Making clothes, curtains etc for beginner

emmie

Looking to save money by making clothes and curtains, but where do I start?? Have looked in the library, but books are aimed at people with experience.

My sewing skills are pretty poor, can just about sew DD's swimming badges on her towel ! Have got a sewing machine..

alyth

A lot of colleges run classes in dressmaking, so it might be worth looking there.

Another option is to find an older person who will give you one-to-one teaching! If you join something like the WI, which isn't as sad as it sounds, you will come across a wealth of people with experience in knitting/sewing/dressing-making. Advertise in your local newsagents/newspaper for help. Or, if you have a material shop like Kings near you, ask if there's someone there who does curtain-making as a business and see if they would give you some help. Ask on a website - Country Living's website might be a good idea, depending on where you live.

A lot of it is trial and error, you have to learn how to use your machine first as every one is different, try making something like curtains for a small window first, and ebay's a good place to buy things like header tape and curtain lining material.

Hardup_Hester

Hi Emmie
Unless you have a source of cheap fabric, it is cheaper to buy clothes now than it is to make them.
If you are near an Ikea, they do cheap curtain fabric.
I would suggest making a few simple things first.
There are some free patterns here http://www.wildginger.com/
Hester

donna73

thanks hester, just looked at the link, this could solve some problems for what to make for pressies this year!

katkin

I agree, it can be quite expensive to make your own clothes, unless you're looking for something special or customised.

You could "reconstruct" things that you don't wear any more, giving your clothes a new life. Dresses into skirts, 2 tops into 1, cropping trousers &..alas, increasing waistband sizes!

The Craftster forum is great for inspiration for "reconstructions" and other sewing projects.

It's amazing what you can sew for your home, and quite addictive when you get into it. Im about to start my 1st quilt and have recently finished a travel set, lunch bags and fabric "box" organisers.

Enjoy!

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=8.0

tallulah_beaulah

I'd second the Crafster recommendation! I started sewing about 2 years ago, making basic things like cushion covers and built my way up to making simple curtains. I've learnt loads through trial and error, library books and forums like craftster. More recently I've made some bags, a couple of quilts and some basic skirts, (and a hilarious pair of trousers - got a bit ambitious! lol!)

It's just about keeping going and trying things out, I've learnt loads from each thing I've made, and any mistakes you can just unpick and try again.

A bit of a warning though: I have found that sewing can go from a money saving idea to an obsession with buying lots of non-essential fabric, trimmings, etc. for "just in case" or "that project I'll get round to".

phizzimum

the craftster website is AMAZING! I think i feel a new addiction coming on...!

carzymaisey

Just bought a book which is excellent for wannabe clothes makers but who just haven`t got a clue. It`s called "Yeah! I MADE IT MYSELF" by Eithne Farry. I got it from Amazon and I haven`t put it down since it arrived yesterday.
Also, I`d like to just add that I have just checked out the Craftster website and it`s soooo good! The only thing now is I have to juggle TWO websites that I`m addicted to. Eee I don`t know.

belfastgirl23

carzymaisey wrote: »

Just bought a book which is excellent for wannabe clothes makers but who just haven`t got a clue. It`s called "Yeah! I MADE IT MYSELF" by Eithne Farry. I got it from Amazon and I haven`t put it down since it arrived yesterday.
Also, I`d like to just add that I have just checked out the Craftster website and it`s soooo good! The only thing now is I have to juggle TWO websites that I`m addicted to. Eee I don`t know.

Just to say I got this book too. It is basic and does really make you feel like you can do things. I would have loved it when I was a student. But as a hmm 30 something yr old now all of her advice is for clothes that really will look home made. I've tried making a few things now with no results that are in the least wearable.

But if you're going for funky and youthful it would be perfect... just adding a comment

ZIZA

hi emmie

What part of the country are you in? If anywhere near me i would be happy to show you the basics.