Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a woman who stands at 6' and I can't ever seem to find pants that aren't too short or too long. As a result, I spend a fortune on hemming alterations and wanted to know if there was a "do it yourself" way that you could recommend that doesn't take a lot of time, energy or money?

Signed,

Hemming and Hawing

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Dear H.A.H.,

There are two solutions to your problem that meet your criteria, with caveats, of course. The first to consider involves a little faith in the supernatural. Well, not really, but stitch witchery is quite magical in adhering hems without getting too technical. You can find it in just about any craft section and it's very inexpensive and easy to use. One small drawback: the "heat activated" bonding tape will start to loose its holding power after several cycles of care.

Another more involved process would be to contact your local fabric store to inquire about beginner's sewing classes. For a fraction of the long-term cost and time you wait for your hemming alterations to be completed, you could learn a few basic sewing principles, if nothing more than a pant hemming technique or two. Of course, unless you have a sewing machine at your disposal dying to be dusted off, you'll be limited to either using the machines in class or purchasing one.

If all else fails, you could try to find a cheaper seamstress than the one you use now, but as we all know, a good tailor is hard to find. Just remember, no matter which option you decide works best for you, be sure that you wash and/or dry any article of clothing that needs alternations beforehand so the length won't be affected by later washings and care.

As it was once said, if you want something done right, do it yourself; and if you want it done for less, and on your time schedule no less, than you most certainly want to do it yourself. It may sound a little daunting, but if you're really looking for a DIY solution, now's the time to try your hand at one of the suggestions above. Once you've figured out which works best for you, you'll have your hemming problem sewn up, or 'stitched' up, in no time.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com