So can any old fool with a sewing machine make clothes?

[littlelamb]

I really fancy making dd some clothes, and trying my hand at somehting for ds to fit over his massive nappies! I have a sewing machine but tbh it hasn't been used since I was at school, and it was never used to follow a pattern. Where do I start? And am I setting myself up for a massive failure ?!

I don't make any now but years ago (before ds) I had a go at making my own skirts n shorts - I had done some at school but nothing for years. It was difficult at first but once I got into it I enjoyed it. I chose a simple pattern so would suggest not going for anything too detailed until you get used to it and don't worry if you make mistakes - the kids can always just have them for playing in.
Go to a good sewing/material shop and you will get quite a bit of help (I did anyway)

Good luck

Ooo great- I am going to our brillaint fabric shop this afternoon. I am going to be brave and just ask all my questions, alst time I was there the woman seemed nice. Do I just get a pattern and use it as a template? I got a vintage one from a charity shop yesterday that is just a simple dress, a bit like this one so no fiddly sleeves. I want to go and pick some nice needlecord to make it, and I know dd will insist that it be pink

When I did my skirts/shorts I used white chalk or dressmakers chalk to outline the pattern on the size I needed rather than cutting completely down to size and then rub from other side (bit like tracing and rubbing). For straight lines though you can fold and pin to the size you need now (at least you have the growing room then). You can re-use patterns as many times as you want and if uncut to specific size have the growth room.

I went in and they were lovely I ended up giving a demonstration of my wrap sling to the ladies in there SHe measured it and is going to try and make her own (perks of owning a fabric shop I suppose ) I got some gorgeous green needlecord and I am going to try and get started tonight. The dress has a zip thankfully and no buttonholes which is what I was worried about. Will report back when I have (hopefully) made it!

Hope it goes OK for you and you get the dress made - I found press studs and hook/eye fasteners were fab when I made my bits (I can't do button holes either)

Look forward to hearing how you went on.

I make clothes for my DS' (sometimes) and I hadn't sewn anything really since school until a couple of years ago. I have a really easy pattern for pj trousers that I have used to fit over big nappies - no buttons or zips, just elastic! I found it was a good starter project.

I also have a pattern for a fleece hoody (with button holes) that I have used a few times now as fairly straight forward. I'll let you know the pattern no's etc if you are interested

Interesting boys patterns are difficult to find, so let me know if you find something good whilst searching

I've added a couple of photo's of DS1 wearing the jackets I made for him, but you can't really see the applique bits I did.

Why don't you look for an evening class, I did one many years ago and I learnt a lot. I did used to make things before but it did help with finishing.
I made my dd's christening dress, but my sewing machine then died. I have just got a new one and it has come in handy for dressing up days at school.