Originally Posted by woody1229
I have sewn clothes since I was a kid -- 40 years, self taught -- and I used to use vintage patterns all the time. Tips from others, like using a dress form, are all right on. My tip would be, especially when you're starting out with clothing, don't take any short cuts. Even when a step seems redundant or unnecessary, if the directions say to do it, do it. My mom didn't teach me how to sew, but she handed me a pattern and said, if you can read, you can sew.
My mom taught herself to sew AFTER she and dad were married and did a lot of sewinf for my sisters and me...and patching jeans and overalls for my dad and brothers....It was from watching Mom sew one thing or another that sparked my desire to sew, but before she could teach me, I ended up getting a job away from home. It was to my benifit that I was able to take a Singer Dressmaker's Course (yes, such a thing was offered) and I've been sewing and enjoying it ever since.