Does anyone else make their own clothes

flumpster67

I have had a sewing machine for over 25 years, and when I was a teenager I used to make loads of my own stuff, then stopped for a while, work and kids got in the way, with no time. I got a new sewing machine last Christmas and since then have rediscovered the joy of sewing again.
I make all my own bags - going out handbags and shopping totes, and made over a dozen skirts - that fit in all the right places. Sometimes the fabric is expensive and you might think - I'd be cheaper going to Primark - but isnt it better to wear something that noone else has got,or likely to have?
I have made beanbags for the kids, chair covers. and at Chrsitmas there made stuff for Xmas Fairs and cleared over £200 towards Christmas presents.
I sew as gifts for people too, everyone really appreciates the time it takes for you to make something - even if it only costs a pound or so.

Justamum

flumpster67 wrote: »

and made over a dozen skirts - that fit in all the right places. Sometimes the fabric is expensive and you might think - I'd be cheaper going to Primark - but isnt it better to wear something that noone else has got,or likely to have?

Not only will you have something unique, but as you say it fits properly - something you won't get from the mass-produced stuff. Also your clothes will last - so many things from Primark and the like (and even more expensive shops) don't last more than a wash or two, so really it's more cost-effective to make your own. I'm not making my own clothes atm because I'm trying to lose weight (I started taking my measurements at the weekend for doing pattern alteration, and got despressed as I'm a rectangle with a slight indentation at the waist!). As soon as I start liking my shape I'll start making clothes.

flumpster67

I've lost just over a stone, with plenty more to go (hopefully!) since last summer so my shape is changing all the time!
I have had to alter the skirts as I go, but its really just making the darts a wee bit bigger as I get smaller!

purpleivy

I've got several current projects and hoping they won't end up as UFOs (Unfinished Objects!). I really need to get myself to Sewing Club every week (Widnes and Manchester) to gee me up. have missed a couple of weeks, it's a great stimulus. If you want to know about either of the clubs (organised by The Sewing Forum) then let me know.

I have a blouse started, it was in effect a 'toile' for another in more expensive fab, but quite like it, so will probably finish it.

I have a dress well on the way that was to have been for my goddaughter's 18th party, but I wasn't well enough to go (nor get the dress finished)

I have a jacket cut out and pinned/tacked together, but something isn't quite right about it.

Fastenings to finish on DS's grim reaper outfit for Friday.

I think that is all the stuff that is started that I can remember. I bought a load of fabric in Mexico last week, was soooooooooooooo cheap! Wish I could have got more. I got

Stuff for a cape for DH, black with blue satin lining.

Stuff for a grim reaper outfit that someone wants me to make for them

Stuff for a magician/wizard outfit (red with gold braid) for nephew's birthday. Only prob here is the directions are in Spanish! LOL!

Stuff to make SIL winnie the pooh nightshirt or jamas. HEr birthday is 6 weeks away, would be nice to get it out of the way.

Stuff to make dd Dorothy and Alice outfits, but won't do these until she gets back from Mex in May.

Want to make a bag for myself.

Have madras cotton to make dh and ds summer shirts (no rush there then LOL!)

Have some stuff to make myself a jersey top. Now that would be nice!

Can't think of anything else off the top of my head.

rosh12

Help me find a book please!

Just wondered whether people would recommend the Sewing Book (as seen above at Book People) over Reader's Digest and any other books?

I have a new machine and have made some bits and bobs so far but would love a good book with all the basics in. I'm always tempted by the beautiful books on Amazon etc which are probably more style than substance so any advice on a good beginners sewing reference book greatly appreciated!

THANKS!

InkyCats20

rosh12 wrote: »

Help me find a book please!

Just wondered whether people would recommend the Sewing Book (as seen above at Book People) over Reader's Digest and any other books?

I have a new machine and have made some bits and bobs so far but would love a good book with all the basics in. I'm always tempted by the beautiful books on Amazon etc which are probably more style than substance so any advice on a good beginners sewing reference book greatly appreciated!

THANKS!

rosh - I think the Reader's Digest book is good but then I haven't seen the Book People one, is there any way you can reserve / get them from your local library - not sure what happens on a county by county basis, my local library here in Essex is really good for getting stuff in for you when you reserve it.
Got my Reader's Digest off ebay for £2.39 last year (+ £6.99 p&p) but still cheaper than a new one.

Rikki

Losinmoney wrote: »

Thanks very much Rikki. The length without the frill is fine at the back but it goes up - it's designed to look like this - so it would be too short at the front. Well above the knee at the front. It swoops round a bit flamenco style. But it's a flowery linen dress. I wonder if I could remove the frill, press it, cut quite a bit off the length and the depth. Then check the length of the dress and shorten it at the back a bit, then put a smaller shorter frill back with less fabric in it so it's not so full. Hope this is clear - it's easy to see but hard to explain!

I can see what you mean and there is no reason this wouldn't work.

I would suggest that you leave the manufactured hem and shorten from the undone edge. This will save you the job of having to hem the skirt.

Charis

rosh12 wrote: »

Help me find a book please!

Just wondered whether people would recommend the Sewing Book (as seen above at Book People) over Reader's Digest and any other books?

I've got the new DK book and it is excellent. It's very comprehensive and up to date, concentrates mainly on dressmaking but also has curtain and cushion making and a very good list of tools needed and modern fabrics and their uses.

I have just looked on Amazon and the Reader's Digest book is about to be relaunched in April, so worth waiting to see if the Book People get hold of it. If you can't wait that long, I don't think you will be disappointed with the DK book, especially as it is £8.99 + £1.75 postage for a single item (less than £11 in total, 44% of the recommended price).

essexgal

rosh12 wrote: »

Help me find a book please!

The 'Vogue Sewing' book is also very good - clear diagrams and explanations. I picked one up from my local charity book shop for under £2.00

Happy sewing:D

essexgal

purpleivy

How about trying your local library for sewing manuals. There may be several there and you can browse them for longer than in a shop or buying without seeing, I have had the Readers Digest and it seems to cover a lot.

Been out this morning to try and get a buckle for belt of trousers I have that is sharp and pokes in my tummy! Came back with 4m of jersey print...50p per metre, Well pleased!