|
Browse Search Frugal Japan Family For Editors Contact |
Clothing-AlterationsEver noticed how much cheaper men's and boys' T-shirts are compared to women's and girls'? And they offer a wide range of colors and designs that women and girls could wear. That tight "crew neck" looks too masculine -- and too hot! Do you have (or can you borrow) pinking shears? If you use them to carefully cut off the neckband, the result is a more feminine, decorative, deckle-edged neckline that relaxes to the collarbones for a nicer look. To carry on the motif, this can also be done to the sleeve hem and even the bottom hem. Be sure that the teeth of the shears cut between 1/2 and 1 cm above the hem stitching. If closer, the stitching could break or relax too much. If further, the two layers of hem will curl apart; that doesn't look as good. _Never_ cut _below_ the stitching (i.e., on the "body" side of the stitching). The edge will curl and the neckline will be much too deep. (If you want a lower/different neckline, sew in your own stitching at the level you want, and then cut above _that_.) Even if you have to buy pinking shears at a sewing and yard goods store, you'll recoup the price (about 3,000 yen) in savings in T-shirt purchases. -- ES I often find women's tops that have colors or patterns I like, but which, as a large American woman, I just can't fit. Sometimes I still buy them, if they're anywhere near my size. One idea is to split the side seams and sew the too-small shirt _on top of_ a plain one that fits. Another is to split the side seams and bridge the gap at the sides by sewing in panels cut from another T that fits. (Maybe I wouldn't have to destroy another shirt; maybe could use the excess cut from the longer "tails" that men's Ts have.) -- ES I sew some of my own clothes (trousers, raincoat, suit, etc). That may not save much money (fabric even bought at the cheap store Yuzawaya is not that cheap, not to mention the price of the pattern etc), but the clothes are fitting and comfortable. Not to mention that they match my taste for simple stuff. Yuzawaya is a great place to buy all kinds of things for crafts. And if you plan to go regularly, you should become a member. You will get a 10% discount on unreduced items. It's also a great place to get back in touch with one's creativity. www.yuzawaya.co.jp (in Japanese only). There are stores in Kamata, Urawa, Kichijoji etc. -- AM I'm a terrible seamstress but was able to redesign a few of my old knit tops and tee shirts into cute outfits for one-year-old DD nine years ago. It was fun to create something new out of no longer worn old favorites. -- KS << | Index | >> |