FIT & ALTERATION

Clothing should work with the body, not against it.
This journal explores fit, proportion, and small adjustments. It looks at how clothes sit on the body, where discomfort often comes from, and how thoughtful alterations — whether done at home or professionally — can transform how a piece is worn and lived in.

  • Nicola sewing at a Bernina machine in her home sewing studio, surrounded by fabric and thread

    WHY I DO ALTERATIONS

    How I went from dreading my own alterations to doing them for everyone else.

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  • Black knit sweater with scattered white fabric bows, laid flat on cream background — After Stilettos alteration repair

    RESCUING A BLACK BOW SWEATER

    Fifty-odd tiny bows, one needle, and a client's sweater that needed saving.

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  • White collared blouse held up in a sewing studio with dress form in background — After Stilettos fit alterations

    WHY HANDMADE CLOTHES DON'T ALWAYS FIT

    Disappointment when handmade clothes don't fit.

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  • Nicola's handmade bodice block pattern piece laid flat on a table

    WHAT A BODICE BLOCK ACTUALLY IS

    The foundation block that is needed before any of your patterns can come to life.

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  • Fabric pattern pieces laid flat on cutting table with pins and tape measure — After Stilettos pattern correction

    ALTERATIONS VS PATTERN CORRECTION

    Pattern correction fixes the structure before you cut.

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Two small holes at the top of a grey knit polo placket, needle and stretch thread ready

FIXING TWO HOLES

Repaired two holes at the top of a knit polo placket

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Explore more from the After Stilettos journals.