I am starting to make my own garb for the first time..and have no clue where to start! Any help would be great...
I have a sewing machine and patterns...I am even confussed on material! Help!
??? What the heck happened to this site?
Okay so you want to sew, if you have any commerical patterns? Throw them out!
If you are new? I would suggest going for the patterns made specifically for people who want to do Faire and SCA.
Plus? They come with good advice about fabric information and lining and that sort of thing.
www.MargosPatterns.com
www.Reconstructinghistory.com
www.TudorTailor.com
All 3 of these sites have Yahoo Groups as well so that you can ask as many questions as you want as well as here!!
I hope these help!
Cilean
I don't know about throwing commercial patterns out. I've never used them myself (for garb, anyway), but some can be an easy place to start, and I've heard mention of a number of them on the forums. Granted, most can use some adjustments. Looking for more h/a patterns, and costuming sites is a good idea though.
Do you have a general idea of what you want to do? Class, region, and specifec era can effect design and fabrics used.
My number one suggestion, regardless, is get lots of muslin, or other cheap fabric. Anything on clearance. If its around or under a buck a yard, try it. Then practice. Alot. Do not try a new pattern in the material you want to use in the end. Mock ups and practice runs can help fix sizing issues, and get you used to working with the fabric. And if/when something goes wrong, you've not lost or ruined your material. Its an extra step, and can take extra time, but if you start off with linens, or brocades, or even silks an velvets for upper class garb, and have a problem, it can get rather expensive. Or be a real pain the the rear end if it means you have to find more material that matches.
Second suggestion, get a bigger closet. Garb making turns into a fabric habit that can be nearly unbeatable :).
There are some awesome sewers around here, and they are generally very willing to help out.
If you tell us which patterns you have purchased we can make fabric suggestions and let you know what adjustments you might want to make. And, yes, sewing garb is addicting! ;D
I use commercial patterns. Sometimes as many as four different ones at the same time.
For fabrics, try to stay with natural fabrics like cotton and linen for your first efforts. Cotton is easier to work with than 100% linen because 'generally' the weave is tighter.
Wash your fabrics before you cut, by hand if neccesary.
Have someone take all of your measurements before you cut any fabric. Compare these to the measurements on the pattern.
keep a supply of white backed wrapping paper on hand so that you can trace pattern pieces for re-sizing. This is especially true if you need to enlarge the pattern in any sopt.
Lining your bodice with cotton duck or even just cotton helps your garment hold its shape. It also improves durability. The forepart of my bodices can be as much as 4 layers thick. I try to limit the underarm area to 2 layers.
Think about you might be able to sew the trim on before you assemble anything.
Just a little bit to start with here....... :)
I'm also a beginner and I use commercial patterns. You can get them for peanuts when JoAnn has sales, and the skirt & chemise patterns are easy. Take your time and start off with simple projects. Keep a seam ripper close by, it will be your best friend! :)
I just started making garb last year. I use commercial patterns, but I alter them to suite my needs (like drafting out darts and princess seams). After following a pattern once or twice, I have learned how to mix and match pattern pieces from different outfits together.
As for the seam ripper, Athena is spot on with that one... ;)
I second Dona Catalina post in its entirety. I have not yet been brave enough to venture towards linen yet and I also add at least 1 layer of sturdy fabric as an inner lining for bodices.
This is where the dress diary thread would be handy.... stupid hackers...
Here is mine, if it helps... http://ladyselwyn.renspace.com (http://ladyselwyn.renspace.com)
my sister in law calls it 'picking out seams' and she also calls it the 'ZEN OF UNSEWING'. hahahaaa!
There is a wealth of dress diaries on line http://muse.redserenity.com/links.html (http://muse.redserenity.com/links.html) and wealth of good sewing advice here. People are really helpful for even the most basic questions. Good luck to you and remember to post some pictures along the way.
