Clothes Making - Wedding Forum

Bianca · #1 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 10:07 AM

Has anyone ever tried to make their own clothes? I would so love to be able to do this, the thought of being able to whip up an evening dress yourself and knowing it looks amazing would be so satisfying.

However, am not sure I'd be able to do it. I don't have the equipment necessary either and good sewing machines etc are expensive.

Do any of you talented people make your own clothes?

Dawnie · #2 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 10:50 AM

I am the most cack handed person alive when it comes to needles and thread.

I wish I could make clothes but the honest answer is I couldn't do it in a month of Sundays - I only wish I could.

Gail · #3 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 10:54 AM

i can make clothes...although i never seem to have the time these days ..........i used to make a lot of little clothes for my twins when they were little .
However i am going to make time to make the bridesmaids dresses i want as i cannot find yellow bridesmaid dresses i like. I have bought the patterns for them and it doesn't look like it will take long to make them......so i am going to make a start in January and see how it goes.

Gail

Beth · #4 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 10:58 AM

I'd love to be able to make my own clothes!

so far all I've managed to make is cushions and you can't wear those!

I used to help my Mum make night dress cases shaped like dolls, but you can't wear those either

mistleuk · #5 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 11:00 AM

i never have but i'd love to give it ago, i rember some of favourite summer dresses when i was little were what my mum had made me

helen_adele · #6 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 11:09 AM

Yep i used to make quite a lot and once you have mastered a sewing machine its quite easy as the patterns have instructions about what to do and there are loads of books on the subject - try your local library

as for a sewing machinemine was a presant bought from argos it doesn't need to be a complex on as ling as it does streight and zigzag stiched and buttonholes you probably won't need anything else

a good source of cheap paterns is Prima and essentials magazines which is where i started

have a go its very satisfying

ooh and a sewing machine is a useful thing to have for makeing curtains i've saved a fourtune doing my own

h.

Beth · #7 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 11:17 AM

I've spent all this Summer watching UK Style and House Invaders!! and would love to have a go at making my own curtains and stuff.

I said on another thread that I have this lurking feeling deep down that I'm a sewer at heart and can feel a machine buying expedition coming on

AngelaW · #8 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 11:19 AM

I tried when I was in my teens and failed dismally - I just couldn't sew a perfectly straight seam. Thank god it was only cheap fabric!!

Bianca · #9 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 11:51 AM

Maybe this can be my next project

#10 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 02:48 PM

When me and my best friend were little my mum used to make us clothes all the time and you really couldnt tell the difference - infact, some of mums were better as they were original and we always got comments about them. Unfortunately,i dont think it has rubbed off on me but maybe one day ill give it a go seriously!!

Lo · #11 (**permalink**) 20-08-2002, 05:55 PM

My mum used to make my sumer dresses when I was little too! I loved them, cos they had little ties instead of straps! Yes, I was a girly girl! She almost made all of her maternity clothes!! Clever lady

She's recently given my SIL her sewing machine, and I was gutted when i found out, coz, like Beth, i spend every weekend watchng House Invaders and Real Rooms

Lo xx

Nicola B · #12 (**permalink**) 21-08-2002, 04:52 AM

I got all inspired to make clothes after watching my Mum making my wedding dress. I have made the odd thing before, but I hardly ever wore them because I felt that they looked as though I had made them, and not very well!

However, I agree with Helen with keeping an eye on Prima. Mum used to have a cupboard full of their patterns years ago, which she has since thrown away. But they now have a phoneline to request their pattern, so you don't even have to buy the magazine. I just go into WHSmith and have a look at the pictures of what the pattern is for, and then go home and ring the freephone number. I made the peasant stylie skirt and blouse from last month's issue, and am reasonably pleased with them both. I started with cheap fabric just in case it went horribly wrong.

Also, for people who don't have a machine, it is probably worth asking around, as you may have a friend or relative who would be willing to lend or even give you theirs if they don't use it. Mine is very old and came from my SIL, who got it from her Mum, who got it from a friend. It weighs a tonne, and is an effort to carry down the stairs, but I thought that it would do until I saw how much I used it and so possibly invested in a more modern one.

Nicola

roz · #13 (**permalink**) 21-08-2002, 05:47 AM

my sisters both got sewing machines as their graduation presents from my parents. I thought this was really dull and got a camera instead!!

Now we're beginning to think about moving a machine to make curtains and cushions would be great as I can just about manage straight lines!!

Jules · #14 (**permalink**) 23-08-2002, 09:56 AM

Hi

I have made my bridesmaids and flower girl dresses for the wedding (and I am damn proud of them) - but before this the only item of clothing I had made was a bat-wing top (this shows how old I am because tbelive it or not these were fashionable at one time) in a sewing club at school

We bought my sewing machine when we moved into our new house (3 years ago) it cost £100 - and the main reason we bought it was because this house has sooo many windows and curtains cost a fortune - so I made all my own. Only trouble is everyone else has cottoned onto the fact that I can sew and I have ended up altering clothes, making napkins etc etc.

But I think buying a sewing machine is well worth it.

I am going to continue making clothes as I know how well they turn out all I need now is a dressmakers dummy - does anyone know anyone wanting to get rid of one?

Nicola B · #15 (**permalink**) 23-08-2002, 10:10 AM

Jules,
My Mum bought a dressmakers dummy in order to make my wedding dress and bridesmaid's dress and got it in Watson and Thornton in Mardol. It was £95 though I think which was scarily expensive, but she was very pleased with it. I love that shop!

Nicola