In February one of my friends signed up for a dressmaking class and I felt a bit of envy, which reminded me of how long I've wanted to learn to make clothes. I'm 42 and I think I was 17 when I first wanted to try it, so that's 25 years of really wanting to learn to sew clothes but never quite getting there.
I've made attempts before but got stuck in the early stages. This was due to things like having a hand me down sewing machine that broke which I couldn't afford to get fixed even if there had been anywhere nearby to take it, not understanding patterns, and fabric being too expensive for me.
Finally in February I realised conditions were right: I'd done some non-clothes sewing last year so I took the plunge and bought a new sewing machine, ordered inexpensive fabric to practice with from Poundfabrics, a beginners pattern (Simple Sew Utility Dress), found a blog by someone who'd made the dress and YourTube videos on the techniques involved.
It was tricky but I got there: I made a dress! It turns out the pattern wasn't 'Beginner', it was 'Adventurous Beginner' so it was much more involved than I'd expected. But by the time I finished I'd learnt a lot and had such a sense of achievement. I'd finally done it!
Following this I bought a copy of Tilly and The Buttons 'Love At First Stitch' and made the Margot Pyjamas in bargain £1 satin, and Clemence Skirt from good quality polycotton from Poundfabrics:
The skirt was another milestone as it feels like 'real' clothing, ie. I actually wear it out of the house.
After this I made a double sided apron for a friend's birthday present out of sturdy polycotton:
Next I wanted to try making a top so I chose a simple pattern with good reviews, New Look 6483. It includes 5 different patterns and I made version D, using the fabric left over from the apron to test it out:
I graded between sizes so it's smaller at the top and wider at the bottom, and i shortened it too. This was my first attempt at making several alterations to a pattern and I love the result. Since then I've made two more in cotton.
I wanted to have a go at another dress so I decided on the Popover Dress from
'Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses' and again used cheap polycotton to try it out. Once again I used a smaller size on the bust and graded out for my hips, and shortened the bodice:
The dress is a giant, unshaped tent until you add a belt and petticoat,, which transforms it into that lovely full skirted, 1950s silhouette. It was a fun project and I'll probably make it again.
It's been so exciting picking up a new hobby and making my long held dream of making clothes a reality. Adjusting patterns to fit has been a revelation as I can work on making things that fit me rather than feeling uncomfortable in clothes designed for a so-called standard shape.
In May I've been focusing more on taking care of the details of make, learning how to finish items neatly and I've changed the New Look top slightly each time I've made it to get it just how I like it. I'll post my May makes soon when I've taken photos.
