Have you guys ever had an article of clothing custom made? If so, where did you go to get that service done? Do alteration shops ever do custom made clothing? I'm actually surprised that there's not more of a market for that service in this country. My gut feeling tells me that people in other countries outside of the U.S. have more options available in that sector.
Custom Made Clothing
- Thread starter Merkava_4
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My mom made a lot of our clothes for us when we were growing up. She still does sewing and quilting. Her machine of choice is a Vigorelli sewing machine that she got as a wedding present back in 1950. My wife sewed a lot of her clothes when she was in high school. My daughter is extremely tall and sews a lot of her clothing. My next door neighbor advertises in the local paper that she does custom sewing work. I guess I'm saying that there are still a lot of people in this world who still sew. There is still a big market for sewing machines, including home sewing machines that cost thousands of dollars.
One factor that has mostly put a damper on self-sewn clothes is the high cost of raw fabric.
One factor that has mostly put a damper on self-sewn clothes is the high cost of raw fabric.
Kruse, I wish I had your next door neighbor!
It has always been a dream of mine to know how to make my own clothes.
It has always been a dream of mine to know how to make my own clothes.
Search the yellow pages for "seamstress". They can custom-make clothes, although they typically focus on special occasion stuff like wedding gowns, prom dresses, suits, and costumes. It's not cost-effective to custom-make everyday clothes, though, because there's no economy of scale. In that case you're better off buying something then have it altered.
The major department stores like Macy's and Nordstroms have alteration services.
The major department stores like Macy's and Nordstroms have alteration services.
Originally Posted By: Kruse
My mom made a lot of our clothes for us when we were growing up. She still does sewing and quilting. Her machine of choice is a Vigorelli sewing machine that she got as a wedding present back in 1950. My wife sewed a lot of her clothes when she was in high school. My daughter is extremely tall and sews a lot of her clothing. My next door neighbor advertises in the local paper that she does custom sewing work. I guess I'm saying that there are still a lot of people in this world who still sew. There is still a big market for sewing machines, including home sewing machines that cost thousands of dollars.
One factor that has mostly put a damper on self-sewn clothes is the high cost of raw fabric.
I would question how big a market there is for old ladys over 60's that still sew/repair clothes, since nobody under 60 does. Now-I do understand there is a larger market for the same age group that quilts that pay big bucks for those machines. Maybe that's what you were referring to.
Gee....I just replied to another Merkava useless thread.
My mom made a lot of our clothes for us when we were growing up. She still does sewing and quilting. Her machine of choice is a Vigorelli sewing machine that she got as a wedding present back in 1950. My wife sewed a lot of her clothes when she was in high school. My daughter is extremely tall and sews a lot of her clothing. My next door neighbor advertises in the local paper that she does custom sewing work. I guess I'm saying that there are still a lot of people in this world who still sew. There is still a big market for sewing machines, including home sewing machines that cost thousands of dollars.
One factor that has mostly put a damper on self-sewn clothes is the high cost of raw fabric.
I would question how big a market there is for old ladys over 60's that still sew/repair clothes, since nobody under 60 does. Now-I do understand there is a larger market for the same age group that quilts that pay big bucks for those machines. Maybe that's what you were referring to.
Gee....I just replied to another Merkava useless thread.
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Originally Posted By: CKN
I would question how big a market there is for old ladys over 60's that still sew/repair clothes, since nobody under 60 does. Now-I do understand there is a larger market for the same age group that quilts that pay big bucks for those machines. Maybe that's what you were referring to.
Gee....I just replied to another Merkava useless thread.
My wife and I attend our state fair every year. The sewing machines that I was referring to are shown there, and some of them cost thousands of dollars. They can do about anything you want, with just a touch on the screen, but I personally don't know anybody who owns one. Obviously, somebody is buying them. As stated, my mom uses a Vigorelli sewing machine that weighs a ton. (Well, that's exaggerated, but a lot) It was made in Italy in an era where things were sold with quality in mind instead of a cheap price.
You are right about the market for clothing repair. Unless, it's for items like prom dresses or specialty items, nobody makes money by mending clothes.
Although....just last Saturday night a quilt sewn by my mom and her small group of church ladies sold for $1300. Not too bad for a group of ladies who sit and sew for about an hour a week, all the time catching up on the town gossip.
If it makes you feel better, you can say that you replied to me instead of Merk, I dunno.
