The Poultry Keeper

NannyP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 11:20 am Post subject: Altering my cords

So, remember me, the one who can't sew!

I have a pair of cords, that are now too big for me, and they're not that old. I want to make them fit, and realise that this will need more than taking in at the waist!

I am thinking that I will need to take in, all the seams around the body, and I also want to take in the seams down the leg (inside or outside, what would be best).

I think I will need to unpick them, and pin them, back to nearly their basic pattern...is there another way? I hope there is, as I am not in anyway a seamstress, so will be working completely in the dark Shocked

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2671 Location: South Cumbria

I would think best way take them apart and make notes if you need to, and then remake with taking same amount off on each side the waistband will be hardest if you are not used to sewing I suggest you leave the zip in too !! I used to make OH jeans when I could buy the fabric cheap using an old pair of jeans for the pattern I had good results but then my Mum was a tailoress and was brought up with sewing made my own wedding dress and the childrens coats when they were little Smile

If you are not taking them in a lot leave the surplus fabric on or you will have to overlock all the cut edges !

NannyP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 11:59 am Post subject:

Blimey, that's just reminded me, I dreamt you and I were rowing, last night. Can't remember anything else, just we were rowing, face to face (rowing as in arguing, not a boat Very Happy

)

Okay, thanks. I think they are 2 sizes too big, but I will be careful not to go too far Laughing

I am expecting it to be easier than I imagine, and am avoiding starting as much as possible Wink

CP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:04 pm Post subject:

Good luck! Wink

Sylvia · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject:

My Mum was also a tailoress and the way she showed me how to alter trousers (in my teens they didn't make them for long legged skinnies Laughing

) was to:-
Take off the waistband, put the trousers on inside out and get someone to pin the line of the excess, leave the original seams and only undo once you have the new ones. The old seam lines will act as a guide to get the correct shape line. Altered all OH's trousers this way when he lost a lot of weight and no complaints from him and he's used to be a fussy so and so when it came to his business suits Rolling Eyes

Good Luck.

NannyP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:50 pm Post subject:

Having turned them inside out, as my first step just now, I realise what a difficult job I am going to have, as I had forgotten the waistband is added after all the seams are done Embarassed

All the seams are interlocked, and of course there are the pockets to negotiate too Sad

I am sure I will get on with them, eventually...at the moment now, I will carry on finding other things to do Laughing

CP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject:

Procrastinating, NannyP! Laughing

NannyP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:56 pm Post subject:

Moi...how can you say that Rolling Eyes

I am just very busy here, foruming elsewhere, playing Scrabble on Facebook...making the odd meal and generally busy not looking at my cords Confused

CP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 1:03 pm Post subject:

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2671 Location: South Cumbria

There is another way sell them on ebay and buy some new ones right size Very Happy

strange dream !!! I was dreaming of walking my dogs with my daughter and her dog is ill at the mo Sad

NannyP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 7:11 pm Post subject:

I think I will sell them... Confused

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2089 Location: norfolk

Have you asked around how much an expert would charge to alter them for you NannyP? It might surprise you how little that would cost.

NannyP · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject:

I paid 15 euros, for someone to take 3 of my skirts in a few months back. Two of the skirts still fell off my waist, despite her measuring and pinning on me Confused

This was the catalyst for me to buy the sewing machine....and of course, I could easily take in the skirts....but the cords?
I don't want to ask her again, as I was unhappy with the skirts when I got them home.

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1452 Location: Leicestershire

Personally I think altering trousers is the worst job ever.

I've made quite a few dresses recently for myself and some for friends and the girl who cuts my hair gives me stuff to repair for her in exchange, but altering trousers. . . . well I don't want to do it. Sylvia's way sounds best but it's still a mammouth task and cords will almost certainly need an industrial machine (heavy duty). I'd abandon it Nannyp and buy some new ones (don't they have charity shops in France?)

Itsyray

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2089 Location: norfolk