much needed input!!!!

[babytot]

Hi im Lisa and im a newbie to it all really and could do with some help on ideas and tips and advice from anyone that can help me get a project started. So far i have a few ideas on what i would like to try and attempt and they are rag doll (for my 4 yr old), cushion covers (simple style) and maybe some clothing for my daughter. I do apologise if i have posted in the wrong place.

so really i would just like some help on maybe the best option to start with as im new to crafting and any tips you may have for me

thank you

[tipsylipsy]

Firstly a word of warning - fabric is soooooo addictive take care.

I make childrens clothing and thinks its fab you want to make some for your daughter there is something really satisfying about making something yourself and seeing your children enjoying wearing it. The best thing of course is that you can choose the fabric you like and the style you like with out compromise. Have you ever sewn before? If not I would suggest sticking to cotton or cotton mix weave fabrics as they are easiest for a beginner to use. If you need suppliers let me know I'll send you some suggestions. There are of course lots of commercial patterns available but you could try searching free childrens clothing sewing patterns, there are tons available.

I have also made rag dolls and got my patterns from the states. They are really easy to follow and pretty cute, I can give you the info for those if you are interested. Oh and they were quite cheap to.

Good luck with it, if you need any help give me a shout

[purplemac]

There's a really simple pattern for a rag doll in this months Sew hip. Only the body and head are stuffed but it's a nice pattern.

Debbie

[reebee baby]

Cushion covers would be a great place to start as would making your daughter's clothes til you're confident enough. I started by making bibs for my son, then trying clothes and cloth nappies - but be warned it is very addictive. You will soon be searching for the right pattern or the right fabric.

But you can then say your off spring wear designer clothes

[babytot]

Thank you tipsylipsy that would be great if you could give me the link for pattern for rag doll i got a pattern off my mum from the prima mag so i have bought a few bits to make her first as a practice doll see how i get on. I was going to borrow my mums sewing machine that was my nans but have now decided to sew by hand.
I will be looking at getting my own machine very soon as long as my hubby coughs up for my hobbie bless him but in the meantime i'll go to mums for my daughter clothes and other bits..

Thanks purplemac i'll try find the pattern love to see it and simple is what i need.

reebee baby cushion covers are something that i really want to try as my sofas dont have any cushions on lol. I dont surpose you could point me in the right direction of some simple patterns to try out?

I did find myself browesing the patterns for clothes today and searched the whole shop for material so i can see how it might become addictive lol


thank you all so much for your time and advice and fingers crossed my project is a success lol

[tipsylipsy]

Here is the rag dolls link http://www.threadbareprimitives.com/ . Have fun a post a piccie when you are finished

[reebee baby]

www.craftandfabriclinks.com

http://www.alternative-windows.com/simple-cushion.htm

Hope these links help. The second one has lots of types of cushion I just picked one as an example. I don't bother to stitch shut I cheat and use a bit of wonder web under the raw seams to stick them down so they don't fray and leave the gap open. That's probably called cheating tho' lol.