Advice and ideas for buying, decorating, repairing, selling and making clothing and apparel items.
Removing Iron-On Labels and PatchesIf the decal is beginning to peel up or you just want to remove it, you may be wondering how to get off iron on patches. This is a page about removing iron-on labels and patches.
Softening Stiff Denim?This is a page about softening stiff denim. Denim clothing can often be quite stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
Setting Dye on Clothing and FabricThis page is about setting clothing dye. Whether your clothes are brand new or you have done some dyeing, it is important to set the color.
Bleaching Colored Clothing WhiteTrying to remove all of the color from clothing can have mixed results. This is a page about bleaching colored clothing white.
Stretching Moccasins?I want to stretch some new moccasins, They are my correct size but are too stiff to even get my feet in. I've used that wooden foot stretcher thing, but they go back to the original shape. Help?
How Do You Make Loud Shoes Quiet?Try adding padding of some kind to the heels of your shoes to quite them down. This is a page about, "How do you make loud shoes quiet?".
Overalls Are Damaging DryerThis is a page about overalls are damaging dryer. With all their snaps and buttons, these heavy garments can be hard on your clothes dryer.
Stretching Leather Clogs?I have several pairs of new leather clogs/mules that I bought on line. Is there a way I can stretch them myself, or do I have to take them to a shoemaker? I want to wear socks with some of them and could use a little extra room.
Can I Use Nail Polish on Dyeable Shoes?Has anyone ever dyed "dyeable" shoes by using nail polish? I need a metallic bronze for a wedding I am going to and can't find the color that matches my dress anywhere. I then bought a nail polish that matches what I want exactly. !
Changing the Color of a Baseball Cap?I bought a ball cap for my husband. He has been wanting one with the Chevrolet logo on it. I found one, but it is orange, red and white. I would really like to change the orange color to blue to match my drag racing truck.
Removing Stiffness from New Clothing?I need help getting the stiffness out of a new shirt? What should I use to wash it?
How to Remove the Color from Satin Material?Since satin fabric is actually made of different fibers it may not be possible to remove the color without damaging the fabric. This is a page about how to remove the color from satin material.
Keeping Pantyhose From RunningThis is a page about keeping pantyhose from running. Panty hose seem to frequently get runs in them.
Removing the Name from the Back of a Jersey?I would like to know how to remove a transfer off a football top?
Dyeing White Baseball Pants Grey?I purchased and can not return 6 pairs of white baseball pants. I found out last night my daughters need grey baseball pants. Does anyone know if I can dye them if so does anyone have a suggestion on what brand of dye?
Shoes That Will Match a Seafoam Green Evening Gown?I have a seafoam green colored evening grown (it has a netty texture). I need matching shoes. What color and style should I get? Where can I get it for the cheapest price possible?
Re-setting Pleats on a Synthetic Skirt?I thrifted an accordion-pleated skirt (The fabric is creased, but the pleats aren't sewn. It is sort of like a lampshade.) a few years ago. Like the dumb young 'un I was, I put it through the washer and dryer, and the pleats have mostly fallen out.
Information on a Fur Coat?If you inherit or receive a vintage fur coat as a gift and are looking to identify the type of fur, age, and value you will likely need to contact a retail shop that can help identify it. Resale shops that trade in vintage clothing are also a possible resource for your inquiries.
Bleaching Colored Converse Shoes?Bleaching colored fabric shoes often does not work as intended, especially if you are trying to remove all of the color. This page contains some ideas and tips regarding bleaching colored Converse shoes.
Waterproofing Suede Boots?To waterproof suede boots, you need to use a commercial spray recommended for suede. Any homemade leather protector will discolor your boots.
Dyeing a Polyester and Suede Face Wrap?I have a black 100% polyester face wrap with a patch of suede on it and am wondering how to dye it. I want to dye it a desert tan color, but am not sure how to do it.
