And Sew in Aberfoyle Park, South Australia | Local service

And Sew

Locality: Aberfoyle Park, South Australia

Phone: +61 413 883 010

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• Sewing and alterations

25.01.2022 Well colour me happy!! How fabulous are these Fit N Flair rainbow pants? One of several pairs of pants and jeans shortened over the last few days, as well as some other fun projects. Also took in couple pairs jeans down the back seam, which can often be a good option when the pants are a half or full size too big

24.01.2022 Dear clients and friends, At this time of uncertainty and community concern surrounding Covid 19, many weddings and school formals are having to be postponed. I am however continuing to make alterations for later scheduled events, and Im still taking appointments at this point in time. Id like to reassure you of the steps Im taking to help clients feel safe when visiting my salon.... 1). I sanitise my hands, the doorbell, door handles and all surfaces clients may come into contact with, before and after each client visit. 2) I observe recommended social distancing while discussing your alterations with you, although obviously when measuring, pinning and marking I need to get closer for a short time. 3) I keep my visits to public places such as supermarkets to an absolute minimum and observe the recommendations of SA Health during those visits, thereby lowering my risk of coming into contact with the virus and potentially passing it on. In return I respectfully ask my clients to attend my salon unaccompanied where feasible and to observe recommended hygiene practices during their visits, including using hand sanitiser before entering the premises, covering mouth when coughing or sneezing, etc. Naturally, if youve travelled into Australia in the last 2 weeks, or have been feeling at all unwell for ANY reason, please postpone your appointment. Many of you will know that I look after my elderly mother who has dementia and lives in the granny flat next door. Im acutely aware of her vulnerability and therefore even more determined to avoid taking unnecessary risks in regard to health and hygiene. Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe out there.

24.01.2022 When you have a favourite but you want to change it up slightly. Add a corset of course! Client had this cute pink satin fitted dress with brown polka dots, brown trim and tulle peeking from lower edge. I added an internal panel to the back in place of zip, with brown satin cord corset loops and ribbon to lace up, with a closely matching pink colour satin modesty panel to complete the upcycle

22.01.2022 Hems and side seams have been the most popular alterations completed over the last couple of weeks, with about 18 items of school uniform, along with casual/day wear, bridesmaids, wedding and other special occasion dresses including the ones pictured. Lovin it!

21.01.2022 Another bride tribe ready to go Alterations to these four dresses involved hems, side seams, straps, a modesty panel and a small alteration to sleeves. The bride had suggested that her BMs select a style they were each comfortable with, in her choice of colour, which I think is a lovely idea and Im sure when the event takes place itll be a wonderful day for all!

21.01.2022 Im looking forward to recommencing some of the more intricate bridal and formal wear alterations as soon as the 1.5m distancing rule is lifted Ive really missed meeting new brides-to-be and sharing the excitement... Alterations to this stunning dress (completed well before Covid) included shortening at hemline (by firstly removing the appliqué edging), adding extra appliqué and tulle to cleavage, minor alterations to the plunging back, and adding a bustle. Gorgeous pics G, thank you for allowing me to share

20.01.2022 Another small upholstery job.... this time for me! Chairs purchased off Marketplace upcycled with new seat covers and a coat of paint. Matching runner from leftover fabric - which incidentally was a thermal lined curtain from Freedoms bargain bin

20.01.2022 Hi everyone! Hope youre all doing okay Im so happy I can still do some kinds of sewing tasks during these days of non-contact, otherwise Id lose my mind Im currently undertaking a few small upholstery projects. And just for fun, I thought Id re-post a selection of some other soft furnishing jobs Ive done over the past year or so... not in any particular order.

20.01.2022 Romantic lace with bling Alterations on this pretty gown included swapping zipper for a lace-up corset back & reshaping bodice to suit, lengthening shoulder straps, replacing lace around top edges of bodice, and a simple bustle to finish Also did alterations to both bridesmaid dresses.... Congratulations Jasmine, your special day looked magical, and thank you for allowing me to post pics here

19.01.2022 Butter wouldnt melt right? Sooo wrong! This sweet puppy decided to remodel his mums expensive coat... fortunately we were able to steal a bit off the end of the sleeves which needed shortening anyway ... The patch is far from being invisible, but with school sports about to restart, the coat is a much needed accessory for these chilly weekends

19.01.2022 Off-shoulder straps removed, bodice back reshaped, hem shortened, loose embellishments reattached and new snap fasteners added to modesty panel...another beautiful wedding gown for a beautiful bride

18.01.2022 Classic Laura Ashley denim meets Cath Kidston designer fabric! My client wanted to embellish a favourite jacket with some gorgeous fabric shed bought overseas, and had this idea which I thoroughly enjoyed bringing to life!

