Clothing is harder, but very much do-able! Have fun - I'd love to do this for myself - a '50's dress... but... maybe one day.

Two of the patterns I bought are McCall's, one is a Vogue. All three are from 1950-something. Do patterns from then differ much from nowadays patterns?

I took my measurements and bought the patterns based on what the measurements said on it for bust/waist/hip. Of course all three didn't match up perfectly but hopefully I can figure this all out enough to make it work. I saw another poster suggest the same thing my mom just did, and that was to use an old bed sheet first. More time involved but I won't waste my good fabric. And speaking of which, do patterns suggest a fabric type? I'm totally lost outside of cotton quilting fabric.

I'm a fairly intelligent person though, so gosh darn it I should be able to get this all figured out. :)

A dart here, a seam there. You will do good. :)

Every pattern I have come across allows for alterations before sewing.

Most printed patterns do have suggested fabrics listed on the back of the envelope.

If you pick a pattern with good directions you should be ok. Everybody is right don't try to start with a voque pattern they are more difficult even for regular sewers. Yes, on the back of the pattern somewhere it should list material suitable for the pattern you are making. Making the pattern out of a sheet is a very good idea, you will feel alot more comfortable then when you go to make it with "real" material. And of course the second time you make anything it does go alot smoother and quicker. Try it you will probably enjoy it.

Yes, they do suggest fabrics on the back where the measurements are.

I"ve semn clothing sincer 7th grade, and I love it. I actusally have a harder time with quilts. McCall paterns are my favorite to use, and usdually pretty much on target for size. The bust measurement is the most important because your neck and shoulder fit there is better. You can add and subtract for hip and waist much easier. Just measure yourself before cutting, then measure the area on the pattern piece to compare, make sure you mearsure inside the seam allowance.And, It never hurts to add a little extra at the seams before cutting out, sew on the right seam allowance and if need be, you can take in or let out some after fitting. Good luck!!

I sewed clothes for many years before starting quilting and in my opinion, quilting is easier because for the most part it's straight lines. In clothing construction, you have sleeves, necklines, darts, waistbands, etc. Someone suggested making PJ's as your first project and that's an excellent idea! Jo Ann's often has patterns for either 99 cents or $1.99. Get one of those patterns and some cheap fabric and make them. McCalls would be a good pattern company to start with. Look on the back of the pattern envelope. It will suggest fabrics that are good to make that item as well as notions (elastic, buttons, etc.)

You are a very smart lady and will pick up clothing construction in no time. You'll also have fun making clothes for your kids.

There are some differences between vintage patterns and modern. I've sewn a bit with vintage and often the instructions are sparser than in a modern pattern. If you want to try something simpler first, but not pajama bottoms, look for the "It's So Easy" patterns by Simplicity. They are easy and the instructions tend to be well-written. There are some dresses that are sort of vintage style. Also go to the library and check out a book such as Vogue Sewing or Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book. They explain step-by-step things like putting in zippers, adding pockets, etc and are just really great references for basic sewing things. Actually sometimes thrift stores have older copies of the Simplicity sewing books for very cheap: the outfits look crazy, but the information is still good.

I used to sew clothes for my family as well. I started with baby clothes and worked my way up to evening gowns, suits, and swimsuits. I stopped when my girls hit middle school and it wasn't "cool" to wear homemade clothes. Clothing construction can be a bit more challenging but it is also very rewarding. You will know that your clothes will survive past the first washing.

I would like to make the suggestion that you start with something simple like an apron, a skirt, shorts or nightgown and go from there. I would also like to suggest that you find a really good reference book with a lot of pictures. Simplicity had a really good plastic spiral bound reference book. I don't know how their books are today.

Today you also have the advantage of YouTube. You may want to check them out for tutorials. Back when I learned to sew, computers hadn't been invented yet.

Patterns went through a sizing change in the early 60s. I remember the "new larger sizing" promos the pattern companies did. They were resized for a larger figure. The patterns from the 1950s are designed for smaller framed woman and would be under the old sizing. It is really important that you take your measurements and go by that. Ignore your off the rack size.