Replies

1. 
   suesew | Sep 12, 2007 03:30am | #1

   I would try a 12 or 14 sharp. You need something to pierce the boning if it isn't wrapped with a casing. I hate to do that alteration - there is so much to take apart and it is usually all hard to get to and get under the machine.

2. 
   wlric | Sep 12, 2007 07:19am | #2

   What type of boning is it? Is it thick plastic or metal or thin woven plastic? If you can match the stitch length you can try to sew into the same holes that are already in the plastic. Make sure you have a lot of needles and sew carefully. On the thicker plastic boning I have had to go to a 16 needle. But, I prefer to place the bone into a casing rather than sew it into a seam. Good luck.
   wlric

1. 
   rsew | Sep 12, 2007 04:33pm | #3

   Hi

   the boning is a thin woven plastic - it looks like white elastic-without the stretch of

   course and it is sewn right next to the seamline.  The poor girl who owns it is

   not a size 12 in the bust area and the whole front of the dress just gaps and bags.

   thanks

1. 
   maggiecoops | Sep 14, 2007 07:59pm | #4

   I do sympathise with both yourself and the lass who owns the dress. At one time you didnt need a chest to wear the boned bodices and they didnt gape or sag. The solution was elegant and simple, though nowadays seems largely to be forgotten. We had what I can only describe as built in soft powder puffs,  layers of dress net with the top layers made from soft prettily edged chiffons and finally a soft lace, the whole lot looked like a multi petalled peony that acted as a former for the bodice bust area, and a modesty shield for the wearer, so if she bent forward all one could see was the froth created by the flower effect insets. Worked brilliantly for those of us who had small busts but were still wide backed and wanted the strapless ball gowns. .

3. 
   mainestitcher | Sep 18, 2007 03:15pm | #5

   I don't care to re-sew boning, and sometimes I cheat.

   I'm going to guess the boning is sewn to the lining, and not to the fashion fabric.

   When feasable, I take a seam in the lining as close as I can to the original, w/out taking out the old one.  Press the extra material away from the boning.

   Yes, I'm quite aware it isn't "right."  I'm also aware that the individual who paid $169.99 for a special occassion dress that she'll never wear again will appreciate expediency more than couture tailoring.  Do a neat job of it, and you'd be surprised how unobtrusive it is.  Really. 

    Mainestitcher slinks off to hide when she admits this awful technique is in her repertoire.

    

1. 
   Becky-book | Oct 07, 2007 03:34am | #6

   It is not an awful technique!!
   You did not say you would make something that way.
   Fixing someone else's boo boo as quickly and inexpensively as possible (for the poor bridesmaid who had no say in choosing the gown most likely!)is a valuable tool to own. And I think you know when to use it!
   Becky