Where can I find sewing patterns for clothes that I might actually want to wear?

[nevergoogledragonbutter]

I'm just learning to use my machine but am having lessons.

By the end of the month we will be making an item from a pattern but I have visions of some hideous old fashioned blouse.

Where can i find patterns for stuff i might actually want to wear?

[MagNacarta]

Burda magazine can be good it's about £5 but inside are lots of patterns, last months had some lovely patterns and this months is ok. However if you're a beginner it could be tricky as the patterns don't come with seam allowance, so you have to trace them off and add it yourself. Also the instructions are a bit basic for a beginner.

With the established pattern companies ie Vogue, McCalls, Butterick etc you have to employ a lot of imagination. Try to look at the picture/photo and think what it would look like if it wasn't illustrated as if it were 1976 and the fabric was something you'd like. When you do that you'll find that actually they are ok.

What sort of project are you supposed to be making?

[nevergoogledragonbutter]

Oh I literally just went to the first class tonight.
Next week we are making a bag and the week after that a make up bag with a zip.
Then we will be taught how to follow a pattern and make things fit.

[nevergoogledragonbutter]

burda look ok. do you have to subscribe to the magazine or can you buy in a newsagents?

bump.

[FlyingMonkey]

I bought a Simplicity pattern for a summer dress (still lying in the packet unmade!) that isn't too awful: www.simplicitynewlook.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6786

I also saw this dress which I would love to make: www.voguepatterns.com/item/V1120.htm?tab=dresses_includes_designer&page=1 although I'm not convinced that my sewing skills are up to the job!

[MagNacarta]

You can buy the magazine in the newsagents, but would probably have to order it - I haven't seen them stocked very often.

An inexpensive way of buying patterns if you're going to get hooked is via Sew Today magazine.

two free patterns

[dutchmanswife]

Try this site

www.burdastyle.com/

It has free patterns and also has a gallery that shows how other people have made them.

This link will take you to free downloads of the patterns on burdastyle that arn't free.

www.megaupload.com/?f=2123M9OJ

[moocowme]

i have bought burda religiosly for the last 20 years. sometimes i find things a bit modern but wait a few months to a years and find myself looking thru back copies and thinking how trendy they are.

get some copies of ebay if noone sells them near you.

i have wound my local WHSmith stocks them but only a few so you have to get in quick to get one.

[ChristieF]

Buy Prima Magazine once a month. They have patterns every time and a website where you can buy others. All modern stuff. Beware. It's usually much more expensive to make your own clothes than buy them.

[moocowme]

I can't say i have ever found it more expensive to make my own clothes. You need to shop around for sources of fabric. I get mine mostly for £1 a metre at the markets. i will but nice silks for about £5 a metre but still 2 metres of silk for a blouse is still way cheaper than the polyester lined alternative at monsoon. oh and they fit much better as well when i make them.

i mostly buy burda magazine now for patterns as I find they fit the best plus i sew every week so its very cheap or me.