Cindy
Quote from: DonaCatalina on May 08, 2008, 06:48:22 AM
keep a supply of white backed wrapping paper on hand so that you can trace pattern pieces for re-sizing. This is especially true if you need to enlarge the pattern in any sopt.
I use brown wrapping paper, like the stuff for packages. You can get big rolls of the stuff, and it holds together pretty good. Wrapping paper that has the grid on the back can be real useful though.
This site I really like http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm (http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm) is great for instructions in simple sewing without patterns. I've made a skirt and a chemise. The skirt is great, and I plan on making more. The chemise didn't fit right, but now I know what corrections to make.
Quote from: DonaCatalina on May 08, 2008, 06:48:22 AM
Wash your fabrics before you cut, by hand if neccesary.
Dona, a question for you. I, too, will work on my first skirts on Monday night. A friend who sews is going to help me. When I wash the fabrics, will the cut sides unravel? Do I need to sew a straight line at their edges before I wash, or will the fraying be minimal? It's cotton fabric.
Thank you.
After looking at the marvelous things everybody has made for over 2 years, I'm finally going to try making something!
Renee
Lady Renee, it depends. I *always* zigzag linen before washing (but I run my linen through three or four times for shrinkage). A basic cotton broadcloth will fray a little, but it won't completely fall to nothing in the wash. I don't bother stitching the edges. If you're worried, do a test snip and see how much fraying there is. It's the fabrics that fray if they're *looked* at you want to worry about: satin, tapestry, linen, etc.
Thanks, gem, for the advice. I shall heed it! Hope my first attempt comes out decently. I want to wear the skirts to RenDezvous. :)
I use commercial patterns too. I also make changes to them and combine sleeves from one with a bodice from another, for example. They are a good place to start and when you feel comfortable with sewing, you can branch out to drafting your own patterns or buying the more complicated historical patterns. A chemise or blouse are quite easy to make, as they are not fitted and have a lot of room. Skirts can be a rectangle, with a waistband or casing at the top and hem at the bottom. Do you have anyone that can show you the basics of sewing to get you started? If not, there are instructions online. Reddawn is a good site, as mentioned before.
There's nothing wrong with using a commercial pattern. Just be aware that they are very variable as to historical accuracy, fit, and readability! you'll get used to them! Just be sure to buy to measurements, not what you are used to wearing in ready to wear clothing.
Start with something simple like a chemise. Ask if you get stuck! I see you have help, so be sure to keep pestering the help with every little question! Anything you need to know in addition, just ask.
Now I'm dead nosy about these things... What machine are you using? I love sewing machines... :D
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on May 08, 2008, 07:16:18 PM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on May 08, 2008, 06:48:22 AM
Wash your fabrics before you cut, by hand if neccesary.
Dona, a question for you. I, too, will work on my first skirts on Monday night. A friend who sews is going to help me. When I wash the fabrics, will the cut sides unravel? Do I need to sew a straight line at their edges before I wash, or will the fraying be minimal? It's cotton fabric.
Thank you.
After looking at the marvelous things everybody has made for over 2 years, I'm finally going to try making something!
Renee
The selvages will be ok, but anything that has been cut should be zigzaged to keep it from raveling.
If its less than 12 yards. I just sew the ends together before washing.
After washing I cut the seam open and have a fairly straight edge.
Breathe in, breathe out, repeat. Put on pretty music. Did you say you had a pattern? What does it suggest fabric wise? You can do this, you really can. Believe me, if I can learn to flat fell a seam, anything is possible.
I will further explain why I stated not to use Commerical Patterns and why I gave 3 different sites to help out.
#1. From what I gather the OP is a beginner, so I am using the premise that they are at that level in sewing as well. Having spent time researching, I now know how to futz with the Commerical Patterns to get the look I am trying. However, I never could have done that when I began. The 3 sites I gave have specifically been designed with new and older sewer's in mind who are looking for a 'period' look and not a stage look.
#2. Fabric choices- Margo's information that comes with her patterns give some really good advice, TudorTailor's Book is really a great choice to have to help you get the fabrics and the look you want/need, Kass McGann's site is also full of information and helpful hints.