Making an Off White Wedding Dress Whiter?This is a page about making an off white wedding dress whiter. Trying to whiten an off white or eggshell colored dress can be difficult to impossible. Polyester fabrics are not a good choice for this process. Likewise, even cottons may not result in the desired effect. This is a page about making an off white wedding dress whiter.
Protecting Your Shoes From Bad WeatherRain and snow can be damaging to certain types of shoes. This is a page about protecting your shoes from bad weather.
Caring for Leather BootsProper care of leather shoes helps ensure that they not only look good, but that you get years of wear out of them. This is a page about caring for leather boots.
Wearing SneakersThis is a page about wearing sneakers. Sneakers, by any name, are designed for a variety of activities. Wearing the proper shoe, that fits well, is important to its overall performance.
Cleaning an Autographed Shirt?I went to my favourite artist's concert, Paloma Faith, and had the privilege to meet her and she signed my top. I don't want to lose the signature. What do I do to keep it fresh please?
Dyeing Suede Blazer?I have two suede blazers. I would like to dye them a darker color.
Using Vintage ClothingThis is a page about using vintage clothing. Making over or using older clothing can add unique fashion styles and fabrics to your wardrobe.
Acrylic Poncho Leaves Lint on Clothing?I just bought an acrylic poncho. When I put it on I get lint all over my shirt. How can I prevent the lint from coming off the poncho and onto all my clothes?
Clothing Advice for a Formal Business Event?This is a page about clothing advice for a formal business event. Choosing the proper attire for a formal business event can be daunting.
Wardrobe Advice?This is a page about wardrobe advice. Putting together a fashionable and affordable wardrobe can sometimes be a challenge.
Black Brushed Denim Jeans?Is there anything to take off the fuzziness on brushed denim so it's more like regular denim
Making Your Shoes Last LongerThis is a page about making your shoes last longer. Buying new shoes can be expensive. So, it is important to make the ones you already own last as long as possible.
Following Fashion InexpensivelyThis is a page about following fashion inexpensively. Trying to keep up with the latest fashions can be very expensive.
Picking Tights or Stocking Color For Wedding?This is a page about picking tights or stocking color for wedding. It doesn't matter if you are the bride, bridesmaid, or a guest, choosing the right color tights to finish your ensemble is important.
Making Shoes That Are Too Big FitThis is a page about making shoes that are too big fit. If you have a pair of shoes that are a bit too big you don't necessarily need to get rid of them. You may be able to improve their fit.
Chlorine Changing Color of Bikini?I bought a new white and pink spotty bikini for Spain. I have swum in this bikini a lot and it was grand then. Only today I noticed that it was going a greeny/yellow colour. What do I do, the bikini was really expensive and I love it. Help!
Untying Stubborn Knots in ShoelacesThis page is about untying stubborn knots in shoelaces. Sometimes your fingernails need some help to untie a shoelace.
Dyeing Polyester?This is a page about dyeing polyester. Although dyeing polyester fabric can be difficult, it can be done at home using the proper method.
Pantyhose Tips and TricksThis is a page about pantyhose tips and tricks. For many women pantyhose are an essential daily wardrobe item. Extending their wear, choosing the correct size, and other considerations can save money and keep you in pantyhose.
Extending the Life of ShoesThis is a page about extending the life of shoes. Before you throw out a pair of worn or scuffed shoes, consider some easy ways to refurbish them and get even more wear.
Using a Plastic Rain Bonnet?This is a page about using a plastic rain bonnet. They were all the rage back in the 50s and 60s, those little clear plastic folding rain bonnets. While not particularly stylish they did work quite well to protect your hair in a drizzle, when you didn't have or want to use an umbrella.
Dyeing Leather Shoes?This is a page about dyeing leather shoes. Don't toss your worn or outdated leather shoes, consider dyeing them.
Drying Wet Shoes and BootsThis is a page about drying wet shoes and boots. Wet shoes can take a bit of time to dry, but there are some ways to help this process along.