18.01.2022 Rocking/nursing chair cushion makeover My client gifted her chair to her expectant sister in law with a cute fabric for new cushions Another client had a bay window seat installed and wanted a cushion to fit.... Love to do these sorts of projects in between the bridal alterations!

18.01.2022 Thank you Beth for sharing these fabulous images from your special day! I so enjoyed working on your gown and sharing your excitement at each fitting You looked absolutely amazing - congratulations to you both! xx (Images by Mel Boulden Photography, Glen Osmond)

18.01.2022 More gorgeous gowns! Alterations completed (hems, straps, side seams) ready for some fun!

18.01.2022 Heres one way of prolonging the life of a favourite garment... The collar and lapels of this PU jacket had seen better days, so my client chose some soft fur fabric for me to give it a new lease on life. Added bonus: warm and snuggly in winter

17.01.2022 To my clients, followers, friends and family - a sincere thank you for your continued support! Halfway through another year (a very unusual one to say the least!) and I feel its a good time to reiterate how much I appreciate your support. It means such a lot to me to have so many repeat clients, many of whom I also now consider as friends. I guess I must be doing something right And although she wont be reading this, Im eternally thankful to my mother, who not only ...taught me to sew at a very early age, but also imparted in me this lifelong love for the craft - the joy I feel when Im sewing is like no other! My sewing room truly is my happy place...

17.01.2022 More upcycling! When youve got an old but solid and very useful piece, why not give it a new lease on life... My clients had this sturdy old chest in the family for years, and decided to give it a fresh coat of paint, and asked me to make new covers for the foam cushions.... Coz everyone needs extra storage and seating...

16.01.2022 Twinkling sequins, soft floaty chiffon, and shimmering satin are among the range of pretty formal dresses I’ve had the pleasure of altering recently Typical adjustments to these dresses included hems, side seams and straps. {COVIDSafe practices in place at salon appointments}

16.01.2022 How lucky am I? Came home this afternoon to find flowers from a client I get to meet some lovely people, and to share their happiness is a bonus! Thank you Tara

15.01.2022 Glittering gold embroidered leaf design with sequins on tulle over stretch jersey lining Dress was taken up on shoulders and in down the side seams of both bodice and skirt on all layers for a perfect fit

15.01.2022 Pretty lace appliqués, subtle sparkles on the tulle under layer, and delicate beads edging the sheer back of the bodice, makes this wedding gown a stunner! Relatively minor alterations on this one included taking up at the shoulders, adding bust cups for extra shape in the plunging bodice, and a discreet bustle on the illusion train.

14.01.2022 Gratitude Post While I can’t see clients during the current Covid restrictions, I’d like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation for all the referrals I receive from members of our wonderful community, as well as from previous clients, friends and relatives, and to thank everyone for their continued support of my little business. TRUST is a small word, but one which has huge importance in all aspects of people’s lives. I’m so grateful for the trust my clients ...continue to place in me to make alterations to their garments, some of which are for special events such as weddings and formals, others are special to clients for many other reasons. Thank you, stay safe, and I hope to see you all again very soon. Meanwhile, here’s a pic of my brand new grandson, born last week to my daughter and son in law. Home safe and sound just before lockdown. Just one more reason to be grateful Thank you all for your kind wishes along this journey Have also included a few pics of bits and pieces I made for his nursery

14.01.2022 Hello everyone! Just a reminder that in addition to formal and bridal wear alterations I also do daywear/school wear etc (and some mending). I prefer not to specialise in one area as I love the variety These school pants were too short at the waist, especially at the back Using the pieces I cut off the leg length I was able to create an additional waistband to bring the pants up to a more modest height.

