Sewing Your Own Clothes

[Byllie]

Okay, I bit the bullet (so to speak) and sewed my first skirt. It's a broom skirt using a rather beautiful black cotton blend fabric I picked up as remnants. But of course it needs alterations, so I'll post pics later.

My questions are ...

How many of you actually sew your own clothes?
Are there any good sites for free patterns and/or instructions?
Any good hints or suggestions?

Thanks!

[Krystenw]

I have sewn many of my own dresses and such. I have found the Simplisity patterns are pretty easy to use and not too expensive, although you do need some knowledge of how to use a sewing maching. And most of the patterns will allow you to make severl different varieties of the same dress. Of course you can set your own hem length. I actually like my homemade dresses better then some of the store bought brands.

[Kathryn Philips]

Before I bought my first real skirt I had to do with skirts which I made myself from old pairs of trousers. I call this process "upgrading" trousers because in my eyes a skirt is superior to pair of trousers.

I start by cutting to desired length and then removed the stiching the seams. Then, I resewed into the shape of a skirt. The skirt retains the front zipper and is buttoned at the front. Most skirts have the button and zipper at one side or behind but I have seen some looking like the ones I have made. Denim skirts on the other hand are mostly like this. So if you want to have a denim skirt and for whatever reason, are unable to buy one, then you can make your own from any pair of blue jeans. Some trousers make better or worse looking skirts depending on their original cut and material. The attached picture shows the last one I made. It is not the best I made, but nevertheless more enjoyable to wear than when it was a pair of trousers.

If you are interested in more detailed instructions just send me a private message and will see what I can do.

[az_azeel]

In the process of making a dress.....i have cut the shapes from the pattern....just got to glue it all together..... lol
will post a reply somwhere if its successfull... :hugs:

[DeeInGeorgia]

If the Readers Digest "Complete book of Sewing" is available, it is a very handy manual of how to do things.

I used to make my own square dance shirts as well as modifying pants to add fringe. Back in the 80's I couldn't justify crossdressing in public, so I made my own "pretty" mens square dance apparel, shirts with lots of ruffles or fringe, fringe on pants.

Dee

[Byllie]

Thanks, all, for the suggestions. I've been sewing ever since I was a kid. I sewed umpteen costumes for my kids when they were little. But women's clothing is new for me and that's why I originally posted. I'm also a tad cheap, and love getting stuff for free, thus the request for free pattern info.

[Katrina]

I think sometime my SO and I will start sewing clothing. Of course it will only be girly stuff...

[Dasein9]

From the other side of the spectrum... I was never wild about sewing, but am having to now because tailors tend to not believe my proportions. Yesterday, I picked up a blazer from the tailor and, even though I'd been very specific about where I wanted the sleeve to extend to, it came down to my knuckles. I let them know I wasn't happy, and went home and sewed it myself by hand. The results aren't bad, if I do say so myself. It seems that if one's sewing corduroy, stitching between the wales will make the seam nigh invisible. I also only put a stitch between every 3 wales.

[az_azeel]

Byllie you could always to a google search as I have done in the past..I must admit all the sites I came across you had to pay for stuff.
You could always try e-bay for patterns.. I bought a pattern for a very nice corset dress for a £1

Good luck

az_azeel

[Billijo49504]

I've done a few skirts and a couple of easy tops. But my machines are upstairs, and with the broken knee and the brace on my leg, my wife said NO GOING UPSTAIRS!!! I said, "Yes Dear." So untill I get this better, I'm stuck downstairs. I've also wanted to make another quilt. Smaller than the one that I tripped on. I want to do a demin one with polar fleece on the other side. With the seams up and frayed. Also got all the felt for a poodle skirt....BJ

[Lori SC]

Hey Byllie,

While I can sew, it's just not worth the effort.

After you buy the pattern, then the fabric, I think it costs more than what you can buy a ready made garment for.

I am also fortunate, I can usually wear something off the rack.

I just bought a suit at JC Penny (skirt, pants, blazer) for something like $80. To make that ensemble would have taken me hours and hours - probably 100 hours.

Sewing is mandatory if you need specialty clothes, like halloween costumes, or need special fits.

Hugs, Lori

[AmberTG]

Interesting thread (no pun intended, or was it?) Anyway, my mother used to sew a lot of stuff, mostly for my sisters, pants are hard to sew with the thick seams. I've thought about getting into sewing, but I already don't have time enough for the other things I do. For some strange reason, I keep saving all my old jeans, thinking I might use the material for something one of these days.

[Laurie909]

I tried sewing once in college (!) Well, we were sewing costumes for plays and using industrial sewing machines. That needle would move so fast if you got your finger caught under it....well let's just say....no finger!

I really ADMIRE people who can sew. I personally have no talent for it. I did use to know a lady who sewed two dresses for me. They are beautiful. She used patterns and I had to go back for several fittings (which was wonderful.) Unfortunately she moved and I lost track of her, so there been no sewing since.