9 intimidation and a little inspiration.

6.01.2010

I don't know what it is about making clothes that intimidates me so much, but I am terrified of trying to make something that fits me.  Lately I've been thinking that I should try making some clothes for myself.  I really want to make a dress.  I have quite a few weddings to attend this summer and I think it would be fun to make a dress or two to wear to them.  I am completely clueless when it comes to sewing clothes so this should be interesting.  I'm undecided as to whether or not I use a pattern, but if I don't, I think I might be able to handle something like this dress from Anthropologie, maybe in chiffon rather than gauze to make it a little dressier.
I like the fact that it's shirred in the back which means a little wiggle room for me when it comes to fitting.  I would be really sad to spend time making a dress that didn't fit!
Any tips on sewing clothing and/or dresses?  Have you seen any cute ones lately that I should use for inspiration or know of a pattern that you think I should use?  Do tell.

9 comments:

  1. Hi! I love your blog - especially your tutorial for the market tote :) Check out the Sew Mama Sew blog, they are having a month of tips, etc. for sewing clothes. Good luck!

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  2. I haven't sewed many clothing items before, but I would recommend starting really simple to get some momentum going! There are some really cute patterns for really simple dresses out there that you could dress up with fabric flowers and other 'decorations' to start with...hmm...now I want to make a dress!

    The first clothing item I ever made was a pair of pajama pants- super simple, best pattern EVER (only one piece!!) and everyone loves pajamas!

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  3. I'm with you Holly, clothes intimidate me. Have you checked out Presser Foot lately? She just finished an Anthropologie inspired dress and cardigan. Or there's http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/, do a search for Frock by Friday. I really like the ones she's chosen and they don't look like they would be super hard.

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  4. Hey Holly! I just finished sewing my first dress. It's an Audrey Hepburn style little black shift dress.

    The pattern I used was New Look. Mainly because it was so cheap! Only $3.95. I would recommend getting some cheap fabric for your first dress... because it becomes discouraging if you are using fabric you love and you flub it up. I just went with a trouser black cotton because I figured you can't go wrong with it. Turns out, I love my dress now.

    Try not to go for anything with elastic or zippers the first time around, it gets irritating, especially if you are really in love with your fabric.

    Let me know how it turns out!

    Amber

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  5. love that dress... I am intimidated by clothes too. This summer I swore I would give them another go.

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  6. I rarely sew clothing, any more, but I use to. I made my wedding gown and all my daughters prom dresses, plus tons of other things. I'd strongly advise a pattern. Good luck, I like the dress you highlighted.

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  7. I just sewed my first shirt this weekend and holy moly was it difficult! But it was the first real pattern I had ever followed and I think that had something to do with it. I am excited to try another shirt or dress soon. I actually was just at Borders and saw an entire Built By Wendy dress book with patterns! It had a ton of tips in it.

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  8. I'm with you! I can sew pj pants galore, but a dress just scares me. I'm going to be grabbing some patterns this weekend though and just trying it anyhow... life is too short to be afraid of something so silly.

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  9. try with "a frock by friday"
    ;)

    http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/04/frock-by-friday-monday.html

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