14.01.2022 As promised... Tip # 1 HEMMING.... Anyone having difficulty using their blind hemming foot? Ive had some clients ask me why they cant get a good result using the blind hemming foot on their sewing machine, or even how to use it at all. Like most things, preparation and practice is key. Firstly, dont attempt to do a double hem ... Once youve worked out & marked your new finished length, allowed for the hem (usually same depth as original), cut off any excess and neatened the raw edge with an overlocker (serger) or simple zigzag stitch on the sewing machine, the next and most CRITICAL step is to press the hem up really well - ensure its even all the way around and take care not to iron over any pins. Set your machine to the blind hemming stitch (a series of 4-5 straight stitches interspersed with a single zigzag stitch which goes over the guide bar), and ADJUST needle position according to your machines manual - very important to avoid needle breakage as it moves over the bar! Another important tip is to PRACTICE on the scrap youve cut off, using as closely matching thread as possible, to ensure your stitch length and width picks up only a tiny portion of the garment which will be visible on the right side. This will change slightly for different fabric weights/ thicknesses. Position the needle on the INSIDE of the turned up hem close to the neatened edge and fold the rest of the garment back on itself to the left of the presser foot (you should have the wrong side facing upwards now). Smooth everything out and take it very slowly - dont do the reverse lock stitch, you can overlap by a couple of stitches at the end to secure the threads. Once youre sure the stitching is perfect on the right side you can increase your speed a little but this is one time I actually sew fairly slowly... shattered needles tend to fly up in all directions Press again when youre finished for a nice sharp hem - suggest using a protective cloth (clean tea towel) for most fabrics to avoid getting a shiny iron mark! These pics show work on a few different hems... and by the way, the pressing is always a good idea before sewing any hem, whether by hand or machine Happy hemming! (PS always here to help if youd prefer not to do it yourself! )

13.01.2022 Lace appliqué with beading This gorgeous gown presented me with several alterations challenges as the bodice was too wide across the bride’s shoulders, as well as needing to be taken in on the side seams and princess (bust) seams, plus the shoulder seams needed taking up and the bride preferred them to be made narrower. All very doable of course, but with a lace appliqué overlay and delicate beading embellishments to be considered, not as straightforward as it sounds... ... This style of dress requires the seams of each layer to be altered individually, and the appliquéd outer layer modified to fit, without making seams through the design. So after some serious hours spent at the sewing machine and 2-3 fittings, the bride had a gown that fitted much better! Finally, simple bustles were added for both the heavy lining layers and the outer lace & tulle. I prefer to bustle gowns this way if there’s a risk the weight of the gown might rip through the delicate shell of the dress

13.01.2022 Another ancient footstool upcycled Once I got under a couple of layers of tatty coverings, I found the original rag and horsehair stuffing which was replaced with foam and some polyester craft fill. Also needed a new piece of board for the top, kindly supplied and attached by local man Adrian who also stabilised the joints, in partial return for some sewing!

12.01.2022 Who said the adjustable internal waistband is only for kids clothes? If you find your pants gaping at the back while fitting pretty well everywhere else, this could be the ideal fix, and is a great solution for those with a sway back. Concealed elastic with a couple of buttonholes on tabs attached to each end, with buttons sewn on the inside of the waistband, allows you to adjust the fit and pull the back in to fit you better ... Did a couple of these for a client recently and she was very happy not to have to keep hoisting up her strides all the time!

12.01.2022 While theres no doubt the Covid restrictions have affected everyone in one way or other, some brides are managing to work around all the changes, adapting their plans and, I hope, staying reasonably sane and calm in the process, despite many having to postpone. This elegant gown has been taken in along the princess seams, amongst a couple of other little tweaks including a new satin ribbon for the decorative lace up back. And I love the versatility of the detachable chiffon overskirt, which lends a touch of extra romance to the ensemble

12.01.2022 Repair Reuse Recycle Torn pocket linings on these two pairs of mens work pants were completely removed and replaced with something a little stronger. A worthwhile option in many cases

12.01.2022 Lets talk gussets When you need just a little extra space in your garment... a gusset is your new best friend First up, wide leg green linen pants: fortunately had pockets from which I was able to steal the scraps of fabric needed to create a gusset and thereby lengthen the crotch.... Next, multi coloured patchwork sundress needed a little extra breathing room in the bodice. Once again, pocket linings saved the day!

11.01.2022 This very pretty appliqud gown of ivory tulle over nude satin needed resizing and hemming, and was completed in a very short turnaround time for the most laid-back and relaxed bride Ive met so far! Hope your day was fabulous J

11.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS Brie on your wedding! What a perfect setting for your ceremony, and your dress looks beautiful! Thank you for allowing me to post these beautiful images

10.01.2022 As I pack up my sewing room to make extra space for visiting relatives over the next week or so, Id like to wish all my clients, friends and the local community a very Merry Christmas! Ive been very fortunate to enjoy another busy year of fabulous and sometimes challenging sewing tasks, and have greatly appreciated all the positive reviews and generous recommendations and referrals you have posted. Word of mouth travels fast on social media and I thank you all for the likes, shares and goodwill Enjoy the festivities and I wish you all a happy and healthy new year 2020!

