Help! Dress Too Long, Leaving Saturday!

[Pea-n-Me]

I ordered a dress through the mail. It came today and I like it but it's too long. Am leaving Sat and won't have time to have it hemmed. Is is possible to have it hemmed on the ship? Or at the Yacht Club (am only staying there one night Sat-Sun). Thanks!

 

[kpgclark]

Can you buy higher shoes? I'd also call some local cleaners and ask if you can pay a little more for next day service. Or, do you have a friend who sews? Or maybe you could put some stitches in yourself that could later be redone by a seamstress.

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by Pea-n-Me
I ordered a dress through the mail. It came today and I like it but it's too long. Am leaving Sat and won't have time to have it hemmed. Is is possible to have it hemmed on the ship? Or at the Yacht Club (am only staying there one night Sat-Sun). Thanks!

Go out and buy hemming tape. You can hem it yourself temporarily and then remove it when you get home and have it hemmed professionally. Just make sure you press the hem so it doesn't look buckled.

 

[tracyl921]

I don't know if hemming tape is the same stuff, but in a pinch i've used Stitch Witchery. I've also seen it sold as Heat N Bond. All you do is iron the hem with the stuff in between and presto an instant hem without sewing.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[kcashner]

Whoa!!!! I'm a sewing nut. Stitch Witchery and Steam a seam are designed to be permanent. These are not temporary solutions. Of the 2, the Steam a seam 2 is the easier product to use as you can temporarily adhere it with the pressure of a finger. As soon as you touch it with a hot iron, it is semi-permanent. By that, I mean that it is intended to be permanent, but I've had some come apart after years of use.

All said, it's not a bad way to do a hem on a fabric that can tolerate a hot iron...but it won't work if you are looking for a "do it yourself" that you plan to have re-done later.

For a temporary job, there is a sewing product called ResQ tape. You could also use double sided scotch tape. Either of these could be removed and properly hemmed when you get home.

 

[hydster]

I second the double sided scotch tape. It works great!

Heidi

 

[JenKatt]

Try a local dry cleaner, they should be able to do it same day or next day

 

[232271]

we have a tailor at a local mall who does while you wait service
check your malls and see if one is available??

 

[bobcat]

Duct tape. It will hold like iron and is removable. Steam a seam and steam a seam 2 need a very hot iron and many dressy fabrics can't tolerate that type of heat. You run the risk of melting or scorching the fabric.

 

[CM_Mom]

bobcat, you beat me to it about the Duct Tape. I usually carry some with me on trips for emergencies of various kinds. Just don't use it on really sheer fabric - you can see it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks for the great ideas. I am definately not a seamstress so the thought of a temporary hem never entered my mind. I think I'll try the double sided scotch tape because I can probably pick it up locally- don't have a lot of time tomorrow.

Duct tape. It will hold like iron and is removable.

If I can't find the double sided scotch tape then duct tape it is!!

One more question for those in the know: the dress has a lining. Do I just "hem" both separately then iron flat? (Now you know why I fkunked Home Ec in HS)

 

[232271]

what material is the dress made out of?

be very careful of hot irons with most dress materials.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

what material is the dress made out of?

It is a simple black Sheath Dress from Chadwick's (on clearance for 15.99, so it didn't break the bank, lol). The dress is made of 55%linen/45% cotton; the liner 100% polyester.

My first stop tomorrow will be to the dry cleaners where I know there is a seamstress. I'll probably pay more for the same day hem than for the dress but that's fine, I like it. If she can't do it then it's the tape/duct tape route.

I will be definately be thinking of my Dis buddies if I wear it with the duct tape to Animator's Palate!!

 

[232271]

do not iron the poly on high heat it will melt.

not sure how the dress part will do. but be really careful
if you must iron a hem.

 

[bobcat]

Since the dress itself is a linen/cotton blend you can use a hot iron. The lining you want to be careful with. Polyester is a synthetic fabric so you will need to use a cooler iron or it will scorch or melt.

(Now you know why I fkunked Home Ec in HS)

Oh you're one of those. I teach Home Ec and I swear by duct tape for quick fixes. Good luck getting it hemmed and have fun on your cruise.

 

[Sarangel]

Just don't iron the dress *after* you put the tape in (it'll do bad things to the fabric). I'm hoping that your drycleaner will be able to hem it for you, as that sounds like the best solution.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The earliest I could get to my local dry cleaners today was noon. I explained my situation to the owner/seamstress. I was shocked when she said she would hem my dress for me, no problem, come pick it up at 5:30 (cost: $18, LOL). What an angel! I picked it up and it's perfect!

Thank you all for your quick and helpful responses. I will still be thinking of you the night I wear it on the Wonder.

My Best,

 

[232271]

so glad you got it fixed!!!!

have a super time!!

bon voyage!!!