But if the blouse I wear at twenty pounds heavier is tailored well, maybe I like it better.

You will. I swear. Because no one, and I mean NO ONE, has the same body shapes as the fit models used by clothing companies. If you are lucky enough to stumble onto a company who's clothes fit you as if you were the fit model the pattern was drafted on, write down the name/size combo and scour thrift stores, consignment shops, and eBay for things from them. (I apparently am the same as the fit model for Lip Service XL and size 12 Ralph Lauren blazers.)

But tailoring is part of the reason I say everyone should learn to sew.

But tailoring is part of the reason I say everyone should learn to sew.

I almost posted an addendum to my last post saying, "I really should learn how to sew." It's true.

Auto classes and sewing classes.

Oh! I missed the Sparky news but am wishing good things to come from it!!

I am lisah in this one!

For the stuff I'm interested in, it seems like there's super-basic and then serious study. Where's the casual enthusiast level?

I want to start an adult ed provider and I'll label the classes as beginner, dilettante, and enthusiast, just for Jesse.

I know some sewing, but damn if it is a pain in the ass for me to do. I think I would rather clean my bathroom.

I'm going to take all the dilettante ones, just because.

Dilletante classes should comb with cigarette holders and flirtini glasses.

Erin, have you done media training? Your post to Sparky was right on!

The only thing I'd add is, if you wear a long top, sit on the back of it so the shoulders don't ride up.

Sparky, I'm saying a prayer that THIS is the thing that brings her home.

Please start with sewing and auto, Kat?

I think I'd rather sew than clean my bathroom. But, really, all I've ever sewn is buttons on and some really atrociously bad seam/rip repairs.

I did use my mother's sewing machine once for a sewing project in home ec. The one and only time I used a sewing machine.

For example (what, you guys started me off on clothing modification, one of my fave pastimes): just about any blazer I buy, be it off-the-rack or from a thrift store, goes through what I consider a "basic" round of alterations. I unpick the back seam of the lining so I can take in the center darts/seams to make it more fitted through the waist. I split and finish the back two side seams up to just above the hips, so the bottom of the jacket will lay smoothly over petticoats. I usually end up adding extra buttons and button holes, because most blazers don't have enough to deal with my bosom-to-waist ratio.

Yes, that's what I consider to be basic alterations. I know, I'm crazy.

Oh wait! Not beginner... it should be tyro, dilettante and enthusiast.

heee!

I can tailor, sort of, but mostly my skills are used for hemming at this point. Or redoing Grace's soccer uniform to fit her. I hemmed it too small, but the darts I put in the back make the top more fitted without losing the jersey number nor the seaming/decoration.

I just mailed an envelope of poop to someone.