10.01.2022 Exquisite lace and romantic ruffles feature on this soft and floaty ivory chiffon gown Alterations included taking up at the hem, the shoulders and taking in the side seams. I also had the pleasure of altering 3 of the bridesmaid dresses including one that was 2-3 sizes too big, and another that needed scaling down to junior bridesmaid size .... Thank you for choosing me to do your alterations H and I hope your day was fabulous!

10.01.2022 Couple of bridal/formal wear fixes for you.... Does the top edge of your bodice curl outwards? Do you have a low back dress but feel you need the extra support of your bra?... Strong thread and strategically placed invisible running stitches, carefully gathered to avoid puckers, will usually fix the former, and a mini modesty panel to match the dress could be an option to fix the latter More on these dresses in the near future, so please stay tuned!

09.01.2022 Navy and white/cream - always very stylish Pants suit was hemmed and the bodice shortened at shoulders. And to keep costs under control, a tiny French seam was made in the frill to accommodate the section removed from shoulder seams, rather than dissecting bodice to remove the whole thing for reshaping.... I always like to look for ways to make alterations more straightforward, and therefore more cost effective for my clients, wherever possible. For this reason, I sometimes also hand stitch the linings, again to avoid a more extensive operation.

09.01.2022 School formals! Wont be long now.... Alterations for this one commenced pre-Covid, but with fittings on hold for over 3 months the dress has only just been completed. Dress has been hemmed and bodice taken up on shoulders. The sparkly detail is gorgeous and Im loving the horsehair braid at hemline - gives the dress proper ballgown feels

09.01.2022 Update to last post... Sadly I am no longer able to accept appointments requiring fittings - which naturally require close personal contact. While as a community we are still free to leave our homes, I am happy to receive items for alteration where no fitting is required, such as replacing zips, hemming items where clients are confident in marking required length, etc.... Please contact me to make suitable arrangements for delivery/pickup within current SA Health guidelines. Ive been sewing all my life.... Im not going to stop now! Pic of my very first sewing machine, from my mother on my 5th birthday

09.01.2022 Bridesmaid dress alterations! Details of alterations to these four slightly different dresses featured here back in February. I do love a mix n match theme Thank you Amanda for allowing me to post these stunning pics from your special day! It was lovely to meet you and your bride tribe, looks like you all had lots of fun

09.01.2022 FITTING ISSUES The challenge: Dress too small The bonus: Have second identical dress to cut up, and very relaxed client happy to let me loose on it ... The solution: Make into 2-piece for a comfortable fit. And the process Take dress apart. Add extra panel into skirt and elasticate waist. Release gathers in outer layer of bodice. For lining - add side gussets to make wider, and lengthen bodice front. Replace side zip and finish bodice lower edge. Done! Practically a remake but it was an important event for my client and I was delighted to work with her on this beautiful beaded gown. I’m proud of the end result and my client was pretty happy too! [Please note: client gave me her permission to post these pics.]

08.01.2022 APPRECIATION POST Many of my clients are essential/frontline workers including doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, members of SA Police, and those ensuring we can continue to buy our food and groceries. They are at risk of contracting Covid-19 when performing their jobs every day, and I personally would like to thank them for their dedication and tireless efforts during such challenging times. Stay safe and calm everyone

08.01.2022 Party time for my client with this themed dress...needed letting out a smidge, and shortening. You guessed it - another gusset! To keep the orientation of the lace pattern it was necessary to join two bits cut from the hem, back it with a scrap of fabric to match the lining, and let into side seams in a V shape. Oh and we also added some lace to the sheer plunging front bodice Enjoy the party B

08.01.2022 All that glitters.... Shimmering gold was the ‘dream gown’ for my client’s long awaited formal! The surprisingly delicate outer shell fabric is sewn all over with a ‘chain effect’ gold braid which shimmers as she moves. The skirt’s ballgown shape is held by an extremely stiff under layer, and extra wide horsehair braid at the hemline of the outer layer. Alterations included careful removal of the horsehair braid, shortening & hemming 3 layers and replacement of braid.... Fairytale stories of Rumpelstiltskin come to mind with this one...

08.01.2022 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope you all had a safe and enjoyable break. Im looking forward to sharing more of my sewing journey with you and will also try to include some tips and tricks along the way so that those of you who like to sew at home but may lack confidence to tackle certain alterations, might feel empowered to give it a go To kick off 2020 I thought Id post a couple of before and after shots of different dresses to show how a different look can be achieved with a few subtle alterations...

