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Archive for the ‘Tailors’ Category

Find Custom Suits Online

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

Most fashion-forward men who love to wear classy clothing items on a daily basis have three main requirements when it comes to ordering custom suits online. They want their new suits to be well made, inexpensive, and 100% unique.

Clients also value fast shipping, a great deal, and would do everything it takes to play an active part in the creation process. So how could you possible identify the best provider of custom suits online?

Evaluate the Price-Quality Relationship

Price is an important element that usually says many things about the quality of a suit. Don’t expect to pay less than $199 for a premium product. A lower price could indicate that…

1) The tailor uses cheap, dissatisfying, imported fabrics

2) The suits are manufactured overseas, in factories where workers are underpaid and forced to work in 12-hour shifts for a couple of dollars per hour.

For quality custom suits online, be prepared to pay anywhere from $379 to $699 and up, if you count on a big budget.

Ask for Fabric Samples

Opt for a tailor who uses a great variety of fabrics, available in different patterns and colors. In this case, you could be able to choose the best designs, tailored to your specific aesthetic requirements. To avoid bad decisions, ask your tailor to send you a few fabric samples. This way, you could inspect the material and choose the right one for your next suit.

For a Perfect Fit, Create Your Own Suit Online

Numerous tailors know how to address the unique needs of their prospects: by allowing them to express their demands and their fashion sense in a creative manner. Clients are encouraged to design their favorite suit online, by customizing every single piece of the puzzle, including…

– The jacket

– The vest

– The pants

– The fabric, lapel, monogram, and embroidery

Need an Expert Opinion?

Even though most online tailor stores are extremely user-friendly, you might have a hard time trying to design your own suit. In this case, don’t hesitate to call the trendiest experts. Find a tailor in your area with help from TalkLocal, a free service that will connect you with the right professional right now.

Tags: Custom Suits Online
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How to Get Smoke Out of Clothes

Monday, October 28th, 2013

It’s an annoying fact that sometimes the smell of cigarette smoke gets into our clothes. There are some ways to get smoke out of clothes. The smell of smoke on clothes is not only unpleasant to us, but also to those we come into contact with. Thus, getting the smell of smoke out of clothes is very important. Some clothing materials make it harder to get rid of smoky smells, such as wool sweaters.

Avoidance

Prevention is better than cure, so rather than having to get smoke out of clothes, avoid places where there is cigarette smoke. However, this strategy is not effective all the time. Thankfully, if you are wearing cold resistant clothing, these types of clothes are more resistant to the smell of smoke. If you are a smoker yourself, or live with one, take some measures to reduce the cigarette smoke odor in your home. This helps to avoid your clothes smelling smoky in the first place.

Spray Often

If you have cologne or air freshener on hand, spray often when in the presence of smoke. This will get smoke out of clothes manufactured in cotton or linen. It will also help decrease the smell once you are away from its source.

Wash

1. Place your clothes in the washing machine and set the temperature to the hottest that the clothing manufacturer allows.

2. Add a cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar.

3. Soak your clothing for at least an hour.

4. Then, add detergent and wash your clothes as usual. There is no need to drain out the original water that you used to soak your clothes in.

5. However, if your clothes are not washable, you can hang them outside to try and disperse the smell. Or, you can take them to a professional cleaner instead.

Need Help Getting the Smell of Smoke Out?

Contact TalkLocal today, and we can help you find a professional cleaner who will remove the smell of smoke from your clothes in no time!

Tags: clothes, DIY, home remedy, smoke
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Washing Wool Sweaters

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Washing wool sweaters is not something that is easily done, and it’s not something that should be done often. Wool sweaters are not like regular clothes that should be washed after just one wear. They can shrink on you if not washed properly. Cold-resistant clothing, like wool sweaters, should be washed with care. You will need wool sweaters in your home, especially if you have a poor HVAC system, and you need to stay warm in the winter.

Ask yourself this question many times before attempting to wash your wool sweaters. Often, wool sweaters don’t need to washed frequently if you get used to spot-cleaning them and airing them out. Even wool socks don’t need to be washed frequently if they are aired out often.

Do this until all of the woolen fibers are saturated with cold water to prevent the wool sweaters from shrinking.

Instead of washing the whole sweater, why not just spot clean it first? Wool is incredibly good at keeping itself clean, so try spot cleaning it first by brushing the soil off and rinsing it with cold water.

There are products on the market made especially for use with wool. Alternatively, you can make your own mixture by preparing a tiny amount of laundry soap, some water, and a little bit of essential oil such as lavender. Mix it first with some warm water and large quantities of cold water and then you can use it to wash the wool.

Never assume that just because the product name has “wool” in it that it is safe for use with wool.

Be careful to gently squeeze the wool and don’t rub it against itself to prevent felting. If you opt to use a washing machine, do not agitate the wool sweater. Wash it very, very gently. Agitation and heat are the enemies of wool and will cause it to shrink.

