Can I run something by everyone as just a thought that I had..

Hello everyone.. I wanted to run something by someone which here means everyone.. and see what you all may say.. I have been in deep need of money for a very long time.. I live on about $400 a month...for rent and everything.. well I sew.. and I have been taking some of my things in so that they will fit me.. the newish me.. and a friend asked me why I could not do that for others like me.. well I can.. but I think it would be a bit easier to do that with people that live in the same state that I live in.. so that I can take their measurements.. and either take in.. or mend... or make clothes for them.. making clothes may not make sense cause many of us are getting to be somewhat normal sizes.. but occasionally I see reall cute things that are a bit to big at the thrift store.. and I can fix them,.. so do you think it would make sense to take in and mend clothes for people.. I am not even sure that people like that sort of thing any more since we such a disposible society.. but I could really use advise.. cause I could really use some more money..

well, I know new clothes are not cheap. I expect that if I am successful in my weight loss, I will have to replace my entire wardrobe. Some stuff i have is nice and hardly worn. It would be nice to make them a wee bit smaller. Some things can be made smaller with alterations. Others may present a problem. For instance, shirts. Can they be altered from their original XXL size to XL without looking strange with the fit? How about jeans? They seem to be hard to alter except for length. I think women's clothes may be easier to alter, especially skirts or dresses and slacks. It sounds like a good idea, especially if someone loves one of their outfits that can't be duplicated. Also, would it be cheaper to alter something or just buy a new one of a smaller size? What kind of altering can you do or not do Renee?

I especially see a market for this with people who are professionals who spend a lot of money on their work clothing. When you are in active weight loss phase, you really need to be able to wear things longer. Not only that, but I know people who do general seamstress work in making clothing, wedding dresses and altering things for a variety of people. I say go for it!!! Dina

I think it depends on how skilled you are. Assuming you are very skilled, you will have more business than you can handle! There are little shops in Portland that do nothing but alterations and custom clothing but they are incredibly expensive ( and some call themselves designers now even when they are using a Butterick pattern- go figure) I have to put a false hem in every pair of pants I own because I am long legged. My new daughter-in-law had a heck of a time with the woman who altered her gown. Contact bridal places and dry cleaners, too. They always need someone who can do a job and pay attention to details. There are people who will pay to have a button sewn on. tee

Having a friend who could alter my work uniforms really helped me get through the time where I was changing sizes like crazy!! A new dress is $90!! If I had to buy a new one every couple of sizes, I would have not been able to afford to work!! I think if you advertise in the right places and have affordable prices (I could not have gone to a seamstress because they were WAY too expensive- Thank God for Cindy!!) Good luck! Patrice

Hello Renee', I just may be interested in something like this....I live in Eugene. I also have a son that runs a little on the short side and we need some school pants shortened for him. Can you email me at Farmkeepper@comcast (yes there really is two "p"'s). Nice to have someone so handy so close! I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks..

This is slightly off topic, but if you are a good seamstress you should start making plus size maternity clothes. They are VERY hard to find, and sell extremely well. I sold my used ones on ebay and made almost as much as I paid for them. Just an idea... Best wishes to you and yours Isha 366/247/220-170 www.duodenalswitch.com Eat Normal & Lose!