#3. All 3 have Yahoo (and others I am sure) Groups, so that you can ask every single question you have always wanted or needed to ask, and they are really good at answering all of the questions. If the people who created the pattern is not there, then there are wonderful sewer's on the lists who have encountered something that possibly could help you. So there is a built in support system, something not found in the Commerical Patterns.
So this is why I said that throwing out the commerical patterns and getting really good patterns from these sites would help in the long run. I just wish when I began way back in the day that we had such to work with!!! How far my garbing would be if that had happened!!
So yep the Big 3 you can get cheaply, but then Caveat Emptor, the information on the patterns is not typically helpful for reenactors (unless you are doing the civil war things).
I still say, why waste the time and effort? Get a really good pattern and then you are starting out on a good foot!
Cilean
Because they are an easy place to start when you know nothing at all, they have some fun ideas for those who don't want 100% authenticity (and some GREAT ideas to build on for those going the fantasy route), and when on offer, they are cheap enough that you can buy two or three copies of a pattern, so it doesn't matter of you bollix it up first time round. :) :) :)
Margo's patterns are great for those who want authenticity without the bother of drafting for yourself, but are very expensive. Worth every penny (I do have some), but not a cheap option if you are just starting out and unsure of your liking for the craft. Ditto The Tudor Tailor patterns: expensive to buy, or a big drafting investment in time to scale up from the book. Not everyone enjoys that aspect of costuming, either.
Also, while I find drafting and fidgetting with patterns and fabric a great solace in times of stress, others find the whole thing very stressful and want to start with something pre-tested, so don't want to start with that aspect. Again, some people don't know how to go about the research: and we were all at that point somewhen! ;D
Basic sewing skills, some fabric off the sale tables, and a cheap sale offer pattern are sometimes a really great place to start. You can gain expertise and confidence, and come out with a relatively fast and very wearable first project. I've often found when teaching that success like this early on is the trigger that leads on to stuff like the Margo patterns, drafting for yourself, and other more complex, or just more scary (for some!) aspects of costuming.
There is nothing wrong with jumping in at the deep end and starting your historic costume adventures at a much higher level, if you already have good sewing skills, but a person new to sewing AND costuming might like to start at a simpler level that is easier to service, in terms of patterns, fabric, trims, and all the rest of the stuff needed for whatever branch of costuming appeals to them most.
Books!!!
Don't forget the books!
Books are helpful for learning basic sewing skills and as a reminder reference for more advanced sewers. Here are a couple I have in my collection:
The Complete Book of Sewing - DK Publishing
Complete Guide to Sewing - Reader's Digest
Books specific to making garb:
The Tudor Tailor by by Ninya Mikhaila and Jane Malcolm-Davies
I also find the manuals that go with Margo's Patterns to be extremely helpful. The manuals are about the same size as the The Tudor Tailor book, but there is the extra bonus of the patterns.
The easiest place to start is with the information on the Elizabethan Costuming Page.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/ (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/)
For making corsets or bodices, which are the most difficult part of garb because they must be properly fitted to look right and be comfortable, the Corset Pattern Generator found on the Elizabethan Costuming Page is enormously helpful.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/index.html (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/index.html)
Once you have created a custom pattern with the corset pattern generator, you can use the instructions located on the same website to make a corset
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/corsets/howsew.html (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/corsets/howsew.html)
or modify the pattern to make a bodice
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/kirtlepat/ (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/kirtlepat/)
or modify the pattern a little more to make a kirtle or petticoat bodies.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/makekirtle.html (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/makekirtle.html)
I use the pattern created by the Corset Pattern Generator to size corset and bodice patterns. The method I use works for any pattern, whether one of the big 3 or one of the more historically accurate patterns.