Dry the wool sweater flat and in the shape and size you want it to be.

Contact TalkLocal today and we can help you find tailors near your area! We will connect you with up to three, high-quality tailors in just minutes.

Tags: clothes, sweater, winter, wool
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Cold Resistant Clothing

Friday, August 30th, 2013

Apart from being fashionable, tasteful, and comfortable, our clothes should also offer us superior protection against extreme temperatures. Many people hate to wear bulky garments just to preserve a constant body temperature during winter. For them, cold resistant clothing represents the best option at hand, minimizing the impact of low temperatures on their health and welfare.

How could one possibly find the best fabrics and materials keeping the blistering wind at a respectable distance? Are you looking for pertinent advice coming from a good tailor? Follow these simple guidelines to make the most of beautiful, cold resistant clothing tailored to your needs, preferences, and financial possibilities.

Invest in durable, cold-resistant clothing items

Some of the best cold-resistant clothing elements have a similarly layered structure that enables them to win the battle with ridiculously low temperatures. A top-quality winter jacket considered 100% cold-resistant will always display at least three basic layers:

a) The foundation (also known as the jacket’s base core): This is the layer that comes in direct contact with your skin; therefore, the cold-resistant material should be delicate and soft. It should also absorb perspiration effectively and keep you dry and warm in any given set of circumstances.

In this case, synthetic materials with an elevated level of breathability are a great alternative and can even be treated to prevent the development of bacteria usually living in humid environments.

b) The second layer (also known as mid-insulation): Years ago, people used to wear cozy wool sweaters to fight the freezing cold. Now they have the opportunity to purchase and wear much more effective and comfortable clothing items with one or more layers of mid-insulation. The best modern insulation materials are polypropylene fleece and wool mix. One of the mid-insulation layers should be long enough to cover the entire upper body.

Here’s an extra tip: If you’re looking for some of the most remarkable insulation materials designed to protect your lower body, you should know that trousers made of moleskin or polyester are the perfect candidate for this job.

c) The shell layer (or the outer) of the jacket: It can come with a built-in insulation layer for increased protection against bad weather conditions. This last layer is extremely important and should display special features, like fasten-able cuffs and crannies, designed and implemented to prevent hot air from escaping outside the jacket and to stop snow from getting inside the cold resistant clothing piece.

How to find the best tailor

Are you having a hard time trying to identify the best cold resistant clothing pieces in department stores? Why don’t you invest in custom clothing items, made by a talented, experienced tailor? Consult TalkLocal now to be connected with the most reputable tailors in your area in record time. With the right clothes, you’ll never have to worry about incredibly low temperatures ever again.

Tags: clothing, cold resistant clothes, winter clothes
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Heat Resistant Fabric

Friday, August 23rd, 2013

The clothes we wear on a daily basis reflect our fashion sense and make us stand out, but also protect our bodies against a wide range of threats. Despite the fact that there is no such thing as a 100% fireproof clothing item, one can easily profit from a high-quality heat resistant fabric designed to resist fire in a much more effective manner than traditional materials. What are the attributes of heat resistant materials? Could we actually enhance the ignition resistance of our favorite materials fast and effortlessly? Keep reading to discover the answers to all of these questions and more.

Why is it so important to wear clothes made from heat resistant materials?

Most people don’t usually think about an emergency situation until they are forced to experience it. Unfortunately in such cases, lack of preventive measures leads to unwanted complications. The right clothes can save lives and minimize injuries in case the people who wear them become the victims of a home fire. On the other hand, certain materials are incredibly hazardous and can put their lives on the line. For instance, despite the fact that they display an elevated ignition resistance, nylon, acrylic, and polyester can cause severe skin burns because they melt easily.

How could we improve the heat resistance of our favorite materials?

Let’s face it: We wouldn’t want to go around town dressed like a fireman just to profit from the elevated protection ensured by a fireproof outfit. This is why you should be fully aware of the fact that your favorite materials can be improved to withstand increased temperatures. Materials made of natural fibers (wool, cotton, silk) and synthetic fibers (nylon, acrylic, and polyester) can become more flame resistant if a special chemical solution is applied on their entire surface.

How to find the perfect flame-resistant materials

These days, you have the chance to opt for innovative materials used by reputable manufacturers to create modern armors and top-quality bulletproof vests used by policemen. If you want to minimize risks and also wear comfortable clothes made from durable, heat resistant fabrics, all you need to do is to contact the best tailor in your area and discuss your options. Don’t waste any time in the process, and rely on TalkLocal to identify some of the most popular tailors operating in your area.

