For awhile now I've been really, really wanting to make myself a vintage 50's style dress. I found a couple patterns on eBay for a good price and bought them. The only thing I've made besides quilts is an apron. That was easy enough but it was just two panels and some pockets. Oh, I made all our Christmas stockings last year too. :) I'm assuming it's much more difficult to make clothing, but it can't be impossible, can it? Everything I've done thus far is self taught so I know how to learn, I'm just wondering if I'm totally jumping in over my head.

Anyone have any advice or direction for me, other than to tell me I ought to save myself the trouble and just go buy a dress. :)

I applaud your efforts - I have the same problem - when I read the patterns -its like a foreign language - but why not try - you will be proud of your accomplishment and get a new dress too. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

I would go ahead and give it a try. I have been sewing since I was in Jr. High school. I make clothes, mostly dresses for my grandaughter. Most patterns are not to hard to figure out. If you get stuck, go to www.sewforum.com . The people there are awesome sewers and will help you.

And besides, if you don't like how the dress turned out, you have some scrap fabric to add to your stash! :D

Clothes are harder than quilts. Clothing patterns are made for models, perfect body parts, so you will need to adjust the pattern. Quilts are precise, I think that is why I like them!
ONE SIZE FITS ALL!! ;-)

Funny you should bring this up :lol: I just finished making 2 Jr Bridesmaid dresses for my sons wedding :roll: LOL The wedding was fine the patterns were a different matter :hunf: LOL

It truly all depends on the pattern , the difficulty level and the details of the item you are making. Some patterns are labeled as simple and quick and I would start out with those until you get your feet wet and then move up. A BIG change for me was that with quilting you work with a 1/4" seam, in sewing clothes it is a 5/8" I think :oops: It is marked on my machine , but the pattern also tells you. Another thing is pattern sizes run big, so you need to make adjustments for that . Measure, Measure, Measure

I would be glad to help you out as much as possible, as others on the board will also , I'm sure

I would recommend starting with something like pajama bottoms where the fit isn't particularly important.

Clothing making is kind of like making quilts - it can be extremely simple/easy to very complex.

Believe the measurements on the pattern - pattern sizing and ready-to-wear sizes are frequently different - and the pattern industry did some resizing - maybe in the 60s or 70s - don't remember for sure when.

I think the "bigness" of patterns varies from line to line.

I dont have a hard time sewing them, just getting them to fit! I always used to make the garment first with an old sheet or something, then you can adjust BEFORE using your good fabric.

Sewing clothes is the way I started out. Just make sure when you cut out the pattern that you put the notches in and you're pretty much good to go!!!! Zippers can be a little tricky, but I'm sure you have a zipper foot for your machine and just follow the directions. You'll do fine!!!

Good Luck!!!

I sewed clothing for years before quilting. I say go for it!