Does anyone else make their own clothes

hilary1

On LK yesterday the bloke who does fashion said 'theres a tailor on street corners who will quickly nip in a top that doesnt fit'.

Obviously there isnt one near me and I find clothes that fit the bust just dont fit elsewhere so does anyone know of any useful sites, books or classes (in staffordshire) that shows you how to alter clothes in a beginners way?

xx

champys

hilary1 wrote: »

On LK yesterday the bloke who does fashion said 'theres a tailor on street corners who will quickly nip in a top that doesnt fit'.

Obviously there isnt one near me and I find clothes that fit the bust just dont fit elsewhere so does anyone know of any useful sites, books or classes (in staffordshire) that shows you how to alter clothes in a beginners way?

xx

Hilary - I once borrowed a book from the library called 'Every sewers guide to the perfect fit'. I found it so good that I bought it myself (off a second-hand book site, it is old so probably out of print). See whether your library stocks it, it is worth a look at. But mostly about learning how you make clothes that fit your shape from standard-size patterns. Altering ready-made clothes is not always so straightforward, I find.

laurals11

Best if you can go to shops & try. Some will let you have one on trial for week ( subject to conditions of course) .. and ask if they'll sell you ex dislay model at discount. My friend loves her machine I don't - it's a very personal thing.

Use your favourite old clothes to make patterns or you can make your own mannequin by using parcel tape over an old tshirt/leggings just google it you'll find loads of different ways to do it.

I've made clothes /costumes /puppets for more than 40 years. Practice makes perfect

Sexy_Em wrote: »

I jus wanted to let people know that Abakhan has an online shop

http://www.abakhan-onlineshop.co.uk/

Does anyone have any advice for buying a sewing machine?

caleo

www.abakhan-onlineshop.co.uk????

Now I have some serious explaining to do when the package arrives.........:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

C1aire

You're not the only one Caleo... I seem to be amassing a bit of a remnant mountain at the moment, but it hasn't stopped me having a quick browse (and buy). I should take up DIY and build myself somewhere to keep it all!

This thread has really been an inspiration. I sew so much these days that when my Mum calls the conversation always starts with "how are you? How are the cats? Is the sewing machine ok?" Seriously, I think it might be a genetic obsession...

Grandma_Carol

This is my first post, and it is so interesting to read how there seems to be a revival in making your own clothes. For me I have been doing just that for a lot of years and have quite a stash of fabric. In fact, now I run a very humble garment alterations business from home as there seems to be a demand for this skill! May be I should consider sharing my knowledge but life is quite busy just now. I am always buying fabric and often have to explain the parcels that arrive - luckily my DH understands how much money I save him and he rarely gets dragged around the shops while I look for something to wear.

Now that I am a grandmother of 3 (5,3,& 2) I have managed to collect 3 old hand sewing machines ( thank you Freecycle)to get them interested in sewing. as soon as they are old enough to thread the needle then we'll play with fabric.........

So hopefully they will be inspired...

CArol

leema1290

Am annoyingly short so have always have to alter my clothes, have only just started actually making new items from old!I now have boxes full of old clothes that i can convert into new things when i'm idle, so money saving and boredom defeating!

lillythecat

Mrs._Irwin wrote: »

Hello!

I don't sew, yet, but will be starting very soon, as I will be acquiring a sewing machine in a few weeks.
I've seen plenty of books in the library on starting sewing etc. so I know I'll be ok for getting into it, although I'm very disappointed to find that the local college doesn't do classes anymore! Hopefully they'll change that soon.

Now, a rather specialist enquiry, but if anyone can answer, it's seamstresses in the Old Style Forum - where can I get sewing patterns for babies and toddlers clothes that fit round cloth nappies?
I've got an old knitting book to produce voluminous wool trousers, but that could be a bit warm in the summer!

Mrs. Irwin
xx

Mrs Irwin, I remembered seeing stuff about different styles of nappy folding to reduce bulky looking nappies on the web. Would this help with the clothing issue?? Can't find the original but this may help. Maybe worth you searching. Also demonstrates how to make your own nappies from old cloth!!
http://www.thediaperhyena.com/diaper_folding101.htm
http://www.geocities.com/mytafadhali/DiaperSewingTutorials.htm

C1aire

Now that I am a grandmother of 3 (5,3,& 2) I have managed to collect 3 old hand sewing machines ( thank you Freecycle)to get them interested in sewing. as soon as they are old enough to thread the needle then we'll play with fabric.........

Carol, that's exactly how I learned to sew. My Nan had me playing with a needle and thread from a very young age and then my mum bought me a toy sewing machine. I used to spend hours sewing bits of rag together! Thanks, that has brought back some fond memories.

lauradora

Well i've been messing about with my new sewing machine for about three weeks now and tonight i'm having a go at knocing my first pattern together. wish me luck!