Does anybody here sew?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Hobbycraft have fabric and notions? I've only been a couple times, but I do remember getting inspired to fire up the machine.

Hobbycraft has a little bit of fabric, mostly quilting cottons, but not much.  They have some notions as well, but you'd be better going to a fabric store.

ohhhh, longing for Jo-Annes

Ad me to the "love to sew" group!

Oh, I'm so disappointed that patterns are expensive and hard to come by there.  I'll be going to lots of sales before I come out, I guess!  Most of the big companies (Butterick, McCall's, etc) have web sites...you could get the pattern number and have someone buy them and send them out, they could fit into a prepaid postage envelope so it wouldn't be too pricey.  Especially with the exchange rate, an $8 pattern is only £4 and another pound or two to mail.  (Again, I am willing to run these types of errands, PM me.)  I'll probably make my Mom do it for me after we get there!

I'm dying to buy a Serger...would it be cheaper then to buy it and a converter?  Goodness.  I was going to wait, but, gee, guess I'll just have to convince hubby I should get a Serger now...

Sprigged, your costumes are beautiful!  If you look in my gallery in our UKY photo gallery there are pictures of my daughter in the Halloween costume I made her-nothing as elaborate and lovely as what you've done (although this halloween I won't be pregnant and so will be doing something knockout for myself) but I was proud of it anyway.  It's http://talk.uk-yankee.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=14 the pics are on pages 2 and 3.

I soooooooo would love to learn how to make clothes, and costumes.....does it take loads of patience? To use a pattern? My thing has always been quilting, I sewed my own diaper bag, (when I was in labor, no less!) and little things like that.....but I would love to learn to actually sew clothes!

Sprigged, have I missed a link to your costumes?  I love to make costumes as well and have many projects in process right now.  I'd love to see your creations.

As for purchasing patterns, I'd suggest getting a friend/family to get patterns for you when they're on sale in the US for .99 and mail them to you.  So long as you have the pattern number and know what size you want, it's a piece of cake.

I soooooooo would love to learn how to make clothes, and costumes.....does it take loads of patience? To use a pattern? My thing has always been quilting, I sewed my own diaper bag, (when I was in labor, no less!) and little things like that.....but I would love to learn to actually sew clothes!

It doesn't take loads of patience, but it does require some.  For me, I get bored when doing stuff like topstitching because it's more decorative than anything else, but measuring is by far the dullest part.  You have to be so careful to make sure the seam allowances are even and everything is straight.  Of course, as you already sew, you know this! (Also, pattern instructions are sometimes vague or difficult to read, which is irritating.  A good sewing book is nice to have on hand.)

A good way to start is to make a costume or something for children-I'm working on a few outfits for my older daughter and since they're smaller it's faster.  Also, I modify some of my regular clothing (adding ruffles to a skirt, things like that) that are quick projects but make you feel accomplished.

Everything Saf said.

Cutting and pinning are important.  Make sure your pattern and fabric are pressed and take time pinning and cutting.  I spend a lot of time fiddling not only when pinning to cut, but pinning to piece the item together.  If it's well cut and pinned, the pieces will go together accurately and won't move, slip or slide when sewing.

Pattern instructions can be vague.  Saf mentioned having a good book.  I have the Singer Complete Guide to Sewing and it's fantastic.  It explains everything to pattern layout, reading pattern instructions, talking about fabrics, stitches, fastenings, etc., etc., etc.  I refer to it frequently and even if the instructions are rubbish, you can usually work your way through it!

Sprigged, your costumes are beautiful!  If you look in my gallery in our UKY photo gallery there are pictures of my daughter in the Halloween costume I made her-nothing as elaborate and lovely as what you've done (although this halloween I won't be pregnant and so will be doing something knockout for myself) but I was proud of it anyway.  It's http://talk.uk-yankee.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=14 the pics are on pages 2 and 3.

Awww, geez. Thanks Saf.

Kellie, you can see some of my costumes at www.maisonelegance.com .

OMG, your work is seriously beautiful. 

I read your site with great interest.  I, too, love period costume, as well as special occasion wear (Christening gowns) and costumes for Halloween.

I'm particularly interested in period costumes because I love history and I love fabrics/fashions from the different eras.  When you are in England you must go to the V&A museum and go to the history of fashion exhibit.  There are wonderful authentic garments on display there.  I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

I've been toying with trying to sell costumes, but I need to build up some confidence first.  I don't design my own pieces, but I can follow patterns.  My most recent item is a men's Victorian cloak with flounces, as you would expect on the set of a Dickens movies or Jack the Ripper!

I'm now starting a Renaissance gown that has a velvet w/ embroidery skirt...  I just can't help myself.

Thanks for sharing your website. 

Sprigged,

Your stuff looks great!   I wish I could sew as well.  I am still learning.


It is nice to know that others sew.  I felt all alone.  For me I was lucky that my H's friend's mother gave me one of her old machines.  She, too, also use to sew costumes.