Does anyone else make their own clothes

yumyums

Hello! I'm new here
I've been inspired by this thread to start sewing as a hobby. I have my first lesson today. Wish me luck...
Does it take a long time before you can actually make something wearable (eg. a simple summer skirt?)

BitterAndTwisted

It shouldn't but I suppose it all depends on how complicated the design is. Waist-bands can be tricky and of course if it's a two-gore rather then more it could be run up in no time if it's not lined.

I remember needle-work classes at school and we started off making a simple straight-up-and-down nightie out of only two pieces of fabric with French seams. So satisfying! One day, I plan to take some lessons and get that sewing-machine in storage serviced....

Sunshine12

yumyums wrote: »

Hello! I'm new here
I've been inspired by this thread to start sewing as a hobby. I have my first lesson today. Wish me luck...
Does it take a long time before you can actually make something wearable (eg. a simple summer skirt?)

Hi YumYums,
Ive been to 3 classes now (2 hours each session) and am making a skirt. I chose a really simple one with lining and waistband and should hopefully be finished this week (maybe next week) so it shouldnt take you too long depending on which pattern you get. There are a dozen or so im my class so if you getting one to one tuition will probably take you less time. Like you I was a total newby to it all. Hope you enjoy it!

Savvy_sewing

The trick to getting to make clothes, is to first get to know your sewing machine. Then learn to sew, straight seams, curved seams, and how to use a zipper foot.
Then once you know those things. You need to learn about PATTERN CUTTING.

You can make a fabulously simple skirt in a few lessons. But if you have cut it out incorrectly it will not hang well, and can look awful.

If you can read a pattern, understand how to cut your fabrics out. Then life becomes more simple, and the world of sewing is your oyster. Kwiksew (amongst others) all have simple patterns for beginners. They can be ordered over the internet.

Good luck to you all.
I shall be starting to teach sewing soon. Just got to get things organised.

Justamum

Mooloo wrote: »

You need to learn about PATTERN CUTTING.

I think pattern alteration is the trickiest thing. That's what's holding me back from making clothes. I've made them in the past, but they never fitted well because I wasn't taught at school how to alter them to fit properly - just to cut the pattern as it is. I've got books and all sorts of info on altering, but it just looks so complicated.

Rikki

Justamum wrote: »

I think pattern alteration is the trickiest thing. That's what's holding me back from making clothes. I've made them in the past, but they never fitted well because I wasn't taught at school how to alter them to fit properly - just to cut the pattern as it is. I've got books and all sorts of info on altering, but it just looks so complicated.

I know what you mean.

I do like the multi size patterns so you can go from one size to another when tracing/cutting out.

I often with trousers don't shape the waist, just cut straight up and alter during fitting.

Paper fitting is helpful too.Cut the pattern out pin together and trial fitting. Tape the gusset area to prevent the pattern tearing and dont pin the side area from the bottom up. this will allow you to see if the hip and wait allowance is sufficient. If there is a gap you need to add more if too much reduce. Vague I know but it may give you an idea.

dreamingofthegoodlife

Hi Mooloo, myself and a friend would be very interested in your lessons when you start up. We are in Northamptonshire so hopefully not too far away from you. We are beginners, apart from sewing at school ages ago, and are looking for sewing lessons in the near future. Would be great if you could let us have more details when you can. Thanks!

Bunny200

I designed and drafted a little girls dress pattern from something I saw, would love you to take a look and let me know what you think!
http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.com/2010/02/over-achievers-ruffle-dress.html

Sunshine12

Yes Karma, I think you need to just report the post with the triangle at RHS of message box. Ill try too although normally my report button doesnt work as my computer not set up with their e-mail set up.

karmacookie

Yeah Sunshine me too, my computer is not set up on outlook. I've tried to set it up before but always ended in a pickle, a bit like some of my sewing adventures!