The technique.
http://www.karen.htmlcreators.com/tebodiceworkshop.html (http://www.karen.htmlcreators.com/tebodiceworkshop.html)
The bodice that inspired the technique.
http://www.karen.htmlcreators.com/renbodice.html (http://www.karen.htmlcreators.com/renbodice.html)
And before that, there were corsets.
http://www.karen.htmlcreators.com/perfectcorset.html (http://www.karen.htmlcreators.com/perfectcorset.html)
I am making an Effigy corset this weekend using The Tudor Tailor pattern and sizing it via the above referenced technique. I will taking pictures of the process and will provide a link to the webpage when finished.
I am a beginner myself, and I would definitely say it's a lot easier not to use commercial patterns. I startd with my chemise, and making that basically out of rectangles from a pattern I found on a site (I think it was reddawn) was a lot easier than using any pattern in my home ec class. Plus, since you basically make your own pattern using your own measurements, it's pretty much guaranteed to fit. However, that's just my 2 pence.
QuoteThere is nothing wrong with jumping in at the deep end and starting your historic costume adventures at a much higher level, if you already have good sewing skills, but a person new to sewing AND costuming might like to start at a simpler level that is easier to service, in terms of patterns, fabric, trims, and all the rest of the stuff needed for whatever branch of costuming appeals to them most.
Not to mention much cheaper! Which is a huge consideration when you're new to a hobby. $30 for a pattern is a pretty big investment, particularly on top of fabric and notions (and she may be starting with the basics--she may have to buy pins and scissors!). I don't think most new seamstresses or tailors are probably ready for the emotional committment of a $30 pattern, an expensive book, or a pattern they have to draft themselves.
Likewise, I've been sewing for a while now, and still find online instructions and scale-up-yourself diagrams in books to be the hardest option (among the following: commercial or pro pattern, drafting & draping, or using a diagram).
Since we don't know the OP or her sewing level or what her innate skills are, it's impossible for us to know what she is going to find most workable. So that's why we're lead to recommending the resources she's going to find most easily *available.* There's no sense making this journey more difficult by saying, "No--you can't use what you bought at JoAnn--it's wrong!" I know one costumer on this board who's been making drool-worthy costumes for a bit now (she'll have a big announcement in the coming weeks)... and she told me she's *still* intimidated by books like TUDOR TAILOR! ;)
Everybody's skills are different; what everyone brings to the forum is different. As Kate said, there's nothing wrong with pointing out the resources the diehard H/A among us rely on... but we don't want to tell people that's the *only* way they can participate in this hobby.
Besides, the OP didn't say what she was interested in making. Maybe she wants a fairy costume or a pirate outfit to wear to her local fair.... :D
size=11pt]
I have had the worst time sizing up from a books!! There is a class I am going to take hopefully over the summer which I hope will help me out on that subect. I have had some success with fabric draping which seems to be easier for me. I thank the Sewing Gods for the Internet, because it gives me a chance to deal with so many people all over the world. I tend to work more for H/A than anything else, I believe in using machines to achieve the look I want. I have been working on 1 gown for the past year, more on just beading and pearling, I just want it to be done so I can wear the bloody thing!
Cilean
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Speaking for myself, as someone who just started to sew
anything last spring, I would not have known where to start with books and drafting, nor did I have much money for something I was that new to trying to buy expensive patterns (however woeth their cost). I didn't know enough to realize JoAnn's put commercial patterns on sale for $1.99 EVER or sent 40% coupons to you home like candy! That being said, I bought a commercial skirt pattern at Walmart, some cotton broadcloth, and "splurged" on a home dec fabric for the front section of the skirt. Basically, without knowing, I had made an underskirt with a pretty built-in forepart... But the point is, I was able to do it all by myself (this was before I had found R/F), it was fun and exciting, and I was able to build my skills from there. Now I have a hankering to try my hand at this pattern drafting hoopla and have ordered myself a copy of the Tudor Tailor for myself. Had I been given that book at the begining, I can say for myself- I likely would have not bothered with any of it.
