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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Does anyone make their own clothes?  |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 10 2012 : 01:15:08 AM
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Hello!
I wondered if any of you made their own clothes? I've made a couple of things but am no expert at it. I have a strong urge to learn more. I can pretty much follow a pattern, though certain parts are intimidating. I want to make tunic tops and more lounge pants which seem easy enough.
Any tips or advice?
Thanks
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -Vintage Sewing Machines, Sewing machine parts and more.
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pinokeeo
True Blue Farmgirl
559 Posts
Phyllis
Oregon
USA
559 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2012 : 07:50:24 AM
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I don't sew, but my partner does. One thing that I noticed is that she uses a dress form that is fitted to her body size and shape. You can pick up an old mannekin and use duct tape to fill it out to your size and shape. Then use that to adjust patterns to fit you.
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I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PiNOKEEOs |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2012 : 07:56:47 AM
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I've heard there's some good classes in Queens and LI for clothes making, I think a man teacher teaches the classes.
I would say, you may want to spend a bit more on patterns then the ones you get for 99 cents at JoAnn's and what not, you may want to try something like Kwik Sew they are more expensive but better fitting and better instructions etc etc in my opinion. You could also try some free ones from online. Some people hate them, but I really love the Hot Patterns I've tried. I liked the free pattern I got from fabric.com of the fringed scarf blouse.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2012 : 07:58:23 AM
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BTW, I make every thing from my own slips and bras, to my own skirts, and blouses, etc. I find turtlenecks, slips and skirts to be the easiest to make. I will never buy another of any of those, they are just too easy to make. I made my own coat last year and love it. I plan on making myself another coat this year.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2012 : 1:44:26 PM
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Not me. I wish I knew how to sew. I have ten thumbs, so the clothes I'd make would not be fit to wear. LOL
I do admire those that do make their own clothes. My mother made our dresses for us. They were beautiful.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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ClaireSky
True Blue Farmgirl
1792 Posts
Julie
Arcadia
WI
USA
1792 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2012 : 4:33:59 PM
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I have made a few things for myself. But, I have made many dresses for my adult daughter. I bought the "Ronis" adjustable dress form imported from Europe. I like it because it expands from a size 8 to a size 18 and covers most any body shape. Well worth it for the money. Here it is... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIAIN_CQJek
Julie
Farmgirl #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
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kysheeplady
True Blue Farmgirl
1291 Posts
Teri
KY
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2012 : 03:05:16 AM
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I used to make all of my own clothes, and then the price of fabric really got crazy. However I still make all my own curtains I but my fabric by the bolts. As for my clothing,I buy gently used clothing form Goodwill. A lot cheaper and thus supports others. You can find some beautiful clothing there.
Teri
"There are black sheep in every flock"
White Sheep Farm
www.whitesheepfarm.com |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13620 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13620 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2012 : 09:24:49 AM
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I started learning to sew in 4-H as soon as I was old enough and eventually made every piece of clothing I took to college. . . and thereafter. I practically "lived" in fabric stores. I made ALL my kids clothes, my clothes, even my hubby's dress pants, jackets and ties. I've made coats, sleeping bags, mittens . . you name it.
I don't make too many clothes now since my needs are very different than they used to be. I do make aprons and sell them and that keeps me very busy. I also do custom sewing for customers who ask, such as alterations, hemming, new garments, etc. Some repair jobs I stay away from because they usually end up taking way too much time and can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to correct someone elses back mistakes.
I'm a supporter and shopper at the thrift stores for a lot of things these days. And, if you want inexpensive "fabric" you can many times find some beautiful sheets and/or tablecloths in great condition. Just check them over really good for tears, holes, stains, etc. (I even undo the packaging to look them over before buying . . some stores here bag them in ziplocks or wrap a big piece of masking tape or string around the bundle)
I suggest, if possible, finding someone who can teach you and give you direction as to all the how-tos of sewing, the tips and tricks they have learned that work and they can also help you with fitting. Start simple so you don't get overwhelmed and/or discouraged.
Wishing you the best!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
Edited by - ceejay48 on Nov 11 2012 09:25:23 AM |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2012 : 7:38:30 PM
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I thought of this thread today, I was walking into a store and realized, I had made every thing I was wearing! lol I like the classes I have taken locally quite a bit. I've also heard that county extension offices sometimes, depending on the teacher at the time can have some pretty good classes, and are reasonably priced, they average about 10 dollars a class here.