Saving Money on SwimwearThis is a page about saving money on swimwear. Swimwear can be expensive and takes a beating from pool chlorine, sun, and washing.
Breaking in New ShoesThis is a page about breaking in new shoes. New shoes can be uncomfortable when you first wear them.
Saving Money on Winter ClothingThis is a page about saving money on winter clothing. If you are trying to rein in your clothing budget, winter clothing purchases is one place to start.
Saving Money On ClothingThis is a page about saving money on clothing. Clothing costs are a significant portion of many family budgets.
Solution for Limp Blouses?My blouses (some cotton and some a combination) have all lost their shape and vitality. Is there anything I can use to whip them back into shape?
Saving Money on a TuxedoThis page is about saving money on a tuxedo. Men's formal wear for a wedding, prom, or any special occasion is often expensive to buy, and may be only needed once.
Dyeing Polyester Trousers?I brought some brown trousers and dyed them navy for work, they weren't dark enough. I dyed them navy again and they are a lovely deep blue, but this is still not acceptable for work, they need to be so dark that they are almost black. (but not black! stupid I know)
Waterproofing Suede Shoes?I have just bought some suede boots and I wonder if there is some "homemade" remedy to waterproof them. I know that I can buy a spray for waterproofing, but I would prefer something more natural. Thank you.
Dry Cleaning Removed The Sizing in Suit?I have been unable to find a trustworthy dry cleaner so far and need to restore several of their failures. Currently the suits look like a dish rag with no body and no way to hold a crease when pressed, some people refer to it as sizing if that helps.
Slipping Boots On Easier?My husband has a hard time slipping his heavy boots on. His socks aren't really very thick and the boots fit well once he gets them on. He does unlace them all the way, but still has problems. Any ideas to make it easier? Thanks so much.
How Much Shrinkage Can Occur in 100% Cotton Jeans?How much shrinkage will occur in 100% cotton Wrangler jeans which are labeled 36 inches, but are 38 inches in length when new? I don't want to cut them off too short and they need to be 30 inches long.
Saving Money on CufflinksThis is a page about saving money on cufflinks. Cufflinks add a nice tough to a suit or tuxedo shirt. They can quickly become an expensive part of a men's wardrobe though.
Dyeing Bra Extensions?I have put on weight and have 2 bras, never worn, that I want to wear! I have bra extensions that are white and the bras are blue and mint! How can I dye these to go with the bras? Is there such a thing as soaking them in water that food coloring has been added to?
Dryer Leaving Holes in Clothing?Why do I have tiny holes in my t-shirts after drying them?
Can I Use a Dark Brown Purse in the Summer?Do you think it is okay to use a dark brown purse in the summer?
Why Do My Fawn Brand Cargo Pants Squeak When I Walk?I recently bought a pair of Fawn cargo pants which I really like, but the
Advice For Dyeing Shoes?I want to dye a brown stretch-top shoe black. The bottom and heel are already black, the back is dark brown. I have a pair in brown now and want to get another to dye, as the "black" style" runs about $80 more.
Why Are My Nylon Workouts Clothes Turning Pink After Washing?All of our nylon white workout clothes Underarmor, Nike, etc. are turning pink. They are not being washed with other red things and the rest of the clothes and towels and cotton whites are fine, it is only the nylon stuff.
Dyeing a Nylon Bodysuit?How would I go about dyeing a nude nylon bodysuit navy blue or a deep royal blue?
Caring For and Storing Silk Clothing?How do I store my silk, beaded evening jacket, please? I want to keep it, but don't wear it a lot. It's black silk with metallic beading all over it.Thank you!
Dyeing Blue Jeans?Has anyone found a way to successfully dye bluejeans in an area that was purposefully bleached or faded by the manufacturer? I found a great pair of Apple Bottoms jeans at my local Goodwill, but the front of the legs have a wide band of material that was either bleached or faded by the company.
Black Clothes Turning Brown After Washing?My son has a reversible cotton sweat top. It is black on one side, bright pink on the other with a white collar.
