Watty's Awakening

greenbee

My thinking was that for evening/party wear in particular - and given that it was an 'event' people who might usually splurge on an outfit might like the idea of bagging a bargain and spending the balance on getting it altered - potentially ending up with a better fit than a new outfit. 

Plenty of people I know buy clothes from the CS for environmental/sustainability reasons rather than budget reasons, so it is well worth catering to them. 

And given that you're considering having a go at alterations Watty, I wonder if there's any mileage in a CS offering (small fee to cover tutor and materials) sewing classes to help shift more stock!

WelshmansDaughter

My local library has a sewing meetup type thing where you can bring stuff in, get help with machine etc. might be something like that near you 

teapot2

Do you have a repair cafe in your area?  The one local to me has sessions where folk can bring in clothing items for repair or alteration and there are experienced sewers there to advise along with machines for those who don't have one at home.  If there is such a thing locally, might be an idea for the CS to advertise that too?

Fortune_Smiles

Hi Watty 👋  I started learning to sew a couple of years ago and can now make alterations to ready made garments.  My tip would be - it's much easier to make things smaller than bigger 🧵  Making things bigger usually requires more fabric.

I am self-taught but have started going to workshops recently to get some help with tricker fabrics and techniques.  There are lots of helpful tutorials out there on the interweb and I also have this book which has been a good investment.

Fortune x

Watty1

That is a great book recommendation @Fortune_Smiles I've popped in my one day list on amazon. The repair cafe is a great idea - and - I suspect a lot of people might pay to alter a "special occasion" outfit.  I'm going to chat with the manager next time I am in the CS.   Great tips

Watty1

Started the day a bit unmotivated, finished the day having achieved one of my goals in todays coaching session.   I started the year wanting to compete Most Handsome.  For lots of reasons, mainly my anxiety that has not happened.  We had to cancel a couple of coaching sessions, so second one today - and - I have ticked that goal off in a small way.  During the session I rode a very simple dressage test, then, she filmed it from where a judge would sit and has told me to enter it for an online competition.  And just like that a goal was achieved    I had meant to start taking Most Handsome out to shows - but - when I came indoors after my session,  I realised two sessions in and she had actually made me achieve a goal - just what she set out to do.  How fabulous!  We can build on this

Also, architect booked in for site visit in a couple of weeks.  The year may be drawing to a close, but still time to "smash these goals for 2025"

Brewerspride

@watty1 you are already smashing it!

greenbee

You are an inspiration. I really must follow your example rather than just admiring it...

Suffolk_lass

Re chilblains, I had them once as a child and my Mum had this stuff called snowfire which you sort of melted in a block in front of the fire - I can see from a quick search that there is a spray with that name these days (I don't know if it is the same thing). [Edit - there is an ointment stick (the footwear pharmacy sell it, among others] Personally I prefer an ointment - one with wintergreen or Zambuk (available from big river). Witch hazel will temporarily sooth but I remember coating the itchy little lumps worked better for me, so a pain relief ointment better. 

As for cold feet at night - it's a bit of an extravagance but the game changer for us has been silk duvets. We bought from Jasmine (who have a BF special offer on) - for both the motorhome and at home. Having had the best night's sleep ever, we upgraded - and this is the buyer of a £400 pure goose down duvet in 1990 at Vienna airport (back in the "what's a budget?" days) saying silk is better!!

I hope this helps. I still remember the crippling pain and my Mum saying you mustn't put cold feet against the radiator or in front of the fire or you'll get chilblains!

Watty1

Brewerspride said:

@watty1 you are already smashing it!

I am not sure about that, but, I am still working through my list for this year - and - thank you for the confidence vote, it is appreciated.