If it makes you feel any better, I took home economics in middle school, I'm near 40 now, and besides the sewing in middle school I hadn't done any till 2 years ago! And now I make a great deal of my clothing. Skirts were the easiest for me to learn! ;o)
I also thrift shop, and I also buy new. Just depends, sometimes thrifting I can get things VERY cheap, other times like last week, I was able to get brand new clothing at Catherine's for 90 cents each! What ever they didn't sell that day they were going to send back to the warehouse and it was cheaper to sell at 90 cents then to pay shipping back to the warehouse! Christopher and Banks is another I frequent, went there today and bought a brand new blouse for 4 dollars. I've often gotten stuff in there for 1 to 5 dollars, skirts 3 dollars, belts a dollar, you know stuff like that. It's hit and miss, but I just go there every few months and peruse the clearance.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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ClaireSky
True Blue Farmgirl
1792 Posts
Julie
Arcadia
WI
USA
1792 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2012 : 06:13:58 AM
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Your pj's are cute, Connie!
Julie
Farmgirl #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
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Dorinda
True Blue Farmgirl
1023 Posts
Dorinda
St. Cloud
Florida
USA
1023 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2012 : 06:24:25 AM
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Connie love the PJs..I went shopping with my SIL Friday evening she was looking for thin flannel pjs. The pair she found was $58.00 with 40 percent off. So they were still around $39.00. Even though they were 0n sale I still think that was expensive for pjs. I did not buy a pair. So Connie you have given me an ideal now. Hum on the look out for flannel material now.
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
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rphelps4
True Blue Farmgirl
620 Posts
roxanna
westport
indiana
USA
620 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2012 : 06:49:06 AM
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| Great job on the pj's, check out the patterns for dummies, I have seen them in the books at JoAnn's. Roxanna |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2012 : 1:10:04 PM
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Love the Pjs Connie!
I used to sew as a teen/young adult. Made all my clothes, even a 2 piece bathing suit!
Then I just thru the years stopped. Now I am trying to re-learn!
It's true about the cost of fabric and patterns tho......yikes!
Have a great day, ladies!
Farmgirl hugs,
Linda
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2012 : 3:46:14 PM
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Connie,those are really cute! PJ's are unbelievably spendy these days! I picked up some flannel twin sheets out thrifting and am going to make jammie pants for my hunny and me to lounge around in this winter. I used to make a lot of my clothing until my first marriage and my then husband wanted me to wear "real" clothing  HA! I divorced him eventually and am slowly and I might add clumsily getting back into stitching again.
This is a cute wrap cardigan that I'm going to go pick up the material to sew. I have another just about like it that I love and I've been looking all over for a pattern to make more of them. The PDF is really pretty good and I think that it looks easy enough even for me 
http://blog.megannielsen.com/2009/12/how-to-make-a-wrap-cardigan/
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
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AmethystRose
True Blue Farmgirl
254 Posts
Rosemary
Huntingdon
PA
USA
254 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2012 : 7:44:51 PM
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The way to do well in sewing is to keep practicing. You learn from the mistakes.
See if your library has a good sewing book and study all the construction details--the type of sleeves, seams, shaping, etc. Go to the websites for the major pattern companies and look at the schematic for the patterns, not only the photos of models in finished garments.
Sign up at JoAnn's for their sales flyers, there is always a different brand on sale. An iron and board are more important than a dress form. When you find a design that flatters you, experiment with making it in different fabrics. Study the better garments in the department stores. |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2012 : 7:45:34 PM
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oh my "real" clothes! He really bought into the industry huh? I was reading a book one day that said you wanna know why when you see older pics of women they looked so neat as a pin, and sophisticated, quaf, etc....cause they made their own clothing to FIT them! Tailored for them!
I love my flannel night gowns I have made.
I can't resist half price flannel sheets at Goodwill! lol haha
And I'm not sure yet or not, but usually Joann's on black Friday has flannel for 1.50 a yard. It's their big thing during black friday, they have a few other deals too but that's usually the big hit. And also the fleece is a pretty good discount too, but in my opinion that's their best fabric deal of the year. Fourth of July if you are a vet is the best thread deal of the year.
Any how, I have plans of buying probably about 60 dollars worth of flannel on black friday IF they have that sale again this year. I want to line some slips, line some skirts, make more jammies, make a jacket! lol etc etc etc! lol Also lots of stuff for my kiddlettes! I LOVE flannel!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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mickib
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
Michele
Coeur d'Alene
Idaho
267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2012 : 3:30:28 PM
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| Thanks for the link to the cardigan tutorial Annika. I am in the middle of attempting a skirt at the moment, but that may be next project. |
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ClaireSky
True Blue Farmgirl
1792 Posts
Julie
Arcadia
WI
USA
1792 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2012 : 7:46:41 PM
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The cardigan is definately on my to-do list. Thanks Annika!
Julie
Farmgirl #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Does anyone make their own clothes? |
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Does anyone make their own clothes?
