Making my own clothes

goodwithsaving

Hi all. I just want to know whether this is a stupid idea or not, and if it isn't then where to start....


Money is quite tight at times but I don't like cheap, throwaway clothes. I get some great clothes on eBay but in shops etc. there is rarely anything I like or that is cut for my figure. I'm small waisted but from sport, have large shoulders and chunky thighs and getting clothes that fit nicely is hard, even skirts.

I could do with some home furnishings too. Curtains, cushion covers etc. I quite like to have something different from everyone else too.



I'm tempted to start making my own. I don't own any equipment but it may be a worthwhile purchase finding a sewing machine via gumtree or elsewhere.


I know the likes or Primark etc. would potentially be cheaper, but if I used good fabrics etc. I could potentially make good quality clothes for similar cost of cheap ones, and they are likely to fit much better.


Is this a mad idea?

bouicca21

You will have to learn how to alter patterns, plus of course some basic sewing techniques. Good quality fabrics aren’t cheap, but yes if you have the patience you could make far better than you can buy.

getmore4less

Might be worth investing in some training.any college courses?

One strategy is charity shops for good stuff but oversized and alter to fit or to rip apart and reuse.

Depends where you live what the quality will be like or how close the wealthy throwaway area are for a charity shop run.

goodwithsaving

Training is a good idea, and would be a new hobby too which is positive.

I hadn't thought of just altering things, that's so obvious.

I'm glad it's not a completely mad idea. Thank you! I'm going to look up courses :-)

-taff

If you're going to go with local teachers, have a couple of lessons if you can to see how you get on with them, they are the same as any teacher, have different styles, personalities etc.
Fabric canbe cheap or it can be expensive, and altering clothes is a fairly dificult thing to do [ adding in darts taking some out, adding on extra material, taking some away etc, so definitely worth getting some training with that.
You can make your own dress form that suits your body with duct tape and polystyrene or padding of some sort.
There is a sewing thread on the old style board if you'd like to post for advice on there.