is this an easy pattern and if not where can i get one

[needsmoresleep]

Can anyone help me - i've been given a sewing machine but haven't used one for years.

I thought i could find something simple to sew for the children (4 and 2) on the internet ad found this houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/index.html

When i took the printout of the basic skirt pattern to the fabric shop they didn't think it would work and said i had to buy a 'proper' pattern. But the only advice they gave me was to avoid zips..

Alternatively can anyone recommend any websites where you can browse/buy normal patterns as my children quickly ran out of patience in the shop. thanks.

You need to buy proper patters, I agree. Not sure of any websites where you can browse them, but I'm sure they're out there.

Zips aren't actually that hard, it's all about following the pattern and instructions exactly isn't it?

What where you thinking of making? MAybe start with easy things like cushion covers/aprons etc to get back into the hang of sewing?

I love that skirt though!!!!!

It doesn't look like it's too complicated, I'd go for it if I where you!

i was thinking of a skirt or a dress for my daughter. some of her existing clothes don't look that complicated but perhaps that's ignorance on my part? she has got one skirt that looks more or less like a square with elastic at the top. it's lovely fabric so looks great. surely that can't be to tricky?

I don't think you necessarily need a proper pattern - part of the fun of sewing is just starting and seeing where it takes you! That looks like a fairly simple pattern so why not give it a go? 'Proper' patterns can be hard to follow if you're not used to them anyway.

I would just find some nice cheap fabric and give it a whirl!

That skirt would be quite straightforward - if you bought a basic skirt pattern, it wouldn't be much different to that.

I am not an expert sewer by any means, but with some MN encouragement I'm making progress. I began with this pattern which you could buy online. The skirt is basically the same as the one you showed, with a ruffle at the bottom instead of the contrasting strip (slightly more complicated to put a ruffle on but not much) and the waistband isn't made from a separate fabric, but otherwise pretty much the same. I'm about to brave the blouse, but that involves buttonholes, which I haven't yet tried. I've also made a couple of pairs of trousers from the pattern, and have made a couple of sundresses from a Simplicity pattern which I can't see on that site.

I can see a pattern isn't necessary for some things, and the advantage of the skirt you linked to is that you can get used to seam allowances, your machine etc without worrying about all the technical pattern stuff, so starting with that would be a good idea. But I do think patterns are useful if you want to make anything even vaguely complicated, and starting with a simple one is a good way to get over teh fear factor. I bought a copy of Sewing For Dummies and referred to it constantly when I was sewing my first skirt - it was very useful.

Top sewing rules (my rules, anyway) - read all the instructions before you start, and if you make a mistake, don't worry - just unpick it and try again. I've been really surprised at how un-home-made everything I've produced looks, and until a couple of months ago I'd only had a couple of encounters with a sewing machine.

thanks for the advice. having wasted several hours now searching the internet for patterns i think i'm going to go with the original skirt, or one of these ones grandrevivaldesign.typepad.com/photos/ruffled_skirts_tutorial/index.html
and perhaps even some shorts for my son...
blueyonder.typepad.com/photos/bandana_pants/index.html

maybe proper patterns once i've tried out something with step by step pictures on cheap fabric?

that skirt does not look to dificult at all. I think you should give it a try.

the pants look very easy and the instructions with photos are not to bad.

if you can get your hands on cheap 100% cotton fabric you should certainly have a go and when you feel confident you can move up to some nice liberty prints

I just had a good look at the skirt on the link you put in your op.
I have been sewing all my life and to me it looks very easy, I don't just mean that from a smug 'I'm so good at it that would be a piece of cake for me' type point of view... I'm speaking as someone whose done everything from very very basic to super complicated tailoring.

That skirt is very very basic. you don't need a proper pattern for a skirt like that as its got no shaping at all, its made from rectangular pieces and the measurements for all the rectangles are given in the instructions. The pictures are very clear, and every single step has a clear picture.

If you have had no experience at all of sewing then you may want someone to hold your hand at the first attempt but if you are a practical sort then I'm sure you will be ok.

It doesn't even need a zip as the only shaping is an elasticated waist!

Make sure you buy some fabric that hangs softly though or that gathering at the elastic will make it stick out like a shop awning!

Try it with cheap fabric first, I bet you will be really happy and proud with the result.

Oh and of course a shop will tell you to BUY proper pattern - from them!

Oh, the twirly skirt! It's quite easy. I made one for a pressie so don't have a pic but it really isn't that hard.
I make a lot of clothes from online tutorials, the (few) times I have made clothes with a pattern it has taken ages and they never look quite right!