Hi, Ive never posted in this topic before but I tried it in style and beauty and people thought I would get more replies from you helpful lot here :o)

[TrinityRhino]

Was wanting to know about making my own clothes
I;ve never done it before but I have a sewing machine
an 8year old with ALOT of ideas
and enthusiasm

I have made a pair of curtains before
not lined but with a weighted hem and a square pattern that had to match...and they looked good

but clothes to me seem a while lot harder

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original thread

Am lurking with interest.

just you me and dior then katch

I think dior is stalking me

Clothes are harder because you have to create a 3D shape to fit into, so there's usually some darting, or odd shapes to fit together. But you do get the hand of it.

One of the most satisfying and easy things I make is pajama trousers - they're straightforward, don't have to be an exact fit, elasticated waist is very easy, and it's fun choosing fabric for your pjs. This is something you and 8yo could do together (a pair each) as a first project. Look for a pj pattern or simple wideleg drawstring trouser pattern for you both, and follow the instructions (and any fabric shop assistant should be able to chat to you about what fabric will work best how much you need etc. - I would use a brushed 100% cotton for winter pjs).

Next step, daytime drawstring trousers, simple skirts, funky bags, simple A-line dresses... onwards and upwards. It is also great fun making your own cuddly toys out of socks and so on. Have a look for a kids' sewing book too.

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hang of it aarrrgh

I want a stalker, its cool

snowleopard
some fab ideas there, never thought of jammies to start off with, great idea

where would I get sewing patterns from and do you know any good starter bboks?

Can I just say, my crafty friend (who used to make ballgowns for a living), always makes a toile first from an old sheet. She also has an adjustable mannequin, which makes the 3D aspect a bit easier.

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You can get patterns from a sewing shop or a department like in John Lewis. You look through big books (kind of like in Argos) and tell them which pattern you want. Ask them for help!

I have some lovely child-friendly sewing books but all old ones from the 70s, out of print now. Best to have a browse on Amazon and in bookshops - also John Lewis has craft books. There is a fun book by Eithne Farry, for adults but very easy, called Yeah! I Made it Myself - look out for that.

I have some patterns from the Simplicity site. I have used the patterns for dummies and also the It's so easy patterns. They are good for beginners.

I started making clothes when the children were small. I liked the McCall patterns which had lots of options, ie jacket, shirt long and short trousers and a hat. You can get them for adults too. A skirt is as easy as pyama trousers. Steer away from shirts and blouses until you have a bit more experience.
Is there a college nearby where you can take some lessons?
Well done on doing the curtains, that's something I've never even attempted

How about these Fabrics might not be your thing but seem to be easy patterns to follow. Have ordered stuff of them before and always very helpful too.

Sewing is the new knitting, dontcha know....

There's a new magazine called Sew Hip. Might be worth a look. You can order it online.

some of the pattern books have nice simple easy sew patterns. they are probably going to be a looser fit type. try your library for sewing books they usually have something. even books from the 70's will do as the basics mostly don't change.

i buy burda magazine every month and have done for about 20 years but i also like to get sew today or one of the other sewing magazines as they ften have tutorials in them about different things.

also good for patterns is to unpick old clothes you like. this way you get to see how they are constructed.

try to cource cheap fabric as then you can have a go and not be overly worried about the outcome as it has not cost a fortune.

have you thought about asking people if they sew? and could they help you?

are their any tutorials on youtube?

I went and bought sew hip
looks good
thanks for the tip katch
thanks everyone for your advice
I'm getting quite excited about it

oooh youtube, hadn't thought of that
thanks moo

good luck! i second the pyjamma trouser tip. i have made many a wide legged linen trew with zero dressmaking skills. wee dresses for dd are also easy. prepubescents are easier due to lack of curves.

for some reason i have never managed to make a nice skirt.

what is sew hip like?

about 90 pages and has about 4 or 5 paterns in with the level of difficulty marked

a couple of them you would have to photocopy at 200% to get it too sclae (thats what it saYS IN IT) oops capsd lock

there is a pattern for a quitled cover, tiny pussycat toy (for using leftovers), peasent vblouse and bloomers for toddler and I cant remember the others

looks good
also has a coupld of pages of sewing terms explained, just what I need
I now lnow what a fat quarter is

just looked at sewhip on line. i see they advocate the making of bunting!

I have ordered sew hip too - looks fab.

Goat are you the edinburgh goat?

is there another goat!

yes i am the edinburgh goat

Not that I've seen but you know how it is. Random animals everywhere and I wasn't sure.

I am thinking about the xmas meet-up but I'm soooo nervous. (I have only met pruners in rl, and not sure if she'll be up for it at the mo.) Can you encourage me? (or otherwise!) I could talk to you about sewing you see.

Sorry for this hijack crafty rhino...

i have never been either sl. you could bring your copy of sew hip and we could sit in the corner with our reading glasses on.

lol at you two

I hoping to become a crafty rhino
justr dipping my toes in at the mo
but feel inordinately excited at the prospect of making clothing