Replies

1. 
   stillsuesew | Sep 13, 2009 01:02am | #1

   Wow. Problems like this make me glad I'm not doing that anymore. Sounds like a salesperson said "Sure, some good seamstress can take this in for you!" Are you sure that it wouldn't be easier to do this at the side seams - even removing and replacing the zipper? Otherwise you can take in the princess seams but be sure to leave the center front panel wide enough - in other words, take most of the excess width off the side front pieces. You might be able to get away with taking in the excess lining elsewhere. You just want to be sure that whatever you do doesn't show through to the front. A seam that isn't directly under another seam on the front fabric may show through. Good luck

2. 
   sewchris703 | Sep 13, 2009 08:10am | #2

   I'd probably try to take in at the side seams, removing and replacing the zipper, before I'd tackle the front princess seams. I always remove the boning, alter the seam, and resew the boning as it was done originally. To give you a time frame, the average time for me (I've been doing bridal alterations for 11 years) to alter the seams, hem the gown, and do the bustle takes about 2.5-3.5 hours, barring any special details such as beadwork, pleating, appliques, etc. Unless the train is way too long when the gown is hemmed, I don't cut it shorter but only hem the front of the gown, tapering the hem to merge with the train at the side seams.

1. 
   Robsewn | Sep 13, 2009 10:07pm | #3

   thanks to you both for the input and suggestions, it will help greatly!