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I know this thread is a bit old now, but I don't think it's ridiculous at all to want to alter t-shirts. I have plenty of tees with awesome graphics (and white tees) that I want to take in at the waist so things don't gap quite so much on me. For what it's worth, I got an inexpensive sewing machine. I actually did my first pass through on the machine today with scrap fabric for a couple of hours, learning different stitches. Then I dove in and altered a dress I had laying around that didn't quite fit. Ultimately learning how to finish the seams inside of clothes will be challenging, but it will save me both money and time (metroing to the tailor, waiting for alterations) just doing the alterations myself.

I'm a paralegal by trade and in school for computer science, so this is hardly my day job! If you're interested, I think learning to alter your basic clothes is well worth it.

Wonderful. Could you post or DM the link? I have the book, but it would be nice to have a searchable copy.

Here's another helpful book:

Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket

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This book is on ladies tailoring, but it had excellent information on pad stitching.

Vintage Couture Tailoring

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This is very advanced.

The Cutting of Canvasses

A Method of Basting in the Canvas

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jicjichos Women's Sweetheart Strapless Evening Dresses Satin High Slit with Pocket Long Prom Dress J212 Size 6 Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0775G3859/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ya2IDb5HRJDEA


Adding tulle to this and a little belt could get you pretty close without breaking the bank! Good luck!

Thank you very much. I spent several hours awhile back looking for this, but didn't know what it was called.

Unfortunately....and the reason I never found something I guess....it doesn't seem to be available here in the U.S. And the one source I found in the UK had 3 bottles left. I have no desire to pay overseas shipping for something I've managed without for so long.

I did find a [similar product] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AQX63A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1) that is reasonably priced and free shipping. Hopefully it works as well.

I believe I have looked at the SG videos in the past, but I went by the description on the website. As I wrote, video instruction is not the way to go for someone who seriously desires to pursue a tailoring career. You need to have someone experienced watching you.

As for the books, I know both and own the first edition of men's Cabrera and the women's tailoring Cabrera and disagree that the women's tailoring book you suggest is as good or as appropriate for men's bespoke as Cabrera. There is no perfect book, but to start, if I could buy only one book, I'd buy Cabrera and maybe this one, because it has excellent photos. I'm not saying the other book is bad, just that it wouldn't be my first choice.

I've taken classes with older tailors from Italy who started training after school when they were kids. I've made skirts, trousers, and jackets with fine hand tailoring methods. The recommendations I made are solid.

I have two pair of Gingher 8 Inch Left Hand Shears. They are about 15 years old, and sharpened twice by the company. Made to last if well cared for.
Gingher 8 Inch Left Hand Dressmaker Shears https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BZBLBOC

I am in love with hymark thread. I dont know if thats really the name but its essentially really thick, strong upholstery thread. I believe its made of nylon. I work in a costume shop for a theatre and thats what we use when we have really heavy pieces that we cant chance breaking the thread on stage. You can find it on amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Upholstery-Thread-150-Yard-Natural/dp/B003W0Z0GE

Edit: its Hy-Mark

I would recommend an unpicker (also called a seam ripper), you can pick one up at your local sewing shop, or just grab one from amazon like this one alternatively some of these snips would work just fine too.

I would recommend trying something like Grandma's Stain Remover. Of course you'll want to test it first on a inconspicuous area first.

This one is good. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1565235118/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1468690432&sr=8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

I also found this useful: http://www.thesewingguru.com

> we use scalpels at work.

Do they look anything like this Gingher seam ripper? I bought one because it looked so cool, but eventually went back to the conventional version. Some people use razor blades, but I'd be too chicken.

Have you seen this book?
It's very informative and was really handy for the men's shirt I made recently. It is quite old though and I think the author is releasing a new book this year.