Does anyone else make their own clothes

Savvy_sewing

Made the baby dress for my grand-daughter, even found a few "bunny" buttons to sew on to the back of it. Overall I am pleased with the results of my efforts this week.
Still have to sort out the cravat pattern, will have to make that tomorrow. Was tired today and didnt want to get my head around the technicalities of it!.
Next I need to make something for my grandson, so as no favouritism!.
Getting into the habit of starting small projects that I want to do, instead of having to do.

ChequeredFlag

:DHi, I love to look regularly at this thread and see how you all are progessing. You have inspired me to try and make some of my own clothes and also I should like to make gifts for my family/friends.
I do not have a lot of choice where I live to purchase patterns and fabric, so i quite like to get ideas from you all as to internet sites which have a good choice of both.
I am trying to make some simple skirts for work - A line with elastic waist and a lining, and will be purchasing some of the pattern paper recommended to copy the one bias A line skirt I keep wearing.
I should be happy for any tips of making the elastic waistband as I haven.,t done that before - not threaded thro, but in situ.
Keep up the good work, and keep the inspiration flowing.
Many thanks:j

ChequeredFlag

Mooloo,
How old is your grandson? Would he like a trendy waistcoat? Or if younger, what about a lovely fabric dinasaur or the like? Keep posting, I like to hear how your getting on.

Rikki

ChequeredFlag wrote: »

:DHi, I love to look regularly at this thread and see how you all are progessing. You have inspired me to try and make some of my own clothes and also I should like to make gifts for my family/friends.
I do not have a lot of choice where I live to purchase patterns and fabric, so i quite like to get ideas from you all as to internet sites which have a good choice of both.
I am trying to make some simple skirts for work - A line with elastic waist and a lining, and will be purchasing some of the pattern paper recommended to copy the one bias A line skirt I keep wearing.
I should be happy for any tips of making the elastic waistband as I haven.,t done that before - not threaded thro, but in situ.
Keep up the good work, and keep the inspiration flowing.
Many thanks:j

For simple skirt patterns I like THIS ONE by Brown Paper Patterns. Easy patterns and elasticated and non-elasticated waist.

If you make a casing and thread the elastic threw, cross over by an inch at the join and sew a square with a cross the secure the ends together. I sometimes (depending on the thickness of the elastic) fix the elastic by sewing down the side seams of the waist band. This helps to stop the elastic twisting and keeps the gathers neatly spaced.

Also make the skirt to fit your hips comfortably. The waist can be take in to suit your shape if a little big.

furndire

ChequeredFlag wrote: »

:DHi, I love to look regularly at this thread and see how you all are progessing. You have inspired me to try and make some of my own clothes and also I should like to make gifts for my family/friends.
I do not have a lot of choice where I live to purchase patterns and fabric, so i quite like to get ideas from you all as to internet sites which have a good choice of both.
I am trying to make some simple skirts for work - A line with elastic waist and a lining, and will be purchasing some of the pattern paper recommended to copy the one bias A line skirt I keep wearing.
I should be happy for any tips of making the elastic waistband as I haven.,t done that before - not threaded thro, but in situ.
Keep up the good work, and keep the inspiration flowing.
Many thanks:j

One of the things I used to do was carefully unpick a garment that I liked to wear which fitted, but was past its best, and then trace round the pieces to take the pattern from that.
Take note though of how the weave of the fabric is, so that you will get the hang right.
On a symetrical garment you can unpick just half of the garment.
This is especially useful for making childrens clothes. A cheap little gadget for doing this is a "quick unpick". http://www.stockleyonline.co.uk/catalog/thumbs/images/quick%20unpick-140x140.jpg
I've even sewn the garment back up again after taking the pattern off.

Savvy_sewing

My grandson is only 21 months old, so I doubt that he cares really. Its more that my twins may get disgruntled if I give to one, and not the other.
I have some more casual patterns and will just look to see what fabrics are lurking. I am sure I have some Camoflage fabric left from making DS curtains a few years ago. So Perhaps some trousers/and a waistcoat would be very easy to do.

Savvy_sewing

I picked up my unpicker in Mr T the other day. I do tend to break them. Used to buy them wholesale, and stronger ones,but my supplier all those years ago, is alas no longer.
I used to unpick things and use as templates quite a lot. Including Umbrella's. With my mum's help, we used to turn umbrella's into lace parasols for accessorising the wedding dresses etc that I used to do. (Along with viels, clutch bags etc).
My mum even used to make hats for me. I have never tried to do them. I didnt have the time in those days.
Perhaps when she gets back from her extended tour of France, she may be able to point me into the right direction on that.
I dont really want to go back into the Wedding dresses, as its quite seasonal and high pressure. I want to be more on the craft side, doing things for pleasure, and maybe getting some pin money along the way.

InkyCats20

Just had this link sent to me with lots of different types of bags you can make.

Thought it might be useful to some of you

Savvy_sewing

Combat trousers finished,(except elastic waistband).
Time for something else to do. But first I need a rest.
Cant wait to get hold of a camera so I can show people wht I have been up to.

ChequeredFlag

Ooh thanks everyone for your brilliant advice. :T

I am definately going to order the Brown Paper Patterns RIKKI, they are just what I need. I'll be able to 'mix n match' and make outfits. I appreciate you showing them to me.

Also I've decided to unpick my skirt this weekend, and use it to make my pattern and I will following the tips given - so thank you FURNDIRE for giving me the confidence to give it a go If I get on ok I shall come back and let you know.

Thinking ahead, for gifts for family, I like the idea of the bags that InkyCats20 posted, as my mum is an avid knitter - so a nice big knitting bag for her for Christmas would be great.

I think my sewing machine will have to have permanent residence on the kitchen table!

Thanks again all, enjoy your weekend.