Dressmakers! (or Clothes makers) Advice for a newbie please

tiamai_d

Well after spending 2 days trawling the shops looking for an out fit to wear to a wedding and being disgusted with the choice, I have decided to give dress making a try.

My Mum has a sewing machine and used to do this years ago, but it has been years....

What is better, making from a pattern or using a dummy?

I read a good article about making your own 'model' using a thin t shirt and duct tape, worked amazing! You wear your preferred underwear, a thing cheap t shirt and get someone to cover you in duct tape, making sure they follow all your curves, then you cut it off (up the middle of the back or at the side) stuff it with newspaper and take it back up.

I really want a plain simple a line dress with a V neck, and I have a very clear idea of what material I want and the finishing touches.

And ideas? Or even any ideas on a cheap easy to make pattern? I am a size 16 btw.

thanks.

kezz

Hi,I think, give yourself plenty of time as it may take you longer than you think to make a dress. As a beginner Id go for a Simplicity pattern, they do patterns for beginners. Ive seen that thing with duct tape for making a bodice too, looks interesting, but using a pattern might be easier to begin with. Dont be frightened to ask for help in fabric shop, most people will be really helpful. Try to get something to make in an easy to work with fabric. I'd avoid silks, velvets and anything stretchy to begin with.
Ive only been dressmaking a couple of years myself so there will definately be people on here that will be a lot more knowledgable than me but I hope Ive helped a little. Have fun and Im sure youll have a lovely dress for the wedding
Just a few pattern here http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=57

thriftlady_2

I would definitely use a pattern if I were a beginner The duct tape thing sounds very complicated. All the major pattern companies have easy patterns for beginners.

http://www.voguepatterns.com/list/vogue_catalog/page-1

http://www.butterick.com/list/whats_new/page-1

http://www.simplicity.com/

http://www.mccallpattern.com/list/whats_new/page-1

http://www.burdamode.com/

wendym

I would start with a really simple pattern, and as your first attempt is going to be for a special event, ideally I would recommend cutting it out first from an old sheet, and at least pinning it and trying it on so you can spot any problems.

Cut generously rather than meanly - taking in is pretty simple - letting out definitely isn't!

Once you get going properly, it's very important to press seams flat as you go along, which avoids the lumpy look.

I have had sveral lengths of fabric from Ebay - if you're not careful you can spend a silly amount of money on dressmaking.

If you like, you could let us know what pattern and fabric you're thinking of, in case we can help with anything before you start.

Good luck!

tiamai_d

Thanks everyone.

Don't worry, I found a top and I'm going to 'make do' with trousers and the one and only top I found.

Just spent ages last night with my Mum, we poured over Kays and Next catologues debating how we would have made this and that. I have a load of linen sheets upstairs that are just about new (came from friends who had a hotel) I dont use them on beds as I don't like sleeping on them (particular about soft sheets) but they would be great to use as mock ups.

Been trawling the net looking at patterns and even if my sewing is no good, my Mums is.

Giving it a go anyway.

Thanks for your tips.

Fizog

Nothing beats a pattern and you. When you fit a dress or any garment turn it inside out when tacked and make alterations for a perfect fit before looking to attach the waistband or collar etc.
As a beginner making a toile with sheeting is a great way to learn if time consuming. Every time you make a garment you learn a little more.