Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Feb 13, 2008 02:54am | #1

   The main problem in altering rtw out of date jackets is that the shoulder is too wide and too high. Beyond that, the the armscye is too deep. The trip to the Goodwill might be a good idea unless you want to play around with the jacket. I've tried it and ended up throwing the whole thing out. I did convert one to a vest which was semi-acceptable beyond the fact that I don't wear vests at all and ended up sending it to the thrift store anyway but on the other hand I learned never to try it again!

2. 
   jjgg | Feb 13, 2008 07:59am | #2

   Yes, it is possible to alter theses and lower the shoulder (using a much smaller shoulder pad lowers the shoulder) also you can bring in a wide shoulder. It is not terribly complicated if you know how, but it certainly is not my favorite thing to do. Often you have to alter the armscye and sleeve cap to fit the new shoulder.

3. 
   NansiSews | Feb 13, 2008 04:17pm | #3

   Start by rmoving the shoulder pads, so you have a true idea of what you're playing with.  If you can pull up more than a 5/8" pinch at the sleeve end of the shoulder seam, you'll have trouble tapering nicely back to nothing at the collar end.  Ihave done this and had to make a seam in the center back of the collar when I had to take out 1/2" all along the shoulder seam.  This was for someone who had a "favorite" and very well made jacket, where the rest of the garment style was timeless.

   You also have adjust the sleeve and the top of the armhole curve-usually narrower.  This often makes up for the fact that by taking up the shoulder you've made the armhole opening smaller.  Narrowing the width across the top of the shoulder seam opens things up again so you can re-set the sleeve nicely.

   It's not a job for the feint of heart, but if you like to sew and love the jackets, it may be worth it to you.  Another area to be aware of is what does raising the shoulders do to the bust and underarm area.  Does the bust fullness still land in the right spot or does the underarm need to be scooped out alittle more?  Often what seems like a simple adjustment affects many other areas.  Pin carefully and see what you think before ripping out sleeves.  you'll know at this point whether you're up for the job or off to Goodwill.  Good luck!

1. 
   fabricectasy | Feb 13, 2008 08:07pm | #4

   Thanks for your reply NanisSews (and also to the rest of the writers in the other responses)! It looks as if I can fiddle around some and see what happens with my jacket!