Sewing tips

[iamdiverted]

I'm about to embark on my first sweing project EVER besides just small things like pillow shams and christmas stockigns. What pattern do you guys recommend is good for me to use for the first time?

I'm not talking about all those other reviews, I'm talking about the ones yo've done that look the best and that are easy to do for a beginner.

Do you have any tips or advice on what fbrics are best to use?

Please help! I'd like to have a costume together for the Febuary event for the oregon regency group.

[cosmoblue]

What are you trying to make for the event? Not that I can really help you since I am just planning my first costume now, but I am sure that it would help others help you.

[cosmoblue]

iamdiverted- you never did tell us what it was that you were tying to make.

[iamdiverted]

well I am hoping a costume for feb. RSA emailed me and told me to start with an easy pattern like sense & sensibility. what do you think?

[cosmoblue]

I think that is probably a good idea. If I weren't insane that is what i would be doing too. Are you just making a day gown? Have you decided what fabric you are going to use?

[Mme de Beaufort]

S&S only makes daygowns, right?

[cosmoblue]

You can use the Elegant Lady's Closet to make an evening/dinner gown. The basic one that simplicity can also be made up for evening wear with very few modifications. That one was on sale this weekend at Mill End for $0.99. I should have bought it, but I didn't.

www.sensibility.com/pattern/regency.htm

[iamdiverted]

But that needs a stay, right? ACK! Can I make a stay.? They look hard to do

And by teh way, where did all these members come from? WOWW!! I take off for a while and I come back and tehre are all these excellent new people here. COOOOL. I love all the expertise I'm reading here. I'm so excited! I guess when I say pass the word the word is passed.!

[cosmoblue]

I would think that you would want stays with any gown that you make. I am sure that you could work your way through a stays pattern. I don't think that the Sense and Sensibility short stays pattern looks very difficult. Besides there are people around Portland that would be glad to help you with them i'm sure, I know I would. All the new members are awesome! It is really exciting.

[dawnluckham]

I would suggest you start very simply with the Simplicity version of the Sense and Sensibility pattern and make the drawstring dress. You can get on line support at the Sense and Sensibility site if you need help. Or you can ask for help here.

As this is your very first step, choose a nice cotton fabric (easy to sew with). Make sure it doesn't have any spandex in it for stretch. Tell the ladies at the fabric store this is your first sewing project and let them help you find the supplies.

Ideally, you'll want all the underthings and a petticoat, but these can be made second. I usually suggest making the underthings first but I realize as a very first attempt, the dress will be more satisfying and the stays may be a little intimidating.

So, plan to wear your new drawstring dress with a push-up bra and a long slip. There is also a section on her website that explains how to make a bodiced petticoat with the dress pattern. So if you're feeling good about your dress, you could try this project second.

When you're ready for undergarments, purchase the Sense and Sensibility underthings pattern and make the chemise. The sizing is a little wonky in the Simplicity version and you need to read the chart on the back and then choose the next smaller size. The non-Simplicity pattern has better stays instructions, but again, there is on-line help.

An alternative to the Sense and Sensibility stays is the Kyoto stays. They're really easy to sew and they may be a good option. You'll still need a chemise pattern (maybe Kannik's Korner?). I'll review the Kyoto stays in the corsets and stays section.