What do I need for first sewing project?

[AlwaysOneMissing]

I am planning on starting my first sewing project tomorrow! I haven't sewed since high school (too long ago) apart from some handsewing, repairs, buttons etc.

Tomorrow I am going to a fabric shop / Habadashery and I'm going to choose a pattern, choose some fabric, and hopefully make it!!

But I'm sure it won't be that simple and I don't want to get home and find I am missing an important piece of equipment which sets me back.

I have a sewing machine, scissors, pins, needles, threads, tape measure.

I think I will be making a very simple shape dress or a skirt. (For myself or DD, depending on which patterns I like).

Are there any basics that I just can't do without that I am not thinking of? Eg I don't have tailors chalk, will I need some? Or interfacing? Anything else?

If I make DD a dress it'll probably be similar to the dress in the picture, but different fabric and maybe with cap sleeves.

Any advice for a complete novice?! Tia.

Look for a simple "learn to sew" pattern to start. It will list what you need on the back (how much and what sort of fabric and interfacing, buttons, zipper etc). And speaking of zippers, how do you feel about working with them because the girl's dress in your picture will need a zipper. If you are okay with that, then that's fine but I would be tempted to start with something simpler to insure success. Please pm me if I can be of any help. Have a great time with your sewing project!

Thank you Amy
I am willing to give zips a go, I have fitted one before but years ago! I was hoping though that I could get a button up at the back pattern as that's how most of DDs shop bought dresses are. Great tip about 'Learn to Sew' patterns, I'll look for one of those.

Bobbins? Not that I'm always running out.

Basting thread is essential. Use is for basting rather than pinning fabric together and for transferring pattern markings i.e. use it to make tailors tacks to transfer pattern dots. Pattern dots crop up in all sorts of places, to mark darts, start and finish points to sew such as stay stitching, gathering etc.

Seam riper for when things go wrong

Needle threader, essential for me, blind as a bat.

Have fun.

Thanks Eat and fortified I have now purchased those things!

I have my pattern (a Simplicity one which turned out to actually by quite complicated I think ) and fabric. Just need to build up the courage to actually start! Thanks for the advice.