Long ago, it was out of necessity; I grew a lot when I was 16 years old, I was short and tubby, and suddenly I was tall and skinny, and it happened within a year.

I grew to 6′.4″/193 cm, and it was impossible to find clothes to fit – there were no fractional fittings then, the only recourse was ‘Mr Big & Mr Tall’ shops with awful clothes.
Jacket sleeves had to be lengthened as were trouser hems, cuffed trousers were good for this, just use the cuff length to make uncuffed trousers. Nothing could be done about shirts, I eventually had them made.

In the meantime, friends were able to buy clothes that fit.

Lengthening sleeves weren’t always great as may be seen in this photo, the lengthening shows.

Anyway, the only answer was to make my own clothes (with the help of my mother).
I made EVERYTHING, jeans, jackets, shirts, T-shirts, even underwear, I had no idea that something so practical could also give so much pleasure and satisfaction.

Longer ‘L’ fittings arrived, and I was able to go on a shopping spree and find clothes to fit! So I stopped making all these things, the only item I can’t get is shirts, so I still make them. It also gives me a greater choice of fabrics and styles.

Now it’s quilting, but I shall always make shirts.
That’s today’s rave,
Take care,