Clothing making…
 

Anyone make their own clothing?

I do occasionally as I have a high waist line with hips high too so most ready made clothes won't fit me. Even patterns have to be altered to fit my odd shape. I go for simple style patterns as they never seem to go out of season and you can fancy them up with embroidery, lace, accents of different colored fabrics. So much you can do with patterns these days.

I still have a large quantity of dress fabrics from before I moved up to Iowa back in 2010. I'd usually buy at least 5yds of each fabric so I'd have enough to make a jacket, skirt and sometimes even a simple style dress. Most times I'd use my serger to finish the seams which always makes it look more professional plus keeps the edges from fraying.

I make wearable art type jackets and occasionally other clothes. I used to make all my clothes but I got tired of it. I can buy pants that fit just fine so i decided to free up sewing time to make fun stuff.

I don't sew clothes from a pattern but I do change up clothes I buy. I usually shorten the sleeves to 3/4 long, add pockets, change buttons, etc. I buy pants from thrift shops to practice refitting how I like. Then go buy the same size new and I know what i need to do to make the fit how I want.

That's a really good idea, Onebyone. I'm going to have to try that.

Not any more, but in high school 99% of what I wore I made. When my kids were little I made all their shorts, sweats, and even some shirts. I made my son his baseball pants all through his playing years also. I've recently been looking at making a quilted jacket for myself, but haven't taken that leap yet.

I make a few things now and then. When the mood strikes me

I used to make nearly all my clothes, especially for important events. I taught all levels of sewing at the college level -- pattern drafting, wearable art, etc. I think getting a good fit is the main reason people don't make clothes. It requires a good understanding of where the problems are, and how to adjust them for a good fit. It may seem advanced, but pattern drafting gives you that understanding. If you could find a class in pattern drafting, that would actually be a short cut to getting the understanding you need.

Other reasons people don't make their own clothes include cheaper prices and changes in lifestyle and clothing needs. I feel lucky that I got to teach what I did, but times and needs have changed.

I got involved in quilting through making wearable art, when quilting techniques were being incorporated. -- lots of fun and new techniques to learn. That led to art quilting, and I'm still fascinated by it.

You should do it, Annie! Its so much fun!

I made a dress for my granddaughter. She picked out the pattern and fabric.
I added lining to bodice and skirt not shown on pattern.
She was very happy with it.
( I have tried to upload pictures but not sure if they will post )

P.S. I prefer quilting to sewing clothes except if it’s for my granddaughter 😊