Originally Posted by
bearisgray
In my opinion - the best garments for a beginner to sew "from scratch" are the ones that "fit loosely" like pajama bottoms, lounge pants, peasant tops (is that what they are still called?)
It is also important to take one's measurements before buying a pattern. Ready-made sizing and pattern sizing do not always match.
My Albuquerque GD wanted me to make her a HS graduation dress. She sent the pattern a JoAnn's employee had helped her size. A 14. I traded it locally for a 6, took up the waist area and it fit perfectly. The pattern measurements were so far off. I find purchased sizes and pattern sizes very similar for me and apparently my GD is the same. 12 and 12 for me. 6 and 6 for her.