| I have this pair of jeans that actually fit very well, however the zipper will not go up. Is there anyway I can stretch them out? |
 | Your drycleaner may have a wax stick that they can use to lubricate the zipper. If not, they could replace it with a better-quality zipper. |
| I have a velvet dress that I need to let out. When I took out the stitching I realized that there are very visible marks from the old stitching. How do I, or can I get rid of it? |
| This is an age old problem with Velvet, with darker colors presenting the most challenge. You probably have sewing holes and matted velvet, where pressure flattened the fabric. Velvet is a pile fabric, so the nap is easily crushed - not just by old sewing machine holes and stitching, but also by alcohol and liquid spills, as well as perspiration. It is very hard to "lift" the nap of Velvet, even for professional drycleaners with the best equipment.
A drycleaner can open the seams, steam and brush the velvet, and remove many of the marks. Be very specific about your expectations, but the cleaner should be able to test the fabric and give you a prognosis. |
| I want to restore a red beaded top by Adrienne Pappell. It has an L-shaped tear in lower left side that is 1 |
| We cannot see the garment, but have seen enough, first hand, to "see" your dilemma. The fabric is too sheer to do an iron-on, stitching will show, a dart may look stupid, and if it's not close enough to a seam to taper, that just about takes care of all the options.
We suggest that you add a design or accent to the area. By doing this, you can stitch or bond and reinforce as you like. Whether you can affectively add a design to the area without drawing undo attention to the spot, is your call. But you could duplicate the same design or emblem across from it or in the general area to make it look like it belongs.
A good seamstress with an imagination can do wonders, so think about consulting with one of ours. |
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