[nh_maclean]

I need to get one of my kilts hemmed and I've been putting it off (working 60+hrs a weeks will do that) and currently now have 1 day off a week... so location is also key here as I don't have much time in one day to do everything I need to do.

But I do need this hemmed by mid-October the latest.

Does anyone know a good/reliable tailor/seamstress in San Francisco that could do this for me? I live in the mission and work downtown near the trans-america building (Montgomery bart). Someone btwn the two would be awesome and super convenient.

Also, how would I explain what I want? I've heard some horror stories of obvious hem lines (don't want) or not right length, etc.

Thanks!
Noah

PS - If this isn't the right place to post, let me know and I'll move it!

[Alan H]

This is a project you could do yourself. It just takes a steam iron, a spool of thread, patience, and maybe a few drams of whisky.

Google for "blind stitch hem".

[nh_maclean]

Originally Posted by Alan H

This is a project you could do yourself. It just takes a steam iron, a spool of thread, patience, and maybe a few drams of whisky.

Google for "blind stitch hem".

I wish I had the time (and patience)!! I'm at work from 7:30am - 7:30pm (sometimes later and luckily lately somtimes earlier) and after staring at a computer screen all day, the last thing I want to do is try my hand at stitching anything... but it is something I want to learn to do - I just don't feel I've got the time, energy, patience.

I know there is a Kilt store down near Powell so might try them but I don't want to be charged an arm and a leg.

"Blind Stitch hem" - thanks! I had forgotten Arlen had mentioned that's what I need.

-Noah

PS - is a steam iron a regular iron?

[Monkey@Arms]

If it's a good quality kilt, I would take it to the kilt store (William Glenn on Sutter St.) and ask what they would charge, as I know they do kilt alterations. If its a Stillwater or the like, I'd just go to the any old tailor.

Best regards,

Jake

[nh_maclean]

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

If it's a good quality kilt, I would take it to the kilt store (William Glenn on Sutter St.) and ask what they would charge, as I know they do kilt alterations. If its a Stillwater or the like, I'd just go to the any old tailor.

Best regards,

Jake

Wow - just called them (thanks for the name - I couldn't remember it!) and they said it would be about $80... does that sound right? That sounds pretty pricey to me...

Cheers,
Noah

[Smayniac]

Originally Posted by nh_maclean

Wow - just called them (thanks for the name - I couldn't remember it!) and they said it would be about $80... does that sound right? That sounds pretty pricey to me...

Cheers,
Noah

Remember you're talking about stitching, invisibly, eight yards of already pleated material; that sounds like an OK deal to me.
Bob

[nh_maclean]

A little update here...

I took my kilt to William Glen & Son on Sutter in SF... and had a good experience, though I did go back for a fitting with the tailor himself and he said it actually didn't need to be shortened/hemmed at all but just made smaller... so the end result being buckles and straps adjusted to a snugger fit (much cheaper then the hemming), which did indeed bring the kilt up to the right length for me (right at the tops of my knees).

I also got a waistcoat to match a jacket and a proper kilt belt and buckle. I justified all this to myself by saying 1. I'm buying local and 2. I only need to buy it once... and 3. starting out in anything always (usually) requires getting the basics... and if I can afford starting with something decent, I won't feel the need to upgrade later so less of an overall outlay...

But great experience there and they were all friendly and helpful. I will certainly be bringing any other kilts that need adjustment to them.