suggested project and fabric type/supplier for new to dressmaking :)

[kaod55]

Hello,

I would like to make my own clothes, and not sure where to begin.
I can do alot of handsewing and beading, but new to dressmaking stuff.
Can anyone suggest a good simple pattern to start out. I don't know any cutting techniques or names yet.
I'm 5'6 size 8 and maybe a simple skirt or something to start off with?
Also, are there any good online suppliers. I live in Lincoln and fabric shops seem very sparse around here, especially in the city. Near my parents we have some stunning fabric shops. I prefer to handle and feel the fabric, couple spend hours in craft shops.... but as there are no shops here, will have to buy online!
I am being given a sewing machine next week, but don't know much about it yet. I had a mini one years ago, but this is a full size one.

Any help/advice much appreciated.

[AnnieAnna]

If you are a complete dressmaking virgin I would start with something really simple like a wraparound skirt. If you are giving up on Linclon I'd say visit you mum a lot. ;) You've got to be touchy feely as the weight, width, feel, colour, varies so much. To buy on line you need to know what fabric is what and you still get surprises.
So in your mum's fab fabric shops there should be a section for browsing through pattern books. There is a thread on this forum where we've been listing out favourite pattern publishers but I found Simplicity and McCalls to be fine when I started.
I'd start off with cotton.
Avoid the following to start with until you become confident:
Stretchy fabrics, zips and buttonholes. (Don't try silk until you are ready to have a nervous breakdown.)
Read the sewing machine manual ;). At least the page on how to thread it and sew straight ;). (I know this seems obvious but I've only ever opened my manual when things went wrong. :mummy:)
Once your machine and you are acting like a cyborg (feel the force...) and you've stopped thing about it and you are starting to get a hang of how patterns work feel free to start breaking the rules. Alter patterns, abandon them altogether, make your own, try working out how to copy clothes that fit you well, try copying clothes in shop windows, design your own.
I'm just saying that because for half my life I thought you had to use bought patterns. Then I was show how to make my own and fit a garment to a body. It's another world and it makes you so free. You can do anything!
Bought patterns are excellent for one thing though: doing things in the right order. After a while you'll get the hang of that too.
Last tip: as you add things to your repetoire - look them up in books, on the web, on garments for sale. There are often several ways of doing the same thing eg, putting in a zip, doing lapels, finishing a hem. Sometimes you get epiphany moments when you go OMG that's such a good idea! Why aren't I doing it that way?
Have fun. Go for it.
AnnieAnna

[MornieG Jewellery]

One small point, I totally agree with everything Annie has said especially about visiting a fabric shop so make use of the knowledgeable people there as well. They will undoubtably all sew and will help with the selection of pattern and fabric and will usually be more than willing to answer any questions you may have to begin with, just try not to make it a saturday when the staff are all likely to be extra busy. If you make the wrong choice of pattern and fabric the first time it can be very off putting so really worth a visit to a reputable store. Good Luck and have fun and don't forget to show us the end result. Mo.XX

[kaod55]

Thanks, great tips.
I am quite good at taking things apart and working out how to make them again...should come in useful soon. Also alright at handsewing.
My sewing machine is being brought up next week, so will be able to have a practise with it.
Then when I visit a decent shop,will stock up with lots of fabric!
I think my local shop has some patterns...but fabricwise is only polycotton, fake fur and organza thats about it
I look forward to making something worthy of showing you all!

[tipsylipsy]

Where abouts in Lincolnshire are you? is it Lincoln city? if so there is a fabric shop called Fabric Corner on Sincil Street. Others towns I know have fabric stores locally are Grantham - has three, Stamford - has three good ones that I know of but there may be more and Boyes in Sleaford sell cheap fabrics and notions. A google search should bring the names and addresses of all the shops locally for you. If you are unable to get to the shops, you could ask the online stores to send you a small swatch of the fabrics you are interested in, thats what I always do and the sellers are more than happy to help. Best of luck

[kaod55]

Yeah I live in the city. Oh might check it out : )
Definatly need to have a proper look at places to buy from, so thank you.