I just made my first ever dress!

[overmydeadbody]

It is just a sundress, quite simple really, but it was a lot easier than I had thought, so I am now inspired to make some more.

Now that I've done a sundress, I'd like to try something more substantial, anyone recommend any type of dress that I might be able to attempt?

Sleeves scare me, how do you make sleeves?

forgot the link

Well done!!

sleeves still scare me after years of doing them, but they get easier with practise! try a little cape/shrug to go with your dress, or even just get some scrap fabric to try out on. always remember right sides together and you wont go wrong. i usually check ive done it right by holding the body past and the sleeve right up to each other as they would look when sewn up, then i pull the sleeves inside out and over the armhole at the same time (does that make sense?), so your 2 right side are now together, then just pin it in place and sew away, you'll soon get the hang of it. a really good useful book is available on amazon, here

really easy to understand and nice pictures, in fact the only sewing book ive come across and would actually recommend to other new starters, good luck x

I make a lot of my own clothes. I'm pg atm so have just made some summery maternity dresses and a pair of trousers.

A-line skirts are easy. I have a few made of panels which are surprisingly easy.

i was just about to start a thread to ask how easy it is to make a dress! i have been recommended a decent material shop in Manchester and i have a sewing machine. I am fed up of not being able to find anything in the shops so really want to have a go!

What about the boob bit (i believe they are called 'darts') is that not a bit tricky?

If you are keen to start, look out for a class at your local college or even a taster class. Bit like cooking, it is all in the preparation and the boring bits, like pinning out, pressing and undoing when you go wrong.

Darts are really easy... in fact all sewing is just a variation on straight lines.

And sleeves, pah! If you can make that lovely sundress, no probs!

Thank you Vix, I wil check out that book! I will attempt some sleeves with some scrap fabric first.

NeverKissPigs one day I hope to be like you and make all my own dresses! Do you use bought patterns or just draft your own? I want to be able ot draft my own eventually.

Summerbird, as LatteLady said, it's not too hard as long as you do all the preparation bits right. Darts are not hard, they are just little folds of fabric stitched up. I put the boob bit of fabric against myself, inside out, and then pinched the fabric together between my fingers where I needed fabric taking in, then pinned, then drew a line and stitched. The tutorial I linked to explains it quite well.

I would love to go to proper dressmaking classes oned ay. I will look out for them in my area, thanks LatteLady.

oooh it's lovely!

Lol @ "And yes, I know, the dress needs an iron, but I was too excited to iron it before photographing it"

Thanks Madre!

Wow! That is really impressive.

I would love to be making my own clothes - will experiment on the kids first

Thanks Frazzled.

Yes I started out with kids clothes, so muich less pressure I think to make it look perfect lol. Well, my DS doesn't seem to mind wearing the clothes I make him even if they're a little wonky

So what clothes do you tihnk you'll attempt for the kids next week? The bandana shorts?

yes the shorts are on my list for DS. we have some bandanas here somewhere from a charity day so it would be nice (i think) to recycle and get further use from them.

still looking for a crochet pattern for him.

spoilt for choice with DD. I think a simple crochet shrug for her or a pink fluffy one if i can brave the eyelash wool. I want to recycle one of DH's old shirts for a dress for her or do a pillow case dress.