My point with that long winded tale, is that each beginer is different, not just in sewing skill, but in patience, dedication to new endevors, and creative ability. Your personal level on each of these continueums determins which route will work best for you. Those of us who want to be able to make a wearable finished product with minimum of hassel and expense find a good start in commercial patterns and from there can go where our hearts (and budgets) lead us.
*steps of soap box*
The original question was:
QuoteI am starting to make my own garb for the first time..and have no clue where to start! Any help would be great...
I have a sewing machine and patterns...I am even confussed on material! Help!
Dracconia, what pattern do you have and how accurate are you looking for? I think you may get more datailed direction if we know more about what you are trying to make.
{moderator} YEAH! now there is a fantasic question! {/moderator}
I never used patterns, even when I started this madness three years ago.
Reddawn's site is where I got my start too.
Then I learned the value of a well drafted sloper.
I read dress diaries, ask help from sewing forums, subscribe to Threads magazine and even send emails to select few for help when needed. This approach has always worked for me. (knockonheadknockonwood)
Though I have to admit I do have a small collection of fantasy garb patterns just waiting for me to break them open.
The theme I see right now is patterns...
Please remember that not everyone can figure out patterns from directions in a book. I bet many of you started to learn the basics of sewing from patterns. Some are terribly gifted in the engineering department. Most of us are not.
My suggestion is to do what you feel comfortable with and what you can get assistance with on a local basis.
{05/18/2008} due to people being technical... many of you starting leanring to sew by using patterns. Not all of us got that "gem" of a teacher who taught you to sew with out a pattern.
QuoteOriginally posted by Fairmare:
I bet many of you started to learn the basics of sewing from patterns.
Not really. I learned the basics from my Home Economics teacher.
To learn sewing techniques from a pattern assumes one knows how to read and/or interpret a pattern. Some do not. Knowing where and how to take measurements and choosing the correct pattern size is a challenge for many. The back of the pattern envelope is just so much gibberish unless one knows some sewing terminology and how to find the information needed.
Sewing books and/or classes can help in that regard.
Sewing books need not be expensive. That's what libraries are for. If the local library does not have the book, try ILL.
If there is a Joann ETC nearby, the store will offer basic sewing classes. Plus there is the opportunity to try out some of the newest models of sewing machines. ;)
Other options for classes are Adult Education classes offered by a community college, County Extension Office, etc.
Wow - you've received some great advice here! :) Since it sounds like you want to start with commercial patterns, I thought I'd throw in my .02 about which ones are good to start with. :)
Personally, for historical costume, I prefer Simplicity over McCall's or Butterick. Simplicity seems to have the best designers for historical accuracy, and has a nice range of simple styles to more complex stuff for you to grow into.
When working with historical patterns (or any pattern!), it's always best to do a mockup (sometimes referred to as a "muslin") before cutting into your good fabric. Different patterns will lie on the body differently, and commercial patterns have a huge amount of ease that you need to take into consideration when fitting historical bodices.
http://simplicity.com/assets/3623/3623t.jpg (http://simplicity.com/assets/3623/3623t.jpg) - Simplicity 3623 - their basic 'Celtic Ensemble'. This is a great basic pattern that gives you a chemise, skirt, bodice and overdress. When making this pattern, I'd be sure to make the skirt to wear under the overdress (they show just the chemise and dress) - or else it'll look like you're running around in your undies! :)
http://simplicity.com/assets/3782/3782.jpg (http://simplicity.com/assets/3782/3782.jpg) - Simplicity 3782 - This is their current Elizabethan pattern, and it's the best one out there in the big 3. The red dress with the doublet bodice is pretty much spot-on.
Those are my two favorites out of the current Simplicity catalog. :)
As others have said - when choosing fabrics, try to stick with natural fabrics as much as possible (like linen, wool, cotton, etc). They are much more comfortable than man-made fabrics like polyester. Poly will trap the heat next to your body, which will make you miserable in the summer heat!
Google "dress diary" and you'll come up with a TON of websites dedicated specifically to recreating historical costume. I've learned a lot just by reading those diaries - there are a million tips, tricks, and techniques out there to help you out.
