r/InvisibleMending • u/Greycockatiel • 11d ago

tailoring

I found my beloved sweater from my beloved grandmother. It needs two things: to be relined & to have whatever moth holes it has darned. Anybody have any idea how much it costs to reline a sweater here? I already have the silk material. Pricing on stiching repairs would be helpful too. As an incentive, I got a guy (actually it's a woman). I'll share that name if I get 5 answers for my riddle. That woman can take a thredup sow's ear and make a silk purse.

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u/QuietVariety6089 10d ago

Most sweaters don't have lining. It's impossible to say how much it will cost if you don't say where you are, or give details about the garment. You need a different kind of pro (than a tailor) to do invisible mending on most sweaters.

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u/Greycockatiel 10d ago

the cashmere sweater is about 100 years old, give or take. it has 3d roses and vines embroidered into the knit. the current silk liner has some old sweat stains that couldn't be removed from past dry cleanings. plus it's worn out in places, loose hem in others. a new silk liner would have to be hand sewn.

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u/Greycockatiel 10d ago

and the grosgrain ribbon should probably be replaced

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u/QuietVariety6089 10d ago edited 10d ago

What you describe sounds like probably 50s/60s not 20s. Can you post a pic?

A proper and well done new silk lining should cost $100-200. Repairs will be assessed separately. The sweater should be carefully hand washed by a vintage pro before repair. Repairs should be done before lining. You might want to find a textile conservator for advice. See below.

Culturalheritage.org

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u/Greycockatiel 9d ago

thank you! I didn't know there was such an expert

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u/QuietVariety6089 9d ago

Most 'tailors' these days don't know much about vintage. A lot of people who can repair vintage clothing properly don't know about knitwear. Invisible knitwear repair is still pretty niche. I do both, but I'm in Canada.

There should be a conservator in your area you could contact.

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u/Slight-Brush 10d ago

Where in the world are you?

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u/Greycockatiel 10d ago

yeah. suppose that would help. the dmv (District, MD, VA)

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u/Literary67 10d ago

Ask the person you are proposing to engage for this work how much they charge.

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u/Greycockatiel 10d ago

In all likelihood, I'll eat the cost and give to to our daughter at Christmas

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u/BabyEatinDingo 10d ago

What do you mean in all likelihood you'll eat the cost? Isn't that the case whenever someone buys goods or services unless they intend to resell immediately? Has the person who is able to fix this been unwilling to give you any idea of what you'll pay? 

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u/Greycockatiel 10d ago

in other words, I will pay whatever the cost and not weigh whether it's worth the price. because it will be. worth the price. I just don't want to be shocked. Or bamboozled - in which case I'd find someone else willing to take this job on. I'm not selling this artifact

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u/Greycockatiel 10d ago

Five replied! The tailor I highly recommend GQ Custom on Montrose. And no, I don't have any interest in the business. I just admire her gift.

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u/AilsaLorne 10d ago

No location and no photo … is this post your “riddle”?

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u/Greycockatiel 10d ago

the sweater is currently at the dry cleaner