Does anyone else make their own clothes

Rikki

Mooloo wrote: »

Not sure about where to get the fabrics, but there are plenty of links to sites at the beginning of this thread. Good places to start..
To teach people to sew, obviously the best thing to do, is to teach them the machines set up, then how to sew a straight line, and then to follow a curve. Trace a spiral, etc etc.
Then teach them how to cut out a pattern.

The first things to sew, would be things that would encourage them, from cushion covers, aprons, and simple things like that. Then elasticated skirts, trousers etc are a start. Then teach them how to insert a zip. Once they can do that then their half way there. A zip inserted well, along with straight darts, make a good garment.

Hope that may help you.
There are basic books about, but I would need to go and research whats up to date. I think Kwik Sew have one, that has basic patterns in it.

I'm planning to get her to master the basics first. Learning how to thread the machine, bobbin winding and basic sewing. ( Curve and spirals are a good idea.:T)

A basic sewing kit? Pins, tape measure, seam ripper and needlework scissors, dress making sheers, chalk.....

I have so many sewing bits and pieces it's hard to see which is necessary and which is luxury.

Savvy_sewing

Scissors, unpickers, and chalk, pins and tape measure. Thats the basics, oh and some spare needles!! Anything else can be bought as needed, if indeed needed.

I am about to set up sewing lessons here if I can secure enough interest.
got to go, dinners ready!

MichH

Mooloo wrote: »

Scissors, unpickers, and chalk, pins and tape measure. Thats the basics, oh and some spare needles!! Anything else can be bought as needed, if indeed needed.

I am about to set up sewing lessons here if I can secure enough interest.
got to go, dinners ready!

I just found a link to this thread from another. I am a beginner (complete beginner). I've just had my first lesson. Just an idea of cost if you are considering teaching - I looked at taking a course at my local college and they wanted £150 for a six week course, one lesson a week with a maximum of 6 people per class. After much research online I found a local sewing machine shop that does lessons and they are £25 an hour - yes I know it sounds alot, however I went for my first 2 hour session last week and it was worth every penny!

So if I were you, and had the skills you have, I would definitely be teaching!

Sunshine12

Hello again MichH!
Im doing mine via night classes. Was £96 for 14 weeks - 12 people max in a class. Am going to trawl through this thread now and see what talented people can do and no doubt become very envious! (maybe I should put on a picture of my scrunchie!!! lol)

Savvy_sewing

used to make wedding dresses, so think I can teach something to others! Just getting started I suppose. Will have to wait a bit, as have my granddaughter to care for for a few more weeks yet.!.

rowsew

Hello
What a lovely thread, just slipped in to see what was going on ... I like to sew for myself and the children. I am tall and thin, so making my own stuff is better than badly fitting things from the shops (I don't have the money to buy pricey stuff), or adapting charity shop finds. I also quilt, make bags, curtains, bits for the house. Anything crafty that takes my eye I will have a go at. My son has asked me to make him a proper shirt ("like a Daddy shirt, with the cuffy things") so that's my next challenge. I have bought the lovely Ottobre pattern magazine several times and the Winter '09 book has 2 shirt patterns in, so last night I traced one off. I need new specs now, they have so many patterns printed on one sheet! Next step is cutting, I will be very careful as I only have just enough fabric (from last year's stash) to make it up. Then daughter has a request for "somefin pretty" (she's only 4), and in the meantime I have promised the OH a special h/m tweed scarf for his birthday next week. He saw the one I made for my brother and loved it - a first, because he's never asked me for anything made for himself before, apart from seam mending and button replacements .....!

top_drawer_2

flea72 wrote: »

being honest, your money would be best spent on having some basic lessons

i spent years teaching myself to sew, but it wasnt until i actually attended classes, that i found the 'easy' way to get good results. yes, before the lessons, i could run up fairly presentable garments (to the untrained eye), but once i had proper training, the sewing speed and quality improved ....

On the subject on lessons, I attend some weekly classes run by Janet Moville - she is regularly featured in sewing magazines such as Sewing World. She has a purpose designed workspace in Preston. This is her website - its also got lots of instuction on how to do things related to sewing. People attend from all over the area including Cumbria and even further away she runs a full day class (9.45- 4.15) making it worthwhile, for those nearer half day classes could be best (9.45-12.45 or 1.15 - 4.15). She really is amazing!

Jen

Justamum

top_drawer wrote: »

On the subject on lessons, I attend some weekly classes run by Janet Moville - she is regularly featured in sewing magazines such as Sewing World. She has a purpose designed workspace in Preston. This is her website - its also got lots of instuction on how to do things related to sewing. People attend from all over the area including Cumbria and even further away she runs a full day class (9.45- 4.15) making it worthwhile, for those nearer half day classes could be best (9.45-12.45 or 1.15 - 4.15). She really is amazing!

Jen

I'd love to go to one of her courses - she does some fantastic articles in Sewing World. Unfortunately on a cost-cutting drive I've cancelled my subscription, and will only buy it if there's something I specially want to read.

Savvy_sewing

The cost seems so high! Its been a long time since I was "in the business". But I think that i may have to seriously look into this. I do have around 5 or 6 sewing machines so I think its possible. Just need to get the course worked out, wonder if I can do that???? or is it just wishful thinking?

Icey77

Hi Mooloo, I live an hour (ish) away from Northampton and I would come up for classes if they were on a weekend

Go on, you know you want to ... I'll even bring my own sewing machine (I was given it for christmas and all I've done on it so far is plain seams, but LOTS of them :rotfl: )