I would question how big a market there is for old ladys over 60's that still sew/repair clothes, since nobody under 60 does. Now-I do understand there is a larger market for the same age group that quilts that pay big bucks for those machines. Maybe that's what you were referring to.
Gee....I just replied to another Merkava useless thread.
My wife and I attend our state fair every year. The sewing machines that I was referring to are shown there, and some of them cost thousands of dollars. They can do about anything you want, with just a touch on the screen, but I personally don't know anybody who owns one. Obviously, somebody is buying them. As stated, my mom uses a Vigorelli sewing machine that weighs a ton. (Well, that's exaggerated, but a lot) It was made in Italy in an era where things were sold with quality in mind instead of a cheap price.
You are right about the market for clothing repair. Unless, it's for items like prom dresses or specialty items, nobody makes money by mending clothes.
Although....just last Saturday night a quilt sewn by my mom and her small group of church ladies sold for $1300. Not too bad for a group of ladies who sit and sew for about an hour a week, all the time catching up on the town gossip.
If it makes you feel better, you can say that you replied to me instead of Merk, I dunno.
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Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Have you guys ever had an article of clothing custom made? If so, where did you go to get that service done? Do alteration shops ever do custom made clothing? I'm actually surprised that there's not more of a market for that service in this country. My gut feeling tells me that people in other countries outside of the U.S. have more options available in that sector.
I find the Korean tailor shops wherever I live. They always do good work for me, at a fair price.
Have you guys ever had an article of clothing custom made? If so, where did you go to get that service done? Do alteration shops ever do custom made clothing? I'm actually surprised that there's not more of a market for that service in this country. My gut feeling tells me that people in other countries outside of the U.S. have more options available in that sector.
I find the Korean tailor shops wherever I live. They always do good work for me, at a fair price.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Have you guys ever had an article of clothing custom made? If so, where did you go to get that service done? Do alteration shops ever do custom made clothing? I'm actually surprised that there's not more of a market for that service in this country. My gut feeling tells me that people in other countries outside of the U.S. have more options available in that sector.
Are you so misshapen that you can't buy regular clothing?
Originally Posted By: CKN
I would question how big a market there is for old ladys over 60's that still sew/repair clothes, since nobody under 60 does.
I know of a number of people under 60 who sew/repair clothes. Most do it for their own families. Walk into a guest/spare room in most farmers' homes and you'll find a sewing machine; even in the 30-60 age group.
Have you guys ever had an article of clothing custom made? If so, where did you go to get that service done? Do alteration shops ever do custom made clothing? I'm actually surprised that there's not more of a market for that service in this country. My gut feeling tells me that people in other countries outside of the U.S. have more options available in that sector.
Are you so misshapen that you can't buy regular clothing?
Originally Posted By: CKN
I would question how big a market there is for old ladys over 60's that still sew/repair clothes, since nobody under 60 does.
I know of a number of people under 60 who sew/repair clothes. Most do it for their own families. Walk into a guest/spare room in most farmers' homes and you'll find a sewing machine; even in the 30-60 age group.
My 38 year old wife can sew, mend and has made some clothing. She took sewing lessons and bought a Janome sewing machine. The cost of material is usually more than buying clothes on the rack.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Are you so misshapen that you can't buy regular clothing?
You take our wonderful forum to new lows nearly every time you visit. What a shame you are. It's embarrassing for us. Imagine how hurtful your statement is to people that do require clothing other than what is available on the rack.
Are you so misshapen that you can't buy regular clothing?
You take our wonderful forum to new lows nearly every time you visit. What a shame you are. It's embarrassing for us. Imagine how hurtful your statement is to people that do require clothing other than what is available on the rack.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Are you so misshapen that you can't buy regular clothing?
I know of a number of people under 60 who sew/repair clothes. Most do it for their own families. Walk into a guest/spare room in most farmers' homes and you'll find a sewing machine; even in the 30-60 age group.
So the people you know are all misshapen, and that's why they sew their own clothes? The farmers and families are misshapen too? Just trying to follow your logic.
I take it, that the op was referring to say perhaps a custom shirt to get the sleeve length just right, or a custom suit. Maybe he even meant getting dress pants altered to get the length just right. Reasonable question.
Are you so misshapen that you can't buy regular clothing?
I know of a number of people under 60 who sew/repair clothes. Most do it for their own families. Walk into a guest/spare room in most farmers' homes and you'll find a sewing machine; even in the 30-60 age group.
