Anybody dream of buying a sewing machine and making their own clothes?

[laGrosellaEspinosa]

How delusional am I?

I don't want to make everything but just the odd thing. A jumpsuit or a dress. I see a very clear vision of an item of clothing in my head sometimes and I think it's beautiful and I both want it and I want to create it.

Anybody have a sewing machine? Can they recommend a good solid reliable one that threads the needle (essential). Is it useful for making alterations even if you're not Stella McCartney (I reckon my designes would be better than her :-p )

I sell sewing patterns and haberdashery for a living, so this thread is heaven for me!
I see someone has already mentioned the Curvy Sewing Collective blog. They have fab tutorials for things like pattern adjustment (I always need a narrow shoulder adjustment) and pattern reviews etc.
It might be best to get a basic sewing machine (my son has a Brother LS14 which is perfect for him) and a separate needle threading widget.
I sew a lot of stretch fabrics and used to have an overlocker but it died recently (of overwork and old age). Until I find a replacement, I'm using double needles on my Silver Viscount 2003 sewing machine and it works really well- very neat, stretchy and looks far harder than it actually is.
Can I just say one thing- don't start with a jumpsuit! For some reason, loads of people do and then they get disappointed and discouraged and give up. Start simple and work your way up. The McCall's Learn To Sew For Fun patterns are good and every major pattern brand has a range for beginners.
The first thing I made outside of school was a gathered skirt with a zip and wide waistband which I drew the pattern for myself. I've got the weekend orders to pack right now or I'd tell you how, but a quick search will tell you, it's really easy.

We are going home from holiday today and I've got SO much lined up for sewing over the next few weeks!

Mostly I need to crack on with my sister's wedding quilt, some hen party gifts and a recreation of a Seasalt dress I saw a couple of weeks ago. I'm really looking forward to it!

"Recreation of seasalt dress" is sooo something that would come out of my mouth! And then I spend 20 hours on it and realise it was a bit of a false economy! BUT then I remind myself that it's a hobby and keeps me sharp (or sane or something.)

Does anyone have any source for good (soft, easy to work with) but cheap linen for a dress version of sobretto like this? Or maybe a chambray?

(Sorry, I know that stuff is everywhere I just find it really difficult to buy online without feeling it and my local haberdashery is great for odds and sods but not particulaly chic in their dress fabric choices. Though that said, part of hte problem is my lack of imagination/lack of knowledge when it comes to fabric and how it sews up,if you know what I mean.)

Maggies Fab Fabrics can be good for linens, silks and wools. I have been buying from her for a v long time, she is fab, sends quickly, cuts generously etc., v reliable and good value.

stores.ebay.co.uk/MAGGIES-FAB-FABRICS

Flightywoman you probably already know this, but Seasalt actually sell fabrics now.

Oh my I didn't know seasalt sold fabric - that's dangerous knowledge. Bye bye pay check!

glue stick on the a4 patterns = genius
tried it last night and its a game changer (helps that sobretto only hsa two pieces!)

Rolf I didn't know that! Oh my, I am going to have a major problem!

So, the Seasalt dress is the Stay Sail one www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses-and-tunics/organic-cotton-breton-striped-stay-sail-dress_breton_night_ecru.htm

I think it's really similar to the Fancy Tiger Fen dress - which I already have - and while that pattern is for wovens I reckon I can make it from a knit instead if I size down.

Jumping into this thread with both feet!!

Just started sewing properly - taking my time, adjusting the fit etc - and I made this.

It's the cocoon dress by Sew Simple.

Well, my first pattern has arrived. thought I'd start with something easy

Now to buy fabric. We have a local market with a fabric stall or, failing that, Boyes.

Also, will have to get DH and DS to eat on their knees as the table will be required by me for cutting out and sewing.

nameo great job & I love your fabric choice!

That is lovely nameo - agree great fabric, I can see that could work well for loads of things. Where was it from?

Cocoon dress is lush! Might well be inspired to give that a go.

It's from Sew Simple; it came free with a magazine but I'm not sure which one.

And the fabric?

And the fabric?

Oh sorry! I misunderstood. I can't remember its name but it's a cotton from Croft Mill.

Popgoestheweaz you can't convert the A4 into A0 but a lot of Indie designers give two versions, A4 and A0 or copyshop size. I've found the American copy shop size is not standard here so I've had to pay a bit extra for those patterns.

Instagram wise I like:
rocco.sienna
houseofpinheiro
ym.sews
whatkatiesews
rosabella.angelica
thesaraproject
Kneesocksandgoldilocks

To name a few

I also started listening to the love to sew podcast which recently started, it's a Canadian podcast.

I've just made a top pattern in Fabworks cotton shirting, it's beautiful quality fabric. The dress is Named Helmi tunic in liberty lawn.

My recreation of the Seasalt Stay Sail dress is rather successful!

Wearing it tomorrow...

How rude, this dropped of my "i'm on" list. Thought it been deleted! Eek

Anyway start my class tonight. Im excited

The inspiration

and my finished article...

That looks brilliant flighty.

I've been off visiting family so no sewing, just lots of buying magazines for patterns!

I'm currently working on a dress, mixing 2 patterns, fingers crossed it works, it's looking promising on the pinning.

That's really lovely Flighty. The neckline looks enviably even and the red is a really nice touch.

Thank you! Yes the neck is pretty flat - by some fluke I suspect! I've been wearing it today and I really don't want to take it off - normally by now I am out of clothes and into pyjamas!