dressmaking necessities

theoretica

Similar to the pyjama making website above, I occasionally turn worn out favourite clothes into patterns by unpicking or cutting the seams. Remember to leave a little extra on the new cloth for the seams.

maman

Prima magazine often has patterns. Worth having a look each month in case it's a style you fancy.

sew_what

There are several patterns to download from the sewing Bee book here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/promotions/great-british-sewing-bee/
There were instructions in the Telegraph last weekend.

srn

I love sewing, I have just returned to this hobby after years and years. I have found that I can still make clothes, I have remembered all the techniques I learnt so many years ago, but my problem is where on earth do you get a good choice of material nowadays? I have bought from the internet but have found that when it arrives it isn't quite right for the project (too thin, heavy, wrong stretch etc. or the pattern looks different on a large piece of material than on a photo on the internet). I know the fabric companies do their best but this doesn't work for me, I need to see and feel the fabric.
So, from long time lurker on the Old Style thread, can anyone out there help me to find a decent fabric shop, within a reasonable driving distance, of my little corner of East Yorkshire (Brough)?

homealone_2

gayleygoo wrote: »

Baking paper can be a bit narrow for some pattern pieces, but there's nothing wrong with taping it together where needed! That's what I do anyway. You can buying larger sheets of tracing paper online if you prefer, but that might work out more expensive. Baking paper also tends to roll up, which can be annoying, but this can usually be solved with a low iron! I prefer white paper over brown, as it's easier to see the pattern you are tracing, but if you can see the lines (or are just drafting a pattern rather than tracing one) brown paper is fine. Actually I use any paper for drafting patterns - old wrapping paper and newspaper will do the job and this has the advantage of being quite wide.

Peasant style tops are easy to sew and can look quite flattering on a larger person, especially with a belt. Simple skirts made from rectangles of fabric, and aprons, are other great beginners projects. And you can vary your skills as you go, adding pockets, trims etc.

Are you a member of Pinterest? There are lots of links to sewing ideas and tutorials on there!

wasnt a member but will be now :T

meme30

srn:- Have you had a look in your local 'Boyes'? It's now the only high street shop I can find selling material. There is one in Chester-le-street, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle so you may have one near you. I find most of mine on the local market.

srn

meme30 wrote: »

srn:- Have you had a look in your local 'Boyes'? It's now the only high street shop I can find selling material. There is one in Chester-le-street, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle so you may have one near you. I find most of mine on the local market.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have tried Boyes and am lucky enough to have 3 within decent driving distance. I use them for quilting fabrics, for which they are great, but sadly the dressmaking fabrics choice is a bit limited. They are really good for fabric for dancing and skating outfits, a good choice of strong lycra material. Sadly my days of wearing tight lycra clothing are over.