If you're just starting out, I would second the suggestion to look into a basic sewing class through your local fabric store or community college. You can definitely teach yourself, but most folks have an easier time of it if you have someone show you the very basic basics first. :)
Good luck!
Good luck!
{moderator} WOW... this was an excellent Response! I am printing it for our costuming meeting next week. Thanks. {/moderator}
Quote from: silverstah on May 18, 2008, 10:58:04 AM
http://simplicity.com/assets/3623/3623t.jpg (http://simplicity.com/assets/3623/3623t.jpg) - Simplicity 3623 - their basic 'Celtic Ensemble'. This is a great basic pattern that gives you a chemise, skirt, bodice and overdress. When making this pattern, I'd be sure to make the skirt to wear under the overdress (they show just the chemise and dress) - or else it'll look like you're running around in your undies! :)
http://simplicity.com/assets/3782/3782.jpg (http://simplicity.com/assets/3782/3782.jpg) - Simplicity 3782 - This is their current Elizabethan pattern, and it's the best one out there in the big 3. The red dress with the doublet bodice is pretty much spot-on.
I too prefer Simplicity over the other two companies, but that's not saying that I don't have patterns from the other two. The two above mentioned patterns I have. I've made the first one (the dress on the right) as my very first garb and am making the second one (also the dress on the right) as we speak. I can say I got confused on how to put on trim for the shirt on the first pattern and I messaged simplicity for clarification. Sure enough I did get a response a day or so later, it felt condescending in tone but it had the info I was needing. I suggest reading through the instructions before you cut anything.
I'm also a beginner garb maker but I like the challenge of making whatever it is my heart desires regardless of sewing level.
Good luck and most of all have fun :)
I've been sewing for 37 years. I've been making garb for fair for 8. I've had many request for portraits wearing my garb constructed out of bargain fabrics and patterns from the big 3. I feel as "authentic" in my polyester garment as I suspect others do their H/A costumes. It was my understanding that all of this is supposed to be fun. I do want to do a more h/a garment, time, talent, and funds permitting. I just would hate for someone new to all of this to feel discouraged that they are doing it wrong. I agree with our moderator please ask questions. One of them probably should be the price that they are looking to invest. A 99 cent pattern and $1 a yard fabric can make a person feel like a queen. Creating something yourself is one of the greatest rewards around, and sewing is rapidly becoming a lost art.
{moderator} thank you.... you put it so wonderfully well. {/moderator}
Fun garb pattern from JoAnn's, on sale .99
6 yards of bargain table fabric from Wal-Mart $5.99
Hours and hours of sewing, ripping, and sewing again $100 (Hey, your time is worth more!)
Showing up at fest with an outfit you made yourself PRICELESS
For everything else at Faire, they take Lord Master Card or Lady Visa. ;)
The whole point that people are making is take things at your own pace. Start with McCalls, or Margos, whichever works for you. Buy cotton/poly blend for $3.99 because you love the color or go for the $36 a yard pure silk to be H/A. Take a class or get books from the library and dive in on your own.
You will get help from the wonderful people in this forum no matter which route you take. The key is not to be afraid (something I constantly struggle with!). I get so caught up in "what if I do it wrong?", that I forget how much fun it is to be wearing it in the first place.
No one on this forum has ever made me feel "stupid" because I asked questions, sometimes over and over again. This is a safe place to learn. :D
*as a side note about commercial patterns: Sometimes the instructions can be confusing. All the lines and markings like heiroglyphics. The triangles, circles, and squares like a geometry problem... When I very first tried sewing I'd never done it before, had no teacher, and no books. I bought a pattern (paid $12.00 for the damn thing since I didn't even know they went on sale ::) )for placemats. Yes! Sounds silly but ultimately I knew how they were supposed to turn out, rectangle, duh!, but I followed the instructions and some of those markings started to make sense. I got to see first hand what the terms meant and how it translated on my next project- a princess seemed bodice. ;)
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on May 19, 2008, 08:00:28 AM
The whole point that people are making is take things at your own pace. Start with McCalls, or Margos, whichever works for you. Buy cotton/poly blend for $3.99 because you love the color or go for the $36 a yard pure silk to be H/A. Take a class or get books from the library and dive in on your own.