Improving the Tensile Strength of Viscose Rayon Thread?How can we improve the strength of 100% viscose rayon thread after the dyeing process?
Fading Black and White Shirt?My son has a black shirt that is fading and I would like to bring it back to the bright black color. The only problem is that the shirt has white in it as well. I do not want the black to go into the white.Any suggestions would be helpful.
Dye from Denim Coming Off on Skin?How do I stop black dye in denim material from getting all over me and anything else I wear? The jacket has some leather on it and rhinestones. Please help, I am covered in black dye.
Coloring a Leather Handbag?I want to slightly darken a tan leather handbag. What product would you suggest to go from light saddle to a slightly darker shade?
Shrinking a Denim Jacket?How can I shrink a denim jacket?
Protecting Satin Shoes from Stains?I want to prevent getting a stain on light gold colored satin shoes. These are the cutest and most expensive shoes I have ever purchased. I don't know what product to apply to them before I or someone else gets clumsy. I will have no sense of humor if something gets spilled on them.
Dyeing a Jacket?How do I dye my white ski jacket red?
Dyeing a Vinyl Purse?I have a tiny vinyl houndstooth purse. I'd like it to be solid black. Can I use a permanent black marker to color it in, or would that look terrible?
Taking the Itch Out of a Wool Sweater?How do I eliminate the "itchiness" of a wool shirt? My son has a beautiful wool shirt with elbow patches on the sleeves, but it's so itchy he won't wear it. Even with a t-shirt under it, he says the collar itches his neck.
Dyeing Jeans With Natural Dye?I have a pair of light blue jeans that fit really well (thanks to a recent 27lb weight loss) but I'm just not crazy for the color. I'd really like them to be darker but don't want to use chemical dyes like Rit dye.
Bra Strap Pads?Has anyone any ideas about how to pad bra straps to reduce tendon irritation on the shoulders? Maybe some kind of silicon gel pad or something to spread the load?
Accessories To Wear With a Green Dress?What color of hose and shoes do you wear with a green dress?
Wear Special Occasion Clothing Before the EventThis is about clothing purchased for a special occasion. I'd like to suggest that you give it a trial run by wearing it for at least half an hour in your home. You'll quickly find out what is missing, what needs repairing, etc.
Keeping a Cotton Shirt Looking Good All Day?Any idea's on how to keep a cotton shirt looking good for the day of wearing. It's gets wrinkles in an hour and looks awful. I've tried starch.
Stain on Silk Dress?Please help me to clean my beautiful dress. I was wearing a 100% silk dress with beads on my son's wedding day. Under those slimming longer body color pantyhose, I was sweating. The pantyhose left marks on my dress.
Clothing That Makes You Look Slimmer?What is a slimming type of shirt for someone who is about 5 feet tall and overweight?
Preventing Jeans from Stretching?How do you stop excessive fabric stretching? My new jeans stretch so much that in about an hour I need a belt or suspenders to keep them on. Any ideas on how to fix fabric so that it doesn't stretch so much or so quickly? They are Levi's, 99% cotton and 1% Lycra Spandex.
Waterproofing Cotton Fabric?I have been rained out of playing paintball for the last time! I have been looking for ways to waterproof my Camo, and the only ones I can find involve gasoline, and wax.
Making Shirts Longer?I have several tops which seem to be a bit too short. I was wondering if there was a way to lengthen these tops without it looking like a tacked on after-thought? I probably shouldn't have bought them in the first place but I have put on a bit of weight and they look terrible on me.
Where to Find Children's Suspenders?Where can I find suspenders for 50 children?
Something is Eating Holes in Clothing?Something is eating holes in clothing. There are lots of small holes in jeans, shirts, and pants.
Dyeing a Sheepskin Coat?I have a brown canvas and sheepskin coat. The sheepskin is white and the canvas is brown. How do I go about dyeing the whole coat off-white? Is there a company that would do this for me? I would also be okay with just bleaching the entire coat.
