I have a on going stack by my machine of items to be patched. Some thankfully end up outgrown first. Patching is never a favorite. Only a need that has to be met from time to time. Our oldest is in the highschool band and they will reimburse for a repair to the 700.00 uniform. After talking to a friend who is light years even beyond my abilities she didn't want to touch it without taking out the lining etc- Plan to take it to someone else and let them open and resew lining etc.