Laura.Bastin.Alterations

20/10/2023

25/09/2023

3" off the hem on this dress. I did a rolled hem on the main layer and waterfall overlay. The lining was doubled and bagged out, so I opened a seam in the back of the lining, turned it inside out, measured, pinned, and stitched the new hemline. After stitching, I cut the excess off. It then gets turned right way out and pressed. Quite satisfying 😌 Gave it a final press, and off it went.

25/09/2023

Darned jeans - always best to use a couple of colours otherwise it doesn't blend as well. I back it with some cotton, sewed a perimeter around the hole and just went back and forth until it was closed up and blended. Not always easy on jeans that have faded or have elastin.

25/09/2023

New fingerless built in mittens for this 20 year old ski jacket. The original fabric had perished and stretched, so I meticulously unpicked both mits from the inside of the jacket (messy job) and created new ones out of some scuba jersey fabric. 0.5 m cost £5 so not expensive. I doubled it up this time so it was softer against the skin, hid any edges and gave it more stability. It was a 2 way stretch and a slight stretch lengthways. I cut it so the stretch went down. I did this so they're not restrictive as theyre sewn into the sleeves.

25/09/2023

A client bought this top but found it too tight around the armholes so I removed the original binding, enlarged the armhole by 1.5" and tapered to shoulder seams and added new chiffon binding that I made from offcuts. Always keep your offcuts! It saves so much money 💰

25/09/2023

Lovely silk dress from Kachel needed letting out by 6 inches around the waist so we opted for contrast panels in the beautiful lycocell fabric I made a dress out if not too long ago. Contrast binding was added to the neckline and sleeve cuffs.

Tie around waist was just to get an idea of an optional belt.

06/09/2023

Gorgeous little flower girl dress that was too big needed a new neckline, new armholes, side taking in and a hem reduction. ✨️

Always better to go big and take away than go small and hope you can let it out 👍🏻

06/09/2023

Simple but effective. Lycra modesty panel added to a new swimsuit. Getting something to match such a unique colour at short notice wasn't an option, but thankfully, I had offcuts of lycra jersey/spandex from when I did the giant sensory snake. I've just double it over for strength and stitched close to the edge of the plunge neckline. I haven't used a stretch stich this time because it doesn't need to stretch here, it needs stability, so it's fine. By doubling it, it also means you don't need to hem the top, which can look untidy. It's free to stretch and move with the wear.

06/09/2023

*Late Post* Bespoke wrap top made from indian silk. Fully lined with cotton from Jaipur. It has an inner tie and clasp closure with a detachable tie and 3/4 length sleeves. ✨️👌🏻💚

06/09/2023

Working on a beautiful denim skirt from Front slit too high, so a simple ladder stitch to close it up 💗 Anyone else melting 🫠 🌡☀️

01/09/2023

Hi everyone, I haven't posted on here since April. It's been a brutal few months with wedding and prom season, having kids off school, other commitments, and trying to stay on top of a house. I've decided to reduce my working hours so that I can condense my work and have more time doing the things I need and want to do. It was starting to take over and consume me with ridiculous hours that aren't sustainable long-term when you're a mum. Because of this, I've decided to step away from bridal alterations and all custom work and only take general alterations. I find it more enjoyable, and that is what I'm set up to do. My new workspace just doesn't allow me to take on bigger projects, sadly.

I will, at some point, post what I've been getting up to, including a personal project since last Nov!

Thanks for all your continued support, kind words, and understanding. It's very much appreciated. 🤗🪡🍂

22/04/2023

I dont often get yo make things for myself, but I whipped up a quick dress the other day out of some fabric I'd had for years. It's a lovely, soft, viscose twill that's got a bit of stretch and is slightly floaty. I used a cocoon dress pattern and altered it slightly. I lengthen it, added front and back darts to give it shape, and instead of keeping the cocoon shape, I carried it straight down. I added pockets and made my own belt.