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Original poster

Will I be able to make this?

41 replies

TheProvincialLady · 05/08/2023 11:19

I made a new year resolution to make something I can wear this year and I only have 5 months to get it done. Previous sewing experience includes lots of quilting, drawstring bags and two aprons (one was a complicated double sided wrap-around with strings).

I been looking at patterns and wondered whether this skirt and top found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? Here from John Lewis might be achievable, but I’m so inexperienced I have no idea.

Constraints are:

My sewing machine is Victorian, does only one straight stitch (but beautifully) and I have to turn the wheel myself. I do have a large collection of special feet etc but will admit that I don’t know how to use some of them.

I am not quite 5’2 and wear a size 6-8 normally. Bust size 30F.

I don’t have a lot of space

I don’t have a lot of time

I am not very good at making things 😀

On the plus side, I can throw money at this and I’m willing to give it a go.

Have I chosen a good pattern and what advice would you have for me? Thanks, experienced folk!

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Thread gallery
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DRS1970 · 05/08/2023 11:21

Your link doesn't work.

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lljkk · 05/08/2023 11:30

You need to try & show us how it goes.
You can only improve & have fun learning how to get better, right?

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 05/08/2023 11:30

I would go for something less dependent on an exact fit if it is the first time you have made a garment. There are some quite complex processes in that.
Simplicity is the name of the brand of pattern , not an indication of lack of difficulty.

Burgerqueenbee · 05/08/2023 11:43

Perhaps you could look for local classes where you can make a simple garment in a day/weekend? Might save some frustration and they will be able to help with fitting and choosing the right fabrics etc.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 05/08/2023 11:44

If the top is made from stretch fabric it won’t really be doable on a Victorian machine.

AnnaMagnani · 05/08/2023 11:53

I'd say the top would be a challenge as it is knit fabric so you can't really do it on a straight stitch only machine, and fit will be very important.

The skirt is totally doable. However if you have not made anything before it might be easier to use an Indie pattern which generally hold your hand a lot more through the instructions than Simplicity. They often also have sewalong videos or blogs on the company websites.

If you look at The Foldline you can filter to Indie Designers and Beginner patterns. For example this is skirts filtered for 'Absolute Beginner' and 'Indie patterns'

https://thefoldline.com/product-category/womens-dressmaking-all/skirt/?designer_type%5B0%5D=indie&sewing_level%5B0%5D=Absolute%20Beginner

Skirt Archives - The Fold Line

https://thefoldline.com/product-category/womens-dressmaking-all/skirt?designer_type%5B0%5D=indie&sewing_level%5B0%5D=Absolute+Beginner

3beesinmybonnet · 05/08/2023 12:02

Agree with pp that your machine sounds unsuitable for stretch fabric. I think you'd be better choosing a pattern for a loose fitting pull over the head type top ie just front back sleeves and neck facings. Use a woven ie non stretch fabric. Plain cotton will be easiest to sew as it doesnt slither about, unlike viscose challis, or look for a polyester which doesn't fray.
The easiest would be to use an old polycotton duvet cover or sheet ie from a charity shop first, as practice.
If you enjoy it treat yourself to a good modern machine, possibly second hand. Leggings are are a good choice I think for a first stretchy garment.

SBAM · 05/08/2023 12:06

For a first garment I’d aim for something that needs minimal fitting This wrap skirt fits the bill. Given the limitations of your machine you need to stick to woven fabrics, sewing knit fabrics with a straight stitch will likely result in popped stitching as soon as you wear something.
With your bust size compared to your frame it’s likely you’ll need to make adjustments to a pattern as most are drafted for a B cup. If you’re not up for anything time consuming then I’d just aim to tick off your resolution with a wrap skirt.

Miette Skirt

Miette digital PDF sewing pattern. Learn to sew an easy wraparound skirt with the Tilly and the Buttons step-by-step instructions. Sewing project for beginners.

https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/collections/sewingpatterns/products/miette

CurlewKate · 05/08/2023 12:25

That looks difficult for a beginner to me-fitting the waist will be tricky....

Original poster
TheProvincialLady · 05/08/2023 12:28

Thank you so much everyone, this is exactly the kind of expertise I was hoping you would be able to share. I had an inkling that my sewing machine would not cope with stretch fabrics and I’m glad not to have wasted time and money in trying to make the pattern I originally chose. I’m not ready to buy another machine as my previous experience of using modern machines is that they are impenetrably complicated, sensitive and run far too quickly for me. Perhaps I will change my mind when I have a bit more dressmaking under my belt.

Taking into account all your advice, I have found this Tilly and the Buttons tunic dress. What do you think? My only concern is that it won’t suit me very well as I tend to suit fitted things…but my sewing ability probably isn’t up to that just yet is it? https://thefoldline.com/product/stevie-tunic/

Tilly and the Buttons Stevie Tunic - The Fold Line

Buy the Stevie Tunic sewing pattern from Tilly and the Buttons, a great wardrobe staple with a tie closure detail at the back neckline.

https://thefoldline.com/product/stevie-tunic/

OP posts:
Original poster
TheProvincialLady · 05/08/2023 12:33

I also like that skirt @SBAM but how do pdf patterns work? Does it mean lots of unauthorised use of the work printer and then sellotaping together?

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AnnaMagnani · 05/08/2023 12:34

Anything Tilly and the Buttons is ideal to start as she really really explains everything.