07.01.2022 School formals and other special occasion gowns have been consuming a fair portion of my sewing time lately Here’s a couple of stunners... Hems and straps are most commonly performed alterations, with a few needing side seams taken in as well.

07.01.2022 Some of my adorable past brides & bridesmaids... it was so much fun making the alterations to these gowns

07.01.2022 Alterations to these four bridesmaid dresses included taking up hems, side seams, shoulders and the back seams on the groomsmans jacket

06.01.2022 Im so happy to be seeing brides, bridesmaids and debutantes once again, and helping to make their dream gowns fit them like a glove! I was so excited to work on this one - unusual in its design, not only because of the very flattering rouching across the buttocks, but also with the underskirt being lace, which gives the sheer crepe outer layer a subtle shadow detail. And looks very pretty when the bride hooks the train over her arm revealing the lace skirt below Along w...ith intricately beaded appliqué at the hem to match the exquisite bodice with plunging front and back, the gown is sure to have all heads turning! Alterations included hemming, and taking up on the shoulders.

05.01.2022 Whoever made this christening gown over 90 years ago must have had excellent eyesight and very steady fingers! Crafted with love (by whom I dont know) from natural ivory coloured pure silk, with the most exquisitely delicate lace, very narrow French seams and the tiniest pintucks Ive ever seen, it also has hand stitched embroidery which is incredibly neat and evenly spaced - beautiful! The robe was originally made in England for my father and has been used for three gene...rations of my family, and across 5 branches of descendants in both England and three states in Australia Ive loved its simplicity for as long as I can remember and despite dragging Mandy (my big doll) around in it when I was a child, I have since ensured it has been well cared for and stored safely. It has no rips or frayed edges and only minimal yellowing - I reckon it has another generation or two left in it yet! Like many of us I bet, Ive been using my down time to sort through loads of old stuff and thought Id share this with you all because I love it so much!

03.01.2022 Simply stunning Strapless, sweetheart neckline satin gown, voluptuous train - and pockets! Hemmed, zip swapped for corset back, neckline brought in and 'scrunchy' bustle created ... I create the components for the corset system individually, with properly structured modesty panel that won't sag or rumple, very sturdy 'tight' loops so the feature is the criss-cross lace-up not stretched out loops. These can be pulled very tight without breaking due to reinforcement with boning along the inside edges and 2-3 rows of stitching. Result is a really nipped in waist and a fabulous figure Oh and puppy made her entrance too with a special sash featuring tiny secure pockets to carry the rings Thank you for the lovely pics from your special day Natalie!

02.01.2022 This very pretty appliquéd gown of ivory tulle over nude satin needed resizing and hemming, and was completed in a very short turnaround time for the most laid-back and relaxed bride Ive met so far! Hope your day was fabulous J

02.01.2022 With many of our kids finally back in the classroom, theres been a slow but steady trickle of uniforms coming my way for alterations Whether its a simple hem or replacing a missing waistband adjuster, Im delighted to be doing more of what I love once again! Ive also been keeping the (name labelled) hem cut-offs so that if your child suddenly has a massive growth spurt and needs all of the hem letting down, I can reattach and use to turn under if necessary. This appli...es to all uniform hems done this year. PS Im still observing the required social distancing during appointments, but happy to guide parents as to optimal hem lengths if required

02.01.2022 Glorious pale green stretch jersey with sunray pleat detail to bodice and skirt The pleated bodice was loose and baggy over the lining layer, so in addition to taking in at side seams, the whole front layer needed reshaping. Which of course involved rearranging the inner boning structure Also adjusted off-shoulder straps and added a ‘modesty panel’ shaped to fit behind the sheer lace panel in bodice front. Such pretty eyelash lace edging too!... Trimmed the 3.5m pleated hem and she’s good to go!

01.01.2022 Hello friends! In my happy place with lots more lovely sewing jobs completed, thanks to you all In between client fittings and working on some beautiful wedding gowns over the last week or so, Ive also made 75 wheat bags for a local business, hemmed or otherwise altered 11 pairs of jeans, made a crepe jersey top, and worked my way through a huge pile of mending for various clients

01.01.2022 Beautiful two-tone blue and metallic gold thread on sheer gauze.... The voluminous skirt on this ball gown was shortened - all 25m of it!

01.01.2022 A dozen chairs re-upholstered for this extendable table, and a couple of matching runners made.... party time!