Does anyone make their own clothes?

[mippy]

I've been looking at dress patterns as I'd like to get a sewing machine in the future - any recommendations? And was anyone else surprised that, going off the packet measurements, they're suddenly two sizes bigger?

It's really worth doing a dress-making evening class.

My friend did one after acquiring a sewing machine from her gran and now she makes lots of stuff for her and ds and it all looks great. And this book is a good starter. Good luck!!

I can make clothes for myself, but prefer to make them for DD (4) as they work out cheaper and are quicker projects.

Would definitely recommend a dress making course at college

Used to (in my early 20s). Made lots and lots of elaborate, couture inspired dresses. No time any more. I loved a Husqvarna sewing machine. Superpractical and lasts for decades. Ended up buying a Janome, don't like it as much. And my mother's 1980 Singer was just crap - too weak for denim for example.

Go for a course. I also liked Simplicity and Butterick and Vogue patterns, plus Burda Moden magazine (it came with attached pattern sheets).