Sunday 10 July 2016

Dressmaking.... yes, really

I love the Great British Sewing Bee and I'm always in awe of people who can make their own clothes.  I did a basic dressmaking class a few years ago and enjoyed it, but I've always thought that I will wait until I've lost weight until I try it.  Fast forward a few years on anti-depressants and you get me, even bigger than before.  Ah well, maybe I shouldn't wait?

I bought a copy of Sew as I've never read a sewing magazine and thought I'd give it a go.  It had this free pattern with it which seems doable.


Except I'm bigger in all measurements than the sizes given.  I taped on some paper, measured myself and did some (probably wrong maths) and graded the pattern.


No, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing!  I didn't even google it, I just guessed!  I have now cut the pattern pieces out (I'm making it from an old duvet cover so if it doesn't work it doesn't matter) and just need to sew them together....

15 comments:

Cath said...

Dressmaking is something I'd like to do but can't seem to get a grip. You've got nothing to lose by having a go. Good luck :-)

Rachel said...

It looks fine to me. It's good to practice with fabrics that don't matter, but sometimes cheap fabrics are hard to handle too!

Cactusneedle said...

Good for you! Just don't get discouraged, noone EVER gets the fit right the first time. And when you get it worked out, you don't have to go through the adjustments next time, as you have a pattern that fits! Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Joy from Days Filled With Joy said...

Good on you! I haven't sewn clothes for myself for soooo long... mostly since I put on weight... sigh... enjoy and hope the pattern turns out right! xx

Jane said...

Happy sewing. I've been making clothes over the last couple of weeks too. Got a load of fabric gifted to me, so I'm working my way through. Got another dress to try when I get the time, can't wait to see how your top turns out

margaret said...

best of luck with your project, I used to make all my clothes but not done any for a long time mind you I am still wearing things I bought in early 90`s and some even earlier, some do not fit at the moment like you due to weight! A good idea making it with old fabric first. Loved the Sewing Bee too

Anonymous said...

fingers crossed that your pattern alterations work ^^
if they do, you'll be able to make yourself several tops varying neck lines

quirkyhannah said...

Good luck! That's where I'm at for not making clothes (need lose weight). Hope yours turn out lovely :) Sometimes it's best to delve right in

Christine said...

Good luck with your sewing. I'm in the middle of making a 2nd top for Eloise from the very same pattern!
I does go together very easily.

Liz said...

It's great that you are going for it. Your approach is wonderful. I bet you end up with something good, if it's not exactly like you wanted, it will be a great springboard for the next one. It's a victory to TRY something new. Bravo!

Anonymous said...

Know that feeling...! Well done for getting stuck in - you're braver than I am!

Unknown said...

Oh well done you ☺ I love the Sewing Bee too but haven't really got to grips with dress making, maybe after all the wedding preps have been done I might have a go. Will need something to do! Lol xcx

Sarah in Stitches said...

Exciting! Can't wait to see what you make. I'm always in awe of people who make their own clothes too. I went to school with a girl that made the sweetest dresses. As I only turned on my sewing machine two days ago, this all seems incredible to me! :D

Sandra :) said...

I guess there are a few of us that have put on a few pounds - like you, I say I'll wait until I've dropped "a few" (although in my case, it needs to be MORE than a few, lol) - at least you're trying it! I hope the blouse goes well, and if so, you can get out out the nice fabric :) I find that the sizing on commercial patterns rarely matches the numbers they supposedly use - sometimes the item is too big - other times - too small! Frustrating.

Unknown said...

Have a look for the Curvy Sewing Collective blog. There are tutorials for grading. Also lots of pattern suggestions for larger sizes. Grading up is such hard work.