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 😊

I make most of my clothes because I'm skinny and 5'2". It's hard to find clothing size 2 or 0 that don't look like I'm wearing my granddaughters clothing. I'm pretty much straight up and down, no shape at all. I'm over 70 and want to look like a respectable lady not a teenager.

I don't make jeans or pants, but I love making shirts and tops. I was blessed with broad shoulders and long arms so generally nothing off the rack fits well. I love being able to make something in a fabric I pick out and make it truly unique.

I, too, used to make all my own clothes. I loved making applique jumpers for my little daughters. Then, the patterns and fabric ended up costing more than purchased clothes. I also went through a fabric painting stage, on t-shirts and sweatshirts. Anyone else?

Back in high school (1960’s) I had 2 fabulous Home Ec teachers & made my prom dresses, skirts & blouses. We learned to match plaids and sew lined jackets even adding shoulder pads. My parents bought me a Singer 328 and I sewed miles on it for over 50 years. I’ve made many corduroy & wool jackets, dresses & skirts that I wore to work.

I don’t sew garments anymore but I alter my clothes to suit me. I have a new knit shirt that is getting new buttons to replace the cheap looking ones. I think it makes a world of difference.

In the fabric store I ran into a lady who sings up front in our church Praise Band. She told me she sews most of her own clothes to relax after work, so I admit I study her clothes now. Haha.

MANY years ago, I did. Then life (working full time, children & their activities) happened, and there just wasn't time.

I took a couple of classes at a LQS last year to relearn how to work with knits as working with them is so different than the wovens I am used to. So now I can sew simple garments, but would probably have to do several for them to not end up looking homemade.

I've been thinking lately about trying to alter some bathing suits. Incredibly, I have lost some weight and my suits, which were on the expensive side, are now too big. I like the style (tankinis) and fabric better than any that are currently available, and they are in great shape. It's intimidating, though, so have not yet attempted.

I have a short trunk, always hiking my jeans up lol. Or shirts that fit my shoulders but balloon out 2 sizes too much, and I have a small belly.

I used to, before I discovered thrift stores! My first few quilts were made with a lot of clothing scraps.

No, I don't like making clothes at all. When my 3 boys were little I liked making them pajamas, shorts etc. I appliqued cute things on them because boy patterns were boring.
I tried making a couple of things for my granddaughter but they didn't come out right so I'm not going to anytime soon!
Besides my lack of skill I find buying clothes much cheaper for her.

Boy, I used to. Left my home with clothes on my back. Ended up making many of my own clothes. mainly laid some item of clothing onto fabric and cut around. worked well. Then later on I made my son clothing until he graduated to pants with zippers. I wanted a little girl to sew for but that never happened.
The last item i made myself was in the late 80's. So that's been awhile. enjoyed it a lot though!

I used to make everything. Then I got into quilting. Finally, I had granddaughters, and I made some darling clothes for them. The disappointing thing was I never got to see the ensembles on my girls. Eventually, I figured it all out and stopped wasting my time and fabric on things that were never worn or enjoyed. Not a happy memory for me!

Maryellen just remember people who don't appreciate home made, make too much money!

Or they don't know quality and just want prestige labels

I just started. I have been making PJ bottoms this month for Christmas presents. They are so much better feeling then store bought one. I am using the New look pattern A6321 that have pockets. I am thinking for making boxers in the future and shorts. Looking forward to see where my sewing adventure will take me.

I used to sew clothing when I was in high school, basic clothes like dresses, shirts, skirts.

Then recently I needed some flannel shirts, and also some dress clothes, so I started sewing again about a month ago. I tried a couple of different store bought patterns, but had to do so many alters/changes on them that I just tossed them (besides hating the awful thin paper the patterns are printed on) and made my own patterns.

I actually use freezer paper to draw out my pattern and after I get the pattern down, I iron it onto fusible interfacing to make it more tear resistant for repeated use. So far, in this past month, I've made dress pants, and blouses. I needed the dress clothes first, so my next go to will be flannel shirts for everyday wear, using the same pattern that I used for my blouses. I hate fitted clothing, and prefer a loose fit. I don't want to feel like I am poured into my clothes. It's actually been easier to get back into sewing clothing than I thought it would be, especially since I decided to make my own patterns that fit my body.

I make my own blouses and pj's when I feel like sewing. I make handbags, totes, stuff for the grandkids. Also I love to make vests and shop aprons for my husband. The photos below are of one I made for him. He uses it when he is working around the house and building things out of wood. He has an almost identical one for his metal working. It a darker denim, I have to use a magnet and the shop vac on either one before they go into the washer.
They start out plain with a few basic pockets, then after he puts it on we mark out where he wants additional pockets, straps to hang his hammer etc. What you don't see is a couple of pockets on the inside which hold his speed squares he uses when works with wood.

Some 12-15 years ago, I bought an Eddie Bauer brand blouse on clearance, I think I paid $4 for it. I didn't like the fabric color or the print, but it was the best-fitting blouse I'd found in a long time. Took it home, ripped the seams, pressed all the pieces, and traced them onto butcher paper to make a pattern. I think I've made 15 or 16 blouses from it. I've made changes to some of the blouses - changed it from a pointed collar to a mandarin collar; added ruffles; lengthened the sleeves; widened the seams to make it a swing blouse, and changed it from button plackets to a pullover. It's been a lot of fun, although I've learned to simply say "Thank you" instead of "I made it myself" when people compliment me. They tend to ask me to do ridiculous things when they learn I can sew clothing.