Does anyone else make their own clothes

Mrs_Flittersnoop

C1aire wrote: »

I have the Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing as well. i find it really useful to use alongside the pattern instructions if I am doing something complicated.

The sewing machine has had a rest recently in favour of the crochet hook, but I ordered some cheesecloth from Abakhan's a while ago, so a kaftan is on the horizon. Have been good so far - am in Liverpool for a few days and have resisted the urge...

Mrs F - cuddles with the cat? Lucky you. Mine just steal the bobbin off the machine so I spend half my time chasing them and festooning the living room in cotton in the process!

C1aire I discovered that DS21 had VISITED Abakhan and NOT TOLD ME :rotfl: :rotfl: !! Still, at least he knows where it is now, I feel a visit to the dear boy at uni is on the cards.....

Our cat, bless her, is getting on in years and is unbelievably spoilt. She likes to sit on my shoulder like a furry parrot which of course makes everything like sewing, typing, breathing, moving etc almost impossible. Luckily she also likes to snooze during the day so I have to pick my moment to sew. She has never snatched the bobbin off my machine although she loves it when I trace off patterns, mark fabric etc, as it's her duty to burrow under the fabric, pounce on the threads, claw the tissue paper to shreds, etc etc. Wouldn't have her any other way though

Mrs F, who has actually sewn the darts on the jacket (just to keep it on topic)!!

jumpingjackd

Hello everyone, hope you dont mind if I join you. I have been stopping in to this board last couple of weeks.

I have been inspired to get my machine out and clean the dust off it!! and even made roof curtains for the conservatory that have been "in waiting". Havent made clothes since kids were small but that hasnt stopped me buying fabric. lol.

I have a piece of fabric "somewhere" which would be perfect to go with trousers I bought recently.

So thank you all for getting me moving and will hopefully get started on the top soon. Its the neckline that is putting me as I'm worried about getting it to sit right.

Mrs_Flittersnoop

jumpingjackd wrote: »

Hello everyone, hope you dont mind if I join you. I have been stopping in to this board last couple of weeks.

I have been inspired to get my machine out and clean the dust off it!! and even made roof curtains for the conservatory that have been "in waiting". Havent made clothes since kids were small but that hasnt stopped me buying fabric. lol.

I have a piece of fabric "somewhere" which would be perfect to go with trousers I bought recently.

So thank you all for getting me moving and will hopefully get started on the top soon. Its the neckline that is putting me as I'm worried about getting it to sit right.

Hi jumpingjackd! (I seem to be the only other sew-er around at the moment). Must admit I'm full of admiration for all those who sew curtains and soft furnishings, I loathe and detest doing that, even though I did spend a fortune the other day on fabric for re-covering sofa cushions (you'll be surprised to know that they're not even started yet ).

What sort of neckline does your top have? If you're really worried you could mock one up out of an old sheet or similar, so you can play with the fit before you cut into your nice fabric.

Mrs F x

realale_3

Hi everyone, I just love this thread and many thanks for the info on the pattern review website - I've spent many a happy hour browsing that! Which leads me to my query - has anyone bought fabric from USA via the internet, and is it worth it? With the exchange rate being so good it seems a good option but I'm a real cowardy puss and usually dither until the opportunity has passed. What about patterns also? I love Vogue patterns but not their prices and they seem cheaper 'over there'. any advice please.
:beer: Happy sewing.

Remember: She who dies with the most fabric wins! :rotfl:

Mrs_Flittersnoop

realale wrote: »

Hi everyone, I just love this thread and many thanks for the info on the pattern review website - I've spent many a happy hour browsing that! Which leads me to my query - has anyone bought fabric from USA via the internet, and is it worth it? With the exchange rate being so good it seems a good option but I'm a real cowardy puss and usually dither until the opportunity has passed. What about patterns also? I love Vogue patterns but not their prices and they seem cheaper 'over there'. any advice please.
:beer: Happy sewing.

Remember: She who dies with the most fabric wins! :rotfl:

Hi realale, glad you liked the patternreview site, it's a good one, and really helpful.

And yes... sigh... I've ordered LOTS of fabric, patterns, 'notions' etc from the US (probably which is why I'm on a moneysaving site!). Somewhere on this thread I posted a list of my favourite fabric sites, and there are several pattern sites too, www.sewingpatterns.com springs to mind - good for Vogue patterns, they often have sales (I think they're running a Simplicity one at the moment). The thumbnails are too small for my poor old eyes though so I pick what patterns I like from other sites and then go and order them from sewingpatterns.

You have to be careful how much fabric you order because of the customs duty and VAT payable over here on imports, however at the moment because the dollar is so low you can get away with about $40 worth I think. (at least I have in the past few weeks ). Paper patterns should be exempt as they are printed matter.

I don't intend to die with the most fabric but I'm struggling......

HTH
Mrs F xx

nuttywoman

I`ve just made a dress for my hol later on this year ( spain ) . I`m so pleased its turned out good, its just a simple strappy one but the best part is i only paid 99p for the fabric last year from local charity shop.
Thats moneysaving,lol

Nicifer_noonoo

I've never tried, but I will do soon - Got my first mini machine coming in the post as we speak Going to start off with a few repairs, then get ambitious and try cushion covers, hehe.

Mellika

I've always wanted to learn but never had the money to pay for the courses (they don't do free ones around here anymore).

Perhaps we should have an online "crop" where we all get together and just SEW! :T

dearbarbie

Hello

Just wondering whether anyone here sews their own clothes to save money?

I recently was bought a sewing machine and have so far made 2 handbags and 2 skirts, am now embarking on a challenge to make a linen dress for a wedding with the idea I'll save myself a fortune (sort-of copying one I've seen in Monsoon iyswim)!

I also plan to make some new duvet covers, cushion covers, and gifts for friends.

Not only that, but it's a good hobby where I don't feel like I'm wasting my life in front of the TV every night.

siren13577

I don't make my own clothes yet, I have a sewing machine which I need to get my head around and in September I'm hoping to go to college to do a course in basic garment making with a view to making clothes and expanding this. I think it's a great idea, I'm sorry I have no more practical advice, have a look here:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=804539
for a lady who makes her own bags and it might give you some tips. Good luck!!!