The Sewing Place

Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?

datcat23

Re: Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?
« Reply #15 on: April 27, 2022, 05:07:42 AM »
As someone who upcycles a lot, I would throw my vote into the "use the fabric for something else" barrel.

I have seen an image/pin somewhere, where a person used the fabric from an old wool suit, to make a lovely masculine pleated scarf.

Micarah Tewers did a video on upcycling a suit jacket into a regency spencer. 

There was a contenstant on Great British Sewing Bee, who used a mens suit to make an overalls style pinafore for a young girl. 

Piece the fabric from the back of the jacket and legs together, make yourself a kilt!   :laughing: :laughing:

Bleach it white, and then go to your next 80's party as a Talking Heads lead singer. 

I would hate it to go to waste. 
The barefoot seamstress:  smelling vaguely of lavender and mothballs, and desperately craving chocolate.
2024:  Mending:  2  | Fabric used:  2.5m | Items made:  1  |  Quilts:      |  Fabric destashed:  25m

Greybird

Re: Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?
« Reply #16 on: April 27, 2022, 07:52:25 AM »
Call  it Vintage and wear it with pride!

WildAtlanticWay

Re: Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?
« Reply #17 on: April 27, 2022, 07:59:24 AM »
Seriously?I wouldn't dream of telling my OH he couldn't wear something if he wanted to and it still fitted - and do you really care?

I don’t think donating a 40 year old suit should count as ‘throw it away’ culture.

So Chic

Re: Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?
« Reply #18 on: April 27, 2022, 08:49:33 AM »
I have a friend who volunteers in a charity shop and he says they’re always grateful for men’s clothes as they don’t receive that much. 
So Chic
Bernina Artista 630, Bernina 800DL, Janome Cover Pro 1000CP and an elderly Singer Touch & Sew 720G as a back up

Sheilago

Re: Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?
« Reply #19 on: April 27, 2022, 09:13:53 AM »
I have a friend who volunteers in a charity shop and he says they’re always grateful for men’s clothes as they don’t receive that much.

That’s true, my sister is the manager of a charity shop and they do like to get good quality mens clothes. However do bear in mind that they really like to get things that will sell, so if you think it’s out of date, will anyone buy it? Charity shops also have to pay for anything that gets thrown away by them, so if they get a lot that they can’t sell it reduces the amount they’re making for the charity.

If you’re near a big city, taking it to a specialist vintage clothes shop might be better.

BrendaP

Re: Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?
« Reply #20 on: April 27, 2022, 10:04:17 AM »
Deconstructing and remaking isn't really feasable - even if you unpicked every single seam the new pattern would almost certainly have a corner somewhere that won't quite fit on to the existing fabric - unless you are making for a small child.  There will also be creases that are pressed in so hard that they are permanent and you can't unpick buttonholes!

Unless you are aiming for a GBSB "alteration challenge" result donating it as vintage is the only real option.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

LeilaMay

Re: Is there anything (constructive) I can do with this suit?
« Reply #21 on: April 27, 2022, 11:07:15 AM »
I admit the poster was looking for alterations suggestions, so it's maybe a bit off topic to have talked about keeping it.
But it is the fashion versus style debate isn't it?

The fashion industry exists by persuading people that something you thought was great before is now 'wrong' and to be smart it has to be longer/shorter/wider/brighter/black whatever . . .
We allow ourselves to be bamboozled into changing things frequently, even though some shapes simply do not suit our body shapes for example, (and yes I know 40 years isn't frequent).

Style on the other hand says "This is what I like, this is what I feel good in, this is a really nicely made piece of clothing and I'm rocking it!"

Just wanted to point out that is a whole other stream of thinking than the one that says - "this was in fashion years ago, so I can't possibly wear it now" - you know?

Leila :)