Tags: clothing alterations, fabric, heat resistance, material, sewing
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How To Use Hem Tape

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013

Plenty of designers, tailors, and seamstresses sing the praises of hem tape. And why not? It’s easy to use, lasts for many washings, is flexible, and you can’t prick your finger with it. If you’re not familiar, you might be wondering exactly how to use hem tape. You’ll be relieved to know that it’s simpler than you think.

How To Use Gem Tape

1. Begin by washing your fabric. Even if it’s a large set of curtains, you must wash it — preferably with a scent-free soap. Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, or dryer sheets. Making the fabric as clean and chemical-free as possible will allow the tape to stick better. This is the first and most basic rule of how to use hem tape.

2. Measure the hem you’ll be working on. Cut an appropriate amount of hem tape. This may be easier to do if the garment is turned inside out. For large items like draperies, you may want to work several small segments rather than a whole curtain at once.

3. Before attaching the hem tape to the fabric, iron the desired crease right into the fabric. Follow the usual directions for your iron and for the material. If the material should not be ironed, hem tape is not the way to go. Try needle and thread, or see your tailor.

4. Place the hem tape in the desired location to hold the hem in place. If everything lines up and looks good, peel the backing from the tape. Now, press it into place. This can be tricky for beginners, so go as slowly as you need to. Cutting the hem tape into smaller pieces can help. Be sure not to overlap, as this will not create a smooth hemline.

5. Iron the crease again, following usual directions. Essentially, the hem tape will melt slightly, causing the fabric to stick together and the hem to hold.

6. Allow the fabric to cool before wearing or hanging. Really. Do not learn this the hard way. Your legs will thank you.

The best way to learn how to use hem tape is to practice. If you want an article of clothing to keep the same hem permanently, you’ll get plenty of practice, since most hem tapes last for about seven washings. Keeping hem-taped items out of hot dryers can lengthen this a little, as can avoiding bleach.

Some hem tapes may also be cleanly removed with an iron. This is great for hand-me-down slacks, or skirts that look great at multiple lengths. Practice a bit with hem tape, and then be amazed at what it can do for your wardrobe.

Need Help Using Hem Tape?

If there is little room for error with a certain outfit, it might be best to visit a qualified tailor. Find a local one quickly and easily through TalkLocal. You won’t have to spend a ton of time looking them up online or paging through the phone book. We’ll connect you to the right professionals within minutes.

Tags: clothing alteration, craft, hem tape, sewing, tailor
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Best Stitches For Leather

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

So you want to make a wallet, holster, small purse, or something else out of leather. Good for you! Leather is a durable, natural material that craftspeople love. The smell, the texture; everything about leather is awesome.

But, it can be tricky to work with if you don’t have the proper tools or contemporary know-how. So what are the best stitches for leather? Let’s take a look.

Tools You’ll Need To Make the best Stitches For Leather:

– At least two large darning needles — you’ll be stitching from both ends

– A good awl designed for leather hole-punching

– Beeswax — natural and undyed

– Waxed thread or simulated sinew

– Pliers, hemostats, or a strong alligator clip

– Some older, damaged leather items to practice on

– The leather for your project

The Saddle Stitch

One of the most popular and best stitches for leather is the saddle stitch. This involves several steps and will produce the strongest, longest lasting bond for leather items.

1. Begin by cutting your leather pieces to size, leaving room for the seams. This part of the project is the most similar to sewing fabric.

2. Once everything is properly cut, you’ll want a way to hold the leather pieces together without crimping, poking random holes, or otherwise damaging the leather. Try something like a spring-loaded clothespin or a binder clip to hold pieces together firmly. Now, it’s time to poke some holes.

3. When using an awl, it’s vital that the leather pieces be lined up perfectly and completely still for this. The holes should be evenly spaced and punched in at a slight angle. The awl step might not be necessary for thinner pieces of leather. Alternatively, some leather workers skip the awl, even for thicker pieces, and use pliers to pull the needles through.

4. To create the best stitches for leather, you’ll want to cut your string about two-and-a-half times the length of the seam you’re stitching. It’s always better to use too much than not enough. Tie one needle to each side. As you stitch, you’ll use the needles to sew from both sides at the same time.

5. This is a simple up and down stitch to close the seam, pulling each needle firmly (without stretching the thread) after each stitch.

6. When you reach the end of the seam, double back a few stitches to prevent unraveling.

7. Some craftspeople will reinforce their saddle stitches with a whip stitch. You can use the same holes with this stitch and only one needle. The whip stitch goes around the seam end so you get a stitch that looks a bit like the spiral in a notebook.

8. Some craftspeople also suggest using an iron to seal the stitches. Instead, you might consider placing your new leather item between two boards weighted with books, canned food, or something else heavy.

Contact A Tailor

Tailors are experts at this type of stuff. Looking for a local one? Use TalkLocal for the job! Our service will find the right professional for you, for free.