So the people you know are all misshapen, and that's why they sew their own clothes? The farmers and families are misshapen too? Just trying to follow your logic.
I take it, that the op was referring to say perhaps a custom shirt to get the sleeve length just right, or a custom suit. Maybe he even meant getting dress pants altered to get the length just right. Reasonable question.
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I have a custom made suit. It was expensive at the time but pretty good value in that it looked good for a long time. It wasn't the latest style when I bought it (they make them that way on purpose) but it didn't look out of style as fashions changed either.
Unfortunately (as I've put on a little weight) the pants can't be alterered to fit. That surprises me as the potential for future alterations was supposed to be one of the advantages of buying custom made. The jacket still looks fine.
We're all a bit asymmetrical (one of my shoulders is a little higher than the other and my trouser legs need to be measured separately) but those differences can be compensated for in a normal fitting. If a rack suit fits, looks good on you, and is good quality, I think it's better value. But if you can't find anything that can be made to fit properly, you're the ideal customer for custom made.
Unfortunately (as I've put on a little weight) the pants can't be alterered to fit. That surprises me as the potential for future alterations was supposed to be one of the advantages of buying custom made. The jacket still looks fine.
We're all a bit asymmetrical (one of my shoulders is a little higher than the other and my trouser legs need to be measured separately) but those differences can be compensated for in a normal fitting. If a rack suit fits, looks good on you, and is good quality, I think it's better value. But if you can't find anything that can be made to fit properly, you're the ideal customer for custom made.
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As discussed in a prior thread about similar sewing needs, my wife owns a business whereas she is a seamstress since 1989. Her sewing skills started from her family owned upholstery/furniture store. Although most of her business is custom-made home and business window treatments, she is also the word of mouth prom dress adjuster, bridal party dress repair center along with pants, suit-coat adjust to fit please site. As of late, several people have had zippers or velcro installed on outer seams of pants due to the need to get into clothing from recent surgeries.
I must say with the number of sewing machines in age and mechanical ability here, I get great returns in repair of portable shed covers, boat covers, and replacement of zippers and buttons on articles of clothing I should have long sent to garage rags.
Although I am waiting for her to tell me when she wants to close her business and retire, many of the area decorating businesses she does contract work for say they have a hard time finding people to sew economically in the turn around time necessary to keep their retail business a go-to for custom work.
The business has never advertised and never short of work.
I must say with the number of sewing machines in age and mechanical ability here, I get great returns in repair of portable shed covers, boat covers, and replacement of zippers and buttons on articles of clothing I should have long sent to garage rags.
Although I am waiting for her to tell me when she wants to close her business and retire, many of the area decorating businesses she does contract work for say they have a hard time finding people to sew economically in the turn around time necessary to keep their retail business a go-to for custom work.
The business has never advertised and never short of work.
Kestas
Staff member
I took up sewing clothes when I was unemployed. It was kind of nice making custom fit clothes. I'm tall, and they just don't make shirts long enough for me. They pull out of my pants any time I lift my arms.
One downside is they don't sell quality material in the fabric stores. The material is not as good as the finished clothes at the mall.
Lately my sewing has been limited to making custom drapes, upholstery, and odd jobs like custom beach blanket, table cloth, duvet, and clothes repair. Sewing is a good talent to have around the house.
One good profitable talent is in making upholstery, such as automotive and boating. The material is cheap, but the finished product is expensive.
One downside is they don't sell quality material in the fabric stores. The material is not as good as the finished clothes at the mall.
Lately my sewing has been limited to making custom drapes, upholstery, and odd jobs like custom beach blanket, table cloth, duvet, and clothes repair. Sewing is a good talent to have around the house.
One good profitable talent is in making upholstery, such as automotive and boating. The material is cheap, but the finished product is expensive.
I knew a few drapery men. Long story short: They did alright.
Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
https://propercloth.com/
and pop_Rivit just got added to my ignore list!
I'm on his "ignore list" as well. I feel honored!
https://propercloth.com/
and pop_Rivit just got added to my ignore list!
I'm on his "ignore list" as well. I feel honored!
Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
https://propercloth.com/
and pop_Rivit just got added to my ignore list!
Hi there Vern,
Who is currently on your Ignore List? Please give us the complete list. Thank you.
https://propercloth.com/
and pop_Rivit just got added to my ignore list!
Hi there Vern,
Who is currently on your Ignore List? Please give us the complete list. Thank you.
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