Soaking Clothes in Vinegar?I heard that soaking new clothes in plain white vinegar helps the colors last longer. If you are familiar with this please tell me for how long should I soak the clothes?
Fuzzy Insoles for Shoes?I can't find furry innersoles to put into my shoes. Can someone recommend an alternative to buying them? I work outside and even with thick wool socks and thick soles on my shoes I get cold feet.
Putting Cuffs on Reversible Jacket?I am looking for a pattern of how to put cuffs on a reversible jacket. I have the cuffs. Thank you.
Keeping Hair from Sticking to Dress?I have a 100% black cotton dress. It will come out of the washer/dryer perfectly, but as I am wearing it all day, every piece of lint, pet hair, and other peoples hair clings to it. Is there some type of product out that will guard the fabric all day?
Keeping a Jacket Hood On?I just bought a jacket with a hood. The hood is just about right but has no closure to keep it in place in the wind and rain. It doesn't have any extra material either. Just fits. Any ideas of how to keep this closed?
Altering A Formal Dress Smaller?I was wondering how hard it would be to take in a dress if it's too big. I found my dream dress to wear at a special occasion next year but I have been losing weight. I'm afraid that if I order the dress a size or two too small then I might not lose all the weight. But if I order at my size I may have to alter it. The dress is silk and has boning in the bodice. Anyone know if that will be too hard to take in?
Spray Product From Wrinkled Clothing?I'm looking for a spray to quickly take wrinkles out of clothes. My friend showed me a product sold by Melleluca. I liked a lot. But I can't purchase their merchandise without a rep. Any suggestions about where I can find a similar product?
Wrinkled Suede Skirt?Is it safe to iron or steam a badly-wrinkled suede skirt? If not, what do you recommend?
Water Repellent for Clothing?In the 80's, a co-worker of mine sold some type of water and stain repellent for clothes, shoes, etc. I thought it was an amway product but I cannot seem to find it anywhere. It was such a great product, as our uniforms were always clean and never had stains on them. Water literally rolled off our shoes.
Making Suit Pants Smaller?I need to alter my husbands new suit pants 4 inches smaller in the waist. Any suggestions for a professional looking job?
Sealing the Soles of Sandals?Does anyone have a good idea to seal the soles of a pair of rubber sandals?
Redyeing T-shirts?I'm trying to redye my black t-shirts. The shirts are not plain black, I don't own any plain shirts. So the real question is, is it possible to redye them myself or have them professionally done somewhere, so that the pictures/words on the shirt won't get ruined?
Suede Jacket Discolored After Dry Cleaning?Why do suede jackets discolor when being dry cleaned?
Preserving an Autographed T-shirt?My son has a black T shirt and he had it autographed in silver marker. I would love to keep the shirt looking good. Any suggestions on how to preserve the marker?
Information on a Fur Coat?I received this fur coat from an elderly friend's mother, who has passed away. Does anyone know what kind of fur it is? Does anyone know the value of this type of coat?
Bleaching Pillow Cases White?My pillows cases have a lite color brown. I want to dye them white, but am not sure how do it. Can you suggest a dye that's easy to use, but does the job?
Softening a Denim Jacket?How would I soften a denim jacket?
Softening a Stiff Denim Jacket?I got a new denim jacket as a gift recently and it's really stiff and very uncomfortable so if you have any tips on how to soften it please help a girl out.
Removing Imprint Left by Vinyl Iron-on Transfer?How do I remove the vinyl imprint from a shirt? I did an iron on transfer and didn't like how it looked. I have removed the vinyl and the adhesive is gone, but I have the imprint left. Any suggestions on how I can get rid of the imprint without buying a new shirt?
Whitening Lace Wedding Dress?I bought a lace beach wedding dress and now that I'm not getting married on a beach due to Covid I ordered an overskirt. The overskirt is satin. They are two different colours of white. The skirt is a bright white. Can I use bleach or a non bleaching whitening laundry product to brighten it up to match?