Tags: clothing alteration, leather, sewing, stitching
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Best Stitches For Denim

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

If you have ever bought a pair of jeans that were too long and had to be hemmed, or you tried to sew a patch or embellishment on, you know how hard it can be to stitch denim.

Even after you have sewn it, the denim can unravel, and the hem or stitch can come undone. The best way to make sure that you do not have this problem or a similar one is to choose the best stitches for denim.

Hand-Sewn Stitches

If you do not have a sewing machine, or just prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, you may want to hand-sew your jeans. The best stitches for denim that are done by hand are made tight and even. This will help hold the thick fabric in place and prevent it from coming undone. Using a thick thread will help make your stitches tighter and hold the denim better, as well.

If you’re double rolling a hem, generally a traditional straight stitch will get the job done.

Sewing Machine

A sewing machine is capable of making your stitches tight and helping to keep the denim from unraveling. Some sewing machines have special settings on them which can be used for denim. If your machine does not have a denim setting, look for a heavy fabric setting instead.

This setting allows the needle to drop down far enough to penetrate through the denim and pull the thread back through it. Other settings may not be able to sew a stitch in the denim. You may also want to use a larger needle in the machine. A smaller needle could break from the pressure.

Regardless of what way you decide to sew your denim, it is important that you keep your stitches straight and even. The best stitches for denim not only look good, but they are durable as well.

Need A Tailor?

We’re not all crafty enough to alter our own clothing. If you are on the lookout for a tailor, TalkLocal can put you in contact with some immediately. Once we receive your request, we relay that to experts in your area, then connect you with the right professionals directly.

Tags: clothing alteration, Denim, sewing, stitching
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What Are Basting Stitches?

Sunday, June 9th, 2013

When sewing, you will encounter several types of stitches. Some of these stitches serve a structural purpose in holding clothing items together, while others are simply used to add a decorative touch. One of the most important and most used stitches is the basting stitch.

What are basting stitches? Read on to find out.

What Are Basting Stitches?

A basting stitch is a wide and loose stitch that is mainly used to hold fabric together for a short period of time. Seamstresses may use a basting stitch to hold a hem or zipper in place before it is sewn by hand or with a machine.

They are also used to hold gathered pieces of fabric such as those used in sleeves or ruffles. The basting stitch is one of the easiest stitches to master and is one of the first stitches that a beginner seamstress is taught. Since the stitch is only temporary and is removed right before or after the fabric is sewn permanently, it’s a very forgiving stitch.

How Do You Create Basting Stitches?

Most people prefer to make basting stitches by hand because they are so easy and quick to create. If you are still wondering “What are basting stitches?” you may want to use your machine to see for yourself.

Many sewing machines have basting stitch settings on them. Just turn the knob or press the button that indicates the stitch you want and your machine will create it for you. After you have finished sewing it with the machine, take a closer look at the stitch and you will see how simple it really is.

If you are new to sewing and wondering what are basting stitches, you are not alone. They can seem confusing to many beginners at first. Once you see how a stitch is made and what it looks like when it is finished, you will be able to complete it yourself and be on your way to creating amazing sewn crafts.

Finding A Local Tailor

If you need alterations to your clothing but can’t pull them off on your own, use TalkLocal to find a local tailor. We make the search process easy, and connect you with service professionals in a matter of minutes.

Tags: clothing alteration, craft, sewing, stitching
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Hem Up Pants

Saturday, April 13th, 2013

Sometimes those new pants you just bought are a little too long for you. That’s when hemming comes in handy. Knowing how to hem pants allows you to alter the length of your pants at the leg cuff, so that they fit perfectly! This guide will help you learn how to hem up pants.

How to Hem Up Pants

1. Remove any existing hem if there is one by removing the stitching and unfolding the hemmed material.

2.Try on the pants with shoes. Mark the desired hem with some chalk or pins using a ruler or yardstick.

3. Take off the pants so you don’t stitch them to your legs. Press the new hemline into place lightly. Pin the fabric to the inside and try on the pants again. Keep making adjustments as necessary.

3. Again, remove the pants before re-hemming. Trim the excess fabric but leave a hem allowance of 1-1/2 to 2 inches for dress slacks.

4. Press the new hemline. Use a press cloth if you want to avoid harming the fabric of your pants.

5. Use basting stitches to ease any fullness in the fabric. These longer stitches are easily removable for temporary stitching.

6. Finish the edge of the fabric. Try to mimic the original hem and apply hem tape for bulky fabric.

7. Stitch the hem into place (either by using a machine or by hand).

8. Press the hem.

Then you’re done! Your pants now have a hem that fits you perfectly.

Find A Tailor

If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself you can try going to a tailor. TalkLocal will give you immediate access to many local tailors. Tell us what you need, where you are, and your availability, and we will connect you directly with up to three tailors in your area in just minutes, for free!

Tags: clothing alteration, hem, sewing, tailor
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