Well we are into March 2016 a new year a new month. At Cheung’s Tailor we have had the honor to work on fun St. Patrick’s garments, leprechaun outfits, green dresses, and kilts for this year’s St. Patrick Day’s festivities.  Let’s think of a few things, why do we celebrate with green, the type of clothing we can wear, and the possibilities of what your local tailor can do!

The color green can have so many fun and mystical meanings. Some may associate it with the universal love of the environment. The symbolism of nature or maybe; all the traffic lights we pass through daily.

So what is the significance for St. Patrick’s day?

We were curious as well! From our research in brief, it was a day to celebrate the Universal Baptism of Ireland which  was commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day. Over time it has continually evolved into a more of a secular holiday. Whereas some may consider it “an Irish Day.”

So now what is the significance of the tri-leafed shamrock, the leprechaun, and the pot of gold?

Tri-leafed Shamrock

Let’s start with the tri-leafed Shamrock? Well from our sources

[aka the History channel] we have found it could also have a number of different meanings. Something spiritual, made up, and religious. But according to the web source everything lucky should come in threes. Could this have significance relating our past, present, and future? Well we can tell you have you had recently purchased a green dress, and nothing fits, in the future we can alter you dress! Any color works.

The Leprachaun:

The leprachaun is considered an Irish fairy! A little description of this fairy: Small man around two feet tall, dressed like a shoemaker & wearing a hat and leather apron. According to legend, a leprechaun may not be too friendly and generally passes their time making shoes. [How neat! At Cheung’s Tailor we pass time altering clothing].  They also have a hidden pot of gold. [We wish we did too.]

Well since the significance of St. Patrick’s Day is more of a secular holiday we may consider the possible clothing ideas:

  • Green Prom Dresses
  • Green Bridesmaid Dresses
  • Maybe something a little green on the Wedding Gown
  • Green Dresses

 

For outdoors festivities:

  • Halter tops
  • Green Jeans
  • Green Sweaters
  • Patrick’s Day Blankets
  • Green Purses
  • Green Top Hats
  • Kilts

Some common alterations to the above may include:

  • Dress Hemming
  • Take in the Dress
  • Add in beading
  • Take in the top
  • Custom blanket quilts
  • Repairing seams on your garments
  • Shortening the hem on kilts
  • Restitching a seam
  • Custom designed Leprechaun suit

So for your next alteration needs this St. Patrick’s Day whether it’s for a spring fling, outdoors festival, or custom blanket check out Cheung’s Tailor. Share your idea and see what we are able to do for you this St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day aside, we recently found some interesting pieces we would like to share with you. From a local department store we took two photos of why off the rack clothing generally is not the best fit. We are all unique in shape and size. From these mannequins you are able to witness that though things may appear great in the front the back is clearly very problematic.

The below photo shows a mannequin wearing a regular t-shirt, here are the possible alterations we can perform to it:

Cheung's Tailor - Mannequin Alterations - Blog - T-Shirt Alterations

  • Shortening the hem
  • Take in the sides
  • Make it sleeveless
  • Redesign and create a vent
  • Restitch a seam

The below photo shows a mannequin wear a plaid button down long sleeve as well as a vest. Though we can’t visibly see the button down we are able to see that the green it’s wearing is too large. Here are some possible alterations we can perform:

Cheung's Tailor - Mannequin Alterations - Blog - Vest too large Take In Sides

  • Replace new zippers
  • Take in the sides
  • Add in lining
  • Repair a seam
  • Add in pockets
  • Lower the underarm hole
  • Replace lacing and ties
  • Patch a hole

Anything off the rack is a very generic size, we would suggest it’d be best to find a piece of garment with a perfect overall fit. This would decrease the need to significant alterations [Psst: Yes, we’re here to help you save too] comfort is most important. We are Cheung’s Tailor #MyMNTailor.