And remember... IT'S ONLY FABRIC. :)
I know that lots of folks (myself included, sometimes!) have a big fear of ruining their fabric. Grand scheme of things - if you totally muck something up, you can likely re-use the fabric for something else - and if you can't, IT'S ONLY FABRIC. :)
All of the "experts" started from the very beginning at one point, and are only as good as they are now because they dove in, tried new things, and practiced. :)
I have a friend that gave me $50 a yard boiled wool for my daughters' jackets and the trim that went with it, $20 a yard. Scared me to death, but I cut their jackets out. They wore them for years. Fear limits what we can achieve, just dive in and go to it. Nobody starts as an expert, we all start at sew a straight line. I have ripped out miles of thread. Probably have more miles to go.
Remember no question is stupid except the one you fail to ask.
Quote from: Kate XXXXXX on May 09, 2008, 04:07:08 AM
There's nothing wrong with using a commercial pattern. Just be aware that they are very variable as to historical accuracy, fit, and readability! you'll get used to them! Just be sure to buy to measurements, not what you are used to wearing in ready to wear clothing.
NO kidding! My measurements line up with a size 12-14 in pattern sizes, and I usually wear an 8 in pre-made clothing! Eek!
Quote from: FaireMare on May 16, 2008, 12:25:32 AM
The theme I see right now is patterns...
Please remember that not everyone can figure out patterns from directions in a book. I bet many of you started to learn the basics of sewing from patterns. Some are terribly gifted in the engineering department. Most of us are not.
My suggestion is to do what you feel comfortable with and what you can get assistance with on a local basis.
{05/18/2008} due to people being technical... many of you starting leanring to sew by using patterns. Not all of us got that "gem" of a teacher who taught you to sew with out a pattern.
Never used a or learned from pattern and never had a teacher.
Took one sewing class when I was a kid. My teacher said I was terrible.
The way I learned was to read dress diaries and recreating what has already been made and explained on websites. If I don't know a technique, I google it. The internet is a wonderful place. Ask and read, read, read. ;D
Disclaimer: This is the way that works for me. Everyone is different.
One thing I have learned is that NO ONE is perfect. The look on the faces of my fellow costumers when asked to make a sample book of different basic techniques still stays with me. Most of them didn't know how to do it all.
No matter who it is I tell people to get the Singer basic Sewing guide from a books store new or used. It is 10-15 bucks and explains the why & how of alot of the basic techniques in big bold pictures.
I volenteered to teach the local theater's actors a basic sewing class. (just in case they needed to fix something)
We started by making napkins (to learn how to sew in hem on a machine) A draw string bag (to sew in a straight line) we moved to making place mats edged with bias tape. Each project we did was made to learn a technique they would use later.
By the end of it they were making their own cloaks. Some of them turned out really amazing.
As for patterns VS drafted patterns. When I first started I like the very basic patterns because they explained stuff simply. I have had professional training and it still drives me nuts scaling up patterns from books.
I wouldnt' try drafting patterns until you understand how to use a commerical pattern. When you get that far I have books I can recomend. Until then...
1) Find something simple you like
2) Start in the scrap/clearance bin.
3) Keep trying.
The best example of this is .... I had a lady come in and wanted to start sewing. I found her a basic pattern for a dress. We found her the right amount of fabric in the clearnance bin (.5 for bodice of one fabric. 2 yards of another contrast) she made several this way until she could make them in her sleep. Her first one's she ended up donating to Goodwill/Local theater. Later on she graduated to some amazing velvet dresses for her daughters. She started simple and built her skills up slowly, practicing.
I wish you luck.