Any seamstresses in this bunch?

irishgrl · #1 12-10-2006, 01:24 PM

Im seriously considering making my own clothes, Ive been gravitating toward a "hippie chic" sort of boho look for some time, and it looks like the best way to do that is to get busy with the sewing machine. Do any of you have any favorite SIMPLE patterns to share? I bought a few from ebay and got others at the local walmart. My favorite looks are Kurtas/Long Tunics, and big flowy skirts. I found an online simple skirt pattern that looks to be doable, but I'd like to flesh out my options ya know?

Sahara · #2 12-10-2006, 01:25 PM

I'm in exactly the same position -- I'm in touch with a few people, hopefully they'll email back, I'll certainly share if they do.

Any ideas?

irishgrl · #3 12-10-2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sahara

I'm in exactly the same position -- I'm in touch with a few people, hopefully they'll email back, I'll certainly share if they do.

Any ideas?

wow, that was QUICK!

are you interested in that simple skirt pattern idea?

one thing: you are in the UK, and I am in the US.........what about the differences in sizing?

Sahara · #4 12-10-2006, 01:30 PM

Hahaha, it was kinda...

I know that sewing.about.com has some interesting stuff, flowy skirts being one of them as far as I remember... I don't know if sizing would be a problem really, I don't think it's ever too big a problem to convert.

irishgrl · #5 12-10-2006, 01:48 PM

Patterns I like/have are:

McCalls, M4527
Simplicity 5069, 4528, 4969

This designer, Khliah Ali, really has some neat looks!

ps: I just discovered she is the daughter of former heavyweight boxing champ Muhommed (sp?) Ali!!! who'd a thunk it?

irishgrl · #6 12-10-2006, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sahara

Hahaha, it was kinda...

I know that sewing.about.com has some interesting stuff, flowy skirts being one of them as far as I remember... I don't know if sizing would be a problem really, I don't think it's ever too big a problem to convert.

you must be good with numbers LOL! tell ya what: I'll let YOU do all the converting! deal?

Sahara · #7 12-10-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishgrl

you must be good with numbers LOL! tell ya what: I'll let YOU do all the converting! deal?

Bwahahaha, having said all that I've never done this before, so....

We'll manage somehow!

markolas · #8 12-10-2006, 02:24 PM

I can sew a button back on a shirt, but that's about the extent of my expertise. Still, I would love to make my own clothes. I'm not a fan of most of what I see in stores, and it's too expensive, anyway. But it seems like men's clothes would be harder to make.

irishgrl · #9 12-10-2006, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markolas

I can sew a button back on a shirt, but that's about the extent of my expertise. Still, I would love to make my own clothes. I'm not a fan of most of what I see in stores, and it's too expensive, anyway. But it seems like men's clothes would be harder to make.

you think so? the lines look simple enuff, but then, I havent made any men's clothes so I dont really know. I DO know that they dont cost as much at retail as Womens' so Im thinking there's probably a reason for that...

ah well........its a misogynistic conspiracy

michelle2677 · #10 12-10-2006, 02:51 PM

Im with markolas. You need help with a button-im your girl. Although i did hot glue some little dangly coin things to a scarf one time for my "belly-dancing" class. But i guess that would be considered more "arts and crafts"

DrummerDeanna · #11 12-10-2006, 03:09 PM

I have always thought it'd be way fun to make one's own clothes - I don't have the patience - though I did make a Princess Leia costume for Halloween one year - with nothing but a sheet and a needle and thread

It fit too..and didn't look too bad - which makes me think if I applied myself and had the right tools I could maybe be a talent at it....

But yeah - I can sew buttons on and do simple repairs - but I really wish I'd learned more as right now I have two pairs of pants that I'd love to have taken in (a wonderful problem to have)!

If you do end up making clothes you HAVE To post pictures of what you make

irishgrl · #12 12-10-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

I have always thought it'd be way fun to make one's own clothes - I don't have the patience - though I did make a Princess Leia costume for Halloween one year - with nothing but a sheet and a needle and thread

It fit too..and didn't look too bad - which makes me think if I applied myself and had the right tools I could maybe be a talent at it....

But yeah - I can sew buttons on and do simple repairs - but I really wish I'd learned more as right now I have two pairs of pants that I'd love to have taken in (a wonderful problem to have)!

If you do end up making clothes you HAVE To post pictures of what you make

I think my first project is going to be this 6-gore skirt but I first have to make the pattern template. Im mostly going for the hippie/boho look. I like the loose flowy looks from those days....I also found another site that has instructions on how to make a pretty cool halter dress without an actual pattern, just from some straight pieces and a circular piece! I LOVE that kinda thing...

nix4life · #13 12-10-2006, 03:57 PM

i do quilts
and have done a few coustoms for my neice and nephew
but clothes - not so much -

just as a total aside - have you ever seen the clothes they make with quilt like stuff - they are hillariously terrible - they feature them in the quilt mags

good luck with the clothes

DrummerDeanna · #14 12-10-2006, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nix4life

just as a total aside - have you ever seen the clothes they make with quilt like stuff - they are hillariously terrible - they feature them in the quilt mags

I don't know about the clothes - but the bags and such them make with it? HIDEOUS!!! I hate that stuff....it's just ugly.

A coworker of mine quilts...she does beautiful work - nothing beats a homemade quilt!

My mom crochets...mostly blankets but in the 70s she used to make my sister sweaters and stuff - now it's all blankets and the occassional scarf or shawl...I tried to learn once but got bored and gave up :rolleyes?

carrie721 · #15 12-10-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

My mom crochets...mostly blankets but in the 70s she used to make my sister sweaters and stuff - now it's all blankets and the occassional scarf or shawl...I tried to learn once but got bored and gave up

when i was little, i crocheted several skeins of yarn together. it wrapped around the house a couple times. that's the only crocheting i've ever done.