the young child in dance or a recital, the office professional, to the bride and her bridal party. 

Alterations and mending services allow customers the freedom to bring along a basket or pile of mending they don't have time to conquer, as well as an individual item that needs a hem, zipper replacement, seam repair and more.  This could also incorporate mending or altering bridal and formal wear.  In addition, it not only relates to clothing, but also to the other sewing needs a client might have. 

The goal of my seamstress work is to provide a quality, finished product, using my skills, in order to give my customer what they would otherwise not be able to do themselves, or find elsewhere.  Sewing is not only a "job" but  an enjoyable career where I meet interesting people, where others are able to enjoy the gift of my sewing skills.

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura - Custom Seamstress

Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/

You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook

Preparing for Winter

It seems that once October & November arrives, we find ourselves in New England, raking, putting away the garden tools and summer furniture, and getting ready for the upcoming winter weather. Not only do we prepare the outdoors, we begin to prepare the inside as well. But, sometimes we wait until the last minute to realize that the cold is going to arrive, and find our gloves, coats, and scarves need to be cleaned, replaced, mended or altered.

New Englanders are made of two types of people: Those who Love winter, and those who could really live without it. I'm one of those that could live without it, except I do enjoy the cool weather up through Christmas, even through New Years. I love the first snowfall, the crystal glitter upon the trees, and the beauty that surrounds us. Even the driving isn't too bad. But after about two months, I'm ready for the spring.

Fortunately, I do enjoy the lovely cold weather clothing. The textures are beautiful, the colors are generally warm, allowing them to compliment many different complexions.

Winter is fast approaching. Now is a good time to check your fall/winter wardrobe, to make sure there are no buttons that need to be tighten, zippers replaced or mended, pockets repaired, and hems secure. I like to remind my customers to consider getting their alteration needs done before the weather actually changes.

Since my service not only provides alteration needs, one can bring other mending needs in addition to custom work done, so that you can have everything done all at once. Or, if you need to budget things to have them repaired, mended, altered or custom made, consider having the items you need to wear in the cold weather taken care of first.

In addition, a customer can shop online, at my site www.davinadawnsewing.com for some online products for Christmas gifts that they can pick up the same day of their alteration/mending pickup. Currently one can find doll clothing and accessories, rice therapy bags, infant/toddler blankets, and more. As I can, I continue to add items for a variety of options.

Enjoy the fall weather. We are blessed with such beautiful colors!

Laura - Custom Seamstress
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

To Alter or Not to Alter

One of the things I enjoy providing my local clients are quality alterations. In doing so, I like to make sure they are getting what they want, as well as what they need.

I had the pleasure of meeting a new client today, who was looking for someone that had flexible hours to work around her work schedule, but also someone who would be honest with her. Recently, she lost 30 pounds, but also had some alterations already done to the garments she had. She brought a suit jacket and four pairs of slacks that she felt were not fitting her well. As she tried each item on, the jacket being the first, she realized that the jacket actually fit her quite well. I couldn't see anything that would warrant an alteration as a necessity.

What I thought was going to be a very expensive job for the client and timely one for myself, based on what she shared on the phone, turned out to be a less costly situation.

As she tried each item on, I listened to her and learned that she had started to do more exercises. So, even though she wasn't planning on anymore weight loss, the clothes could continue to change how they looked on her. Yet, with three pairs, I made some adjustments that made an obvious difference in how they would fit.

One of the things I won't do is provide alterations that are not necessary. It is not fair to the client to spend hard earned resources on something that will not make a difference for them. They are depending on me to provide a fit that will allow them to feel good about how they look in their clothes, and in the case of this clients clothing already being altered, whether more alterations can be done. I will educate them where I can, show the suggested changes and let them decide whether it provides them the look they are seeking, prior to them leaving.

My goal, is to help my client feel comfortable and confident when their garment is altered. This is why I take the time needed in the first fitting.

May we all strive to look our best, feel confident in who we are, while living our lives to the fullest.

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com

Giving Life to the Frayed Edges of Towels

Today I was catching up with the laundry. The benefit of having children is that they help with the chores. The disadvantage is that they don't tell you when things need mending. So, when I take over this particular chore, due to school schedules, I discover what needs mending.

So while I was washing/folding towels and jeans, I discovered again how towels that might be just over a year to two years old, still had plenty of life in them, yet the edges were coming apart. You know how it is, where the threads start to fray away from the edges, so you begin cutting them each time you wash them because there really isn't anything wrong with the towels. Seeing this was the issue with a few washcloths and a couple bath towels, I brought them over to my serger and took care of the frayed mess.

What I do to preserve the life of the towels, so we don't need to cut them down into rags long before they need to, is serge the edges. I have done this to my towels and washclothes for quite a few years. If I get new towels as a Christmas gift, I just put them aside as our summer pool towels. They can also be used for the kids bathroom. I have not had any future issues with the towels until they are ready for the rag bin. And, the nice thing in doing this, is that edges remain the same for many future uses.

I do provide this service to local/nationwide customers who have quality towels, with plenty of life left, yet are frustrated having to cut the threads all the time from washer/dryer wear. They don't look like store-bought towels with the hemmed edges, but they stop fraying, no longer getting caught up in the washer or tied up in the laundry, and look nice and neat.

For myself, I use whatever thread I have in the serger as all I'm looking for is a quick fix. For customers who want a color to closely match their towels, I will do my best with the limited serger threads I have in stock.

I hope that you find this to be a helpful tip, or a service that you might consider taking advantage of the next time you discover your towels have too many threads when washing.

Have a delightful day filled with blessings,

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com