I posted this elsewhere with no luck, hopefully you can help me out...

I've been interested in the topit, so I bought Michael Ammar's Topit Pattern and Carl Cloutier's Topit video.

After looking at the pattern I am so lost. Do I take it, along with my suit to the tailor and ask if they can install it or something else?

Thanks!
Josh London

In my article on "The Tote Bag Change Bag" in the Dollar Store Magic section (on my site) I have a section on how to use a small Dollar Store Tote Bag as a Topit. Check out your local Dollar Store or Craft Store and buy a small black (for now- the article shows you how you can use colors) tote bag. Use safety pins to pin it according to the directions on the DVD. Practice with it, play with it and then you will know if you want to have a tailor make you a more permanent solution or if it is fine just as it is. Patrick Page advised using the safety pinned Topit just so you could use it with any suit you have. I don't know anyone who actually has a tailor-made and installed Topit, but I'm sure you will get advice in that direction from someone.

I made my topit using Michael Ammar’s pattern. I bought lining material, thread and needles at Jo-Ann’s and followed Michael’s instructions. I installed it so I have access from the outside pockets and also the breast pocket. I used fabric glue to hold it in place and hand stitched it. By the time I finished sewing everything I had developed good sewing skills my stitches were very symmetrical and small. I wont say how long the first one took but the second one took about a quarter the time and added to the usable skills.

P.S. I would not suggest installing your first one in that $1200.00 Armani sport coat.

I would hire the first one done. You can do that at http://www.fabricmanipulation.com, if you wish.

I had a suit made in Thailand and tried to explain that I wanted a topit put in. I even had Ammar's pattern to show them. I ended up with the suit pocket split into sections, the topit installed between the suit and the liner, and no acces to the topit from the suit pocket. I ended up with a nice suit with some funny extras that do nothing. If I had a real example with me, I am sure they would have done a wonderful job.

I have a few suits that I don't really use anymore, so I'll try to install one in one of those suits.

Thanks!
jl

Jl, I would suggest test fitting it. Pin it in place get a feel for it before spending the evening stiching. Good luck, and keep the stiches small.
Charlie