I am so tied of looking for clothes that I like I am only small. It can not be that hard to make them. My thinking is, if I can make patchwork quilts and learn to use a computer, plus machine embroidery. I should be able to make a simple dress. cheers

many good comments already and I would like to add one, if you put "ottobre" in the seachbox you will find some nice finnish simple design magazin and I have heard from international friends that it is a good deal to by the mag when seen at the newsstand or station or airport or whereever you by your papers and mags, once you find a pattern that fits and works for you it will be a breeze - walk on !

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

Thankyou Muflotex for the site, I will also keep a look out for the mag. Heather

There are some great simple patterns out there these days, or as Sue suggested, pulling one apart that fits works well. If you're game enough to borrow or buy a pattern drafting book and create your own pattern, you'll learn a lot. Items made of knit fabric tend to be very forgiving as you can stretch the fabrics to fit each other rather than needing to gather to fit sleeves into shoulder seams etc. It depends what you like to wear too, I guess. Best of luck.

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

I have bought a pattern, gosh there are so many, it's like being in a fabric shop and you want one of each. thankyou for your post. Heather

It has been a long time for me, however I too am going to attempt a simple sun dress. I will let you know how my pattern fitting process goes.

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

The pattern I bought is simple but very smart, hope to start on it soon, looking for nice fabric now.

Why not take an old dress (that you like and that fits you!) apart and see how it is put together? You could use the pieces as a pattern and even stitch the original back together!

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

That's something to think about, I would know that the dress would be the right size then.

I cheer you on...you will be sewing before you know it...I learned on your own over 35+ years ago and I look forward to seeing your wonderful looking dress...FIESTA ;D *2U

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

Thankyou so much, I think if I follow directions to the letter I will fine.

Take a beginning sewing class that you can make a clothing item. They will teach you things that will help you from this point on - like how to set a sleeve or how to do a neck facing or how to install a zipper. I was lucky to have a Home Ec sewing class in middle school and learned so much. You will not regret it. If you like crafting - you will love sewing clothes!! Good luck! Hugs, Laura*

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

Oh gosh I hated those sewing classes at school, my mother was always ripping a ...... into my teacher. Believe it or not, mum was a Taylor. She made all our clothes, I still remember standing with my arms out with her pinning , how I hated the pins. hugs

too smalllllllllllllll i dream of that lol hugs

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

The problem is the smaller sizes are for 20 year olds. hugs

You can also find beginner patterns with simple seams and instructions! Good Luck

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by edithfarminer 07 Jun 2013

I agree with this is a good way to start also look for a sewing class as mentioned by dailylaundry, you would get help and it is nice to work with other people.

by toet 07 Jun 2013

Yes this sounds a good idea, thankyou.

Sure you can. Sewing is reading directions, cutting carefully, marking carefully, and stitching. Our local fabric store has beginner sewing lessons. Maybe there is one near you? ;)

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by dennis999 06 Jun 2013

As they say in carpentry.....................measure twice and then cut! Yes, I know this isn't a woodwork forum but the principle is the same....lol

by toet 07 Jun 2013

Yes I know the measure twice rule my dad was a carpenter. The thing is Fabric seems to have a mind of its own. When I do my glass work it is so precise, making measuring it so easy. Oh we have cutters for glass work as well, not so sure about using large scissors. What have I got to lose, better to try than to throw my hands in the air and say its too hard. I'm off to buy some fabric. thanks

by toet 07 Jun 2013

Thankyou Jrob, I will look into the lessons. Heather

I know you can do it! Where there is a will there is a way.
I can relate to your dilemma. My older sister is handicapped and has the belly of a 7 or 8 month pregnant woman. She is a small size 4 in maternity clothes. However most maternity clothes have low cut reveiling necklines. So I have learned how to make clothes for her so she can wear nice clothes and not look like a small child playing dress up. Wishing you the best of luck on your new project!
Hugs
Diane

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by toet 07 Jun 2013

I am ready to make a start, the problem is not that I cannot buy clothes in my size, they would be great if I was vane and 20 years younger, they are too short in length. Not a good look if you want people to treat you with respect. hugs

It sounds to me as though you have all the confidence in the world to achieve your ambition. As you have said, you have made quilts, learned computer skills and machine embroidery..........all this has to be a good basis for putting your plan into action. I am sure that there are many Cuties who would be happy to guide you where necessary. I wish you every success.

P.S. I would not be the best one here to ask for guidance as I don't think I would look too good in a dress.........lol.

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by spendlove 06 Jun 2013

Go on, you knoww you want to!

by toet 07 Jun 2013

Thanks Dennis, may I ask what started you into the embroidery world. My DH is thinking about using an old 201 Singer that I was lucky to find. He is going to make some camping gear and repair the dog's bed.

by toet 07 Jun 2013

Thankyou Sue, hugs