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Member since 8/10/02
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Posted on: 8/16/04 10:36 AM ET
Help!  I have been asked to replace a zipper in a child's jumper that I was told was lined.  No problem, I thought.  Then, as I removed the zipper, I noticed that it was not lined, it was reversable!  YIKES!

So, my problem is that I cannot find a zipper that has a reversable pull that is dressweight.  I tried switching the pull from the original zipper to the new one, but the sizes don't match.  I bought a zipper repair kit hoping that there was a number of pulls, but the only reversable ones were for jackets.  I need some sources, please!
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Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com

  
Member since 1/26/03
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Posted on: 8/16/04 10:45 AM ET
Which part of the zipper is broken?

I wonder if you can use one of those make your own zipper kits that are just a spool of zipper that you cut to size along with an assortment of pulls.  Try Nancy's Notions. I think they have it, and their customer service should be able to tell you if the kit includes what you need.
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Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 8/16/04 6:22 PM ET
http://www.sundroptextiles.com/notions....nfo.htm

YKK makes them and you can find those at various other online stores.   Hancock fabrics carry some, too.

Janie
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JanieV
  
Member since 8/10/02
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Posted on: 8/17/04 8:43 AM ET
StitchMD, I tried that solution.  The zipper tape is a size smaller than the zipper pull.  The pull did not close the zipper tape when pulled up.  I also tried the pull on a purchased dress zipper, but it did not work either.  The actual tape for the zipper being replaced has a couple of broken teeth, so it cannot be used.

Janice, thanks for the link.  I will check them out.
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Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com

  
Member since 4/4/02
Posts: 7876
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Posted on: 8/17/04 10:55 AM ET
Lorna, is it actually being worn as a reversible garment?  If it isn't, then you can just put a regular zip in it.
  
Member since 8/10/02
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Posted on: 8/17/04 11:15 AM ET
Unfortunately, the jumper is for a little girl who loves both sides!  I told the mother that I was having problems finding a zipper, and she said it was not a problem if I cannot find one.  But I would like to get this done more for my building my reputation in the beginning stages of my business thatn for anything else!  I find that the farther afield I have to go for the zipper, the more expensive it becomes!  With the Can/US exchange rate, the zipper cost will be half of the replacement cost once shipping is calculated in (I charge $15.00 to replace zippers)!
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Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com

  
Member since 1/26/03
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Posted on: 8/17/04 11:54 AM ET
I'm confused. Did you try to use the original pull with different zipper tape? I was thinking in terms of finding a kit that had both the zipper and an assortment of pulls so they'd be compatible.

It seems only fair to charge more in this case, because of it being an unusual and hard to find zipper.

It's probably too time-consuming to hunt for this specific project, but I bet you could find some interesting zippers and other closures on thrift store clothes. There is a thrift store in my area that sells nice buttons off of clothing that's too far gone to be usable. If you enjoy thrift shopping at all it would be interesting to look at otherwise icky items that still have usable and special closures that would add something to a project.
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Buy the best and you only cry once.

  
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Posted on: 8/17/04 12:04 PM ET
I actually tried both!  I have a coil of zipper tape that I tried the original slider with (it was the only reversible slider I had at the time) and also tried that slider with a similar zipper.  I cannot find a coil zipper that has a reversible slider to it.  That is the problem.

I do have a thrift store in town that I use for button shopping, but have not looked for zippers.  They do not sell the zippers and buttons separately, but it is a chairty store, so I don't mind buying a garment for the notions!
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Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com

  
Member since 4/4/02
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Posted on: 8/17/04 12:09 PM ET
Lorna, The Rain Shed carries reversible pulls in different sizes.  Click on the Webbing page and then click on Zippers.  I don't know what size zip you are using, but hopefully they will be able to help you.
  
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Posted on: 8/17/04 12:22 PM ET
To be honest, I don't know the size either!  I just bought by the correct length from the only local source I Have - Wal Mart!  How do I measure size?  I assume that I am using a size 5?

I just checked the back side of the zipper pull of the replacement tape and it has a small 3 on it.  Now all I have to do is find a size 3 pull or a size 5 tape and pull.  Probably easier to do the latter.

Thanks, Gigi!
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Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com

  
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