However like you, I am very much not the shape Tilly designs for which is annoying.

I'd look on it as necessary practice at the start of your sewing journey - and you might like it better than you expect!

AnnaMagnani · 05/08/2023 12:36

I once did the print out a PDF and tape all the A4 sheets together. Never again!

Copy shop that does A0 printing is the way forward.

inloveonholiday · 05/08/2023 12:41

Choose a pattern using a crisp cotton fabric for a Victorian machine.

Modern fabrics need modern feet, especially those with synthetic or stretch.

Your Victorian machine was beautifully designed to manage the sewing with one hand. They are stable workhorses. But, they rely on stable fabric to operate. You'll get very frustrated if you choose something with give or stretch as it will be pulled out of shape.

So either choose a pattern that requires a crisp cotton or get a newer machine for modern fabrics.

I use a variety of machines depending on the task in hand.

If you choose your Victorian machine it should have a hemming foot that's worth a practice. This will take, turn and stitch perfectly, all with one hand!

inloveonholiday · 05/08/2023 12:44

The tunic dress would be perfect for your machine.

The weight of cotton used for that (and the style) probably wouldn't go through the hemming foot, you'd need a bigger hem.

It's a good choice.

Womblegreen · 05/08/2023 13:07

Your machine is not too old for stretch fabrics. Guterman make a thread called Maraflex, it has a slight stretch and means you can sew stretch fabrics with a straight stitch without them popping.
I prefer indie patterns. Waves & Wild and Helen’s Closet are my favourite pattern designers. I’m not the right shape for Tilly and the Buttons’ patterns.
My first garment was Waves & Wild’s Beachcomber - which is a T-shirt, tunic and dress pattern all in 1 purchase. It’s fitted at the bust and flows from there so forgiving for a first sew.

KirstenBlest · 05/08/2023 13:07

The tunic dress should be a doddle but I'd go for something that has been designed for someone with a bust.

SBAM · 05/08/2023 13:43

@TheProvincialLady work printer and tape/pritt stick is one option. You can also use a printing service. I’ve used CLC prints before and found them quick and fairly priced for the service. I only get the pattern printed, then read the instructions from my phone/laptop.

I think a skirt might be easier than the tunic dress (only two points to fit to instead of 3) and it would be a shame to spend time and money making something you think won’t suit you.

CLC PRINTS

Sewing Pattern Printing

https://clcprints.com/

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 05/08/2023 13:52

Do you have a top which fits well but is past its best? You could unpick it and use it as a pattern. You might need to add on a bit of extra seam allowance as you won’t be able to finish the edges with your machin. ( pinking shears will be your friend).

as to machines, I have a forty year old Bernina which I bought second or possibly third hand twenty years ago. It does zag zig, hemming and stretch stitch, variable width and length and a few fancy stitches. It works by electric but all the adjustments are mechanical. It is simple but very very efficient.

i must have sewed literally miles on it and it still going strong ( better than me, really). Sewing machine shops will sometimes have them for sale.

Original poster
TheProvincialLady · 05/08/2023 18:40

I have bought the Stevie dress (paper) pattern! When it arrives I will go fabric shopping (which is always the most fun but isn’t it). Something crisp and pretty I think.

I will come back to this thread to show you what I bought and no doubt to ask for more help. Usually my poor husband gets roped into helping me.

Thanks @Allthegoodnamesarechosen for sharing information about your sewing machine. That does sound like a good workhorse. Mine is the Singer 28k, which is a 3/4 size machine (a bit like me really…) and so solid and dependable. I bought her from EBay and took her apart for cleaning and service by following YouTube videos. She has never put a stitch wrong, couldn’t care less what stitch tension I set and would happily stitch me a pair of leather shoes if I tried. https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/28

Thank you so much everyone, I’m really grateful for your help. I was going to buy that unsuitable pattern and would have wasted time and effort. But I’m also going to buy some of that thread @Womblegreen and have a go at making something stretchy.

Singer 28, 28K, 128, and 128K Vibrating Shuttle Sewing Machines

Everything you need to know about Singer vibrating shuttle sewing machine models VS1, VS2, VS3, 28, 28K, 128, 128K

https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/28

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Original poster
TheProvincialLady · 09/08/2023 18:05

It has arrived!

The instructions suggest having dressmaker’s carbon and tracing wheel, neither of which I have. Any suggestions for a good online supplier?

Also - will tana lawn work? The pattern instructions say cotton lawn, ideally something a bit drapey, does but not specify tana lawn.

I quite like these - are they good choices? I’m going to use a worn out sheet as my first attempt and then make it up properly when I know what I’m doing.

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/ciara-tana-lawnâ„¢-cotton-000758297.html#pos=23

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/tapestry-tana-lawnâ„¢-cotton-R478326006.html

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/rachel-tana-lawnâ„¢-cotton-R461022006.html

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/shepherdly-song-tana-lawnâ„¢-cotton-R460942006.html

Probably not many people’s taste but then luckily this isn’t Style & Beauty (and I don’t care at all about fashion).

Thanks again for your help. I’m quite excited.

Will I be able to make this?
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AnnaMagnani · 09/08/2023 18:23

I would say Tana Lawn would work but will be more flowy than the picture.

My experience of dressmaker's carbon and a tracing wheel made me never want to do it again.

I am not totally seeing what you would need them for in this pattern, personally I would be seeing what it said I needed for and trying to do without.