My "stock in trade"? Clothing designer/seamstress. So yes, I have made clothing for years!!! However, for too many years, making lingerie was my bread and butter, and working with such fine fabrics for too many hours kinda did a number on my hands. Now I quilt. :) I do still make pj pants for my sons...at 6'5" and 6'6" with very muscular legs, they can't even get them at the tall shops. Other than that, I sew for the grandbabies, and minimally for myself. I still have some really "good" fabric waiting to be made up for self....but I refuse to do it until I get rid of the last 15 pounds. :D
My DH made a dress for his daughter several years ago...kind of a "Little House on the Prairie" style...dress and pinafore. He had never sewn before, so quite an undertaking!!! He found a couple of the gals at Hancock fabrics very helpful. Apparently, he was back with questions every day or two!!! AND he made this on a treadle!! (This was before I met him. ;) ) So...even tho' we are all here to help as much as we can, if you can find someone local for more "hands on" help, that would be good too. Mostly....just like quilting, have fun with it!!!
Patti