For awhile now I've been really, really wanting to make myself a vintage 50's style dress. I found a couple patterns on eBay for a good price and bought them. The only thing I've made besides quilts is an apron. That was easy enough but it was just two panels and some pockets. Oh, I made all our Christmas stockings last year too. :) I'm assuming it's much more difficult to make clothing, but it can't be impossible, can it? Everything I've done thus far is self taught so I know how to learn, I'm just wondering if I'm totally jumping in over my head.

Anyone have any advice or direction for me, other than to tell me I ought to save myself the trouble and just go buy a dress. :)

I applaud your efforts - I have the same problem - when I read the patterns -its like a foreign language - but why not try - you will be proud of your accomplishment and get a new dress too. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

I would go ahead and give it a try. I have been sewing since I was in Jr. High school. I make clothes, mostly dresses for my grandaughter. Most patterns are not to hard to figure out. If you get stuck, go to www.sewforum.com . The people there are awesome sewers and will help you.

And besides, if you don't like how the dress turned out, you have some scrap fabric to add to your stash! :D

Clothes are harder than quilts. Clothing patterns are made for models, perfect body parts, so you will need to adjust the pattern. Quilts are precise, I think that is why I like them!
ONE SIZE FITS ALL!! ;-)

Funny you should bring this up :lol: I just finished making 2 Jr Bridesmaid dresses for my sons wedding :roll: LOL The wedding was fine the patterns were a different matter :hunf: LOL

It truly all depends on the pattern , the difficulty level and the details of the item you are making. Some patterns are labeled as simple and quick and I would start out with those until you get your feet wet and then move up. A BIG change for me was that with quilting you work with a 1/4" seam, in sewing clothes it is a 5/8" I think :oops: It is marked on my machine , but the pattern also tells you. Another thing is pattern sizes run big, so you need to make adjustments for that . Measure, Measure, Measure

I would be glad to help you out as much as possible, as others on the board will also , I'm sure

I would recommend starting with something like pajama bottoms where the fit isn't particularly important.

Clothing making is kind of like making quilts - it can be extremely simple/easy to very complex.

Believe the measurements on the pattern - pattern sizing and ready-to-wear sizes are frequently different - and the pattern industry did some resizing - maybe in the 60s or 70s - don't remember for sure when.

I think the "bigness" of patterns varies from line to line.

I dont have a hard time sewing them, just getting them to fit! I always used to make the garment first with an old sheet or something, then you can adjust BEFORE using your good fabric.

Sewing clothes is the way I started out. Just make sure when you cut out the pattern that you put the notches in and you're pretty much good to go!!!! Zippers can be a little tricky, but I'm sure you have a zipper foot for your machine and just follow the directions. You'll do fine!!!

Good Luck!!!

I sewed clothing for years before quilting. I say go for it!

Go for it ....everyday is a new challenge. If you need patterns PM me...my attic runneth over...

If there is an area in ready-to-wear clothing that "never fits right" - that will probably be something that will be needed to adjust on the pattern, too

Examples: Larger than average bust, uneven shoulders, really heavy thighs, droopy butt, etc,

If clothes pretty much fit you okay right off the hanger, then find a size that is close to your measurements and go.

For many years I made garments for everyone in my family. I think garments are harder overall. You have so many things to think about, such as size. If you start with something simple like elastic bank shorts for kids or PJ bottoms it helps. If you start with one of the vintage Vogue patterns you may never one to look at another pattern!

My advice--measure, measure, measure! And go by the measurements on the pattern. Pattern sizes are different from what you buy at the store. I once sewed a skirt for a lady who wore a size 8 in street clothes but measured in a size 14 on the pattern.

TAKE you measurements!!! The sizes on the patterns are not translatable to ready to wear! Make you clothing to match your measurements, not the size you buy in the store.

I taught myself to sew. The first "big" project I tackled was a swing overcoat, that was about 18 years ago and I still wear it and I am complimented on it everytime. I find it odd that strangers will comment on it everytime.

Any way.... back to topic, if you can piece together a quilt, why not a dress? Most of us started sewing clothing, go for it!

Just thought of something else. I'm sorry to disagree but I think patterns run small. When I buy clothes I get size 12 to 14. By my bust measurement it is a MUCH larger pattern size.

I sewed clothes before I took up quilting. It is different in that the patterns can be hard to read sometimes. I find that if I start getting frustrated I put it aside for a while and when I come back I can normally figure it out. As others have said the pattern sizes do not correlate to clothes size so make sure that you fit the pattern to yourself. I find that I am often three different sizes on the patterns with a dress. Like I said it is different but I don't think harder - if you can quilt I am sure you can make a dress. Have fun with it and if you start to get frustrated just stop for a while!

This is another of those questions where the answer is "it depends"

I haven't sewn garments since 7th grade home ec, in the early 70s! It requires fitting, not just size fitting. But sewing a sleeve to a armhole and there's that neckline curvy sewing. Scares the bejeebers out of me! LOL

But good luck! Start with something simple.

I think clothes are much easier than quilts. More room to fudge. Start with a simple pattern and cheapie material. The fewer pieces the easier.

You make beautiful quilting projects, so I'm sure you can make clothes.

Polly's comment about Vogue patterns is right on target. Vogue patterns are difficult. You may need to work up to them.

If your Wal-mart still has fabric, check out the cheapie patterns. They have many for less than $3.

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.

I make complicated quilts. Keep that in mind when I tell you that making clothing is much easier. Simple quilts (not a lot of bias or points to match up) are easier than garments, though.

More things to keep in mind:

Beware that some garment fabric is difficult to work with, such as one with a nap (velvet, faux suede, corduroy, etc.); it has a mind of its own; "repeat" prints, stripes, plaids should probably be avoided.

If you are a complete novice to garment sewing, there's a thousand things can go wrong. And I'm not sure where to seek advice before you get started, other than a good book and, even so, it won't keep you from all the initial pitfalls. Start simply & inexpensively and take your time. Don't remove your pattern pieces until you are ready to sew those garment pieces together and, most importantly, follow the pattern directions step by step. Having made just about every error possible over the years, I became experienced enough to know where and how I could deviate from the order of instruction, but for a beginner, that is a recipe for disaster.

Also, I like my seam allowances overcast (I have a serger for that).

Lastly, sorry if I'm repeating other responses to your question; I haven't read the whole thread yet.

I forgot to tell you that I take a standard pattern that I don't have to adjust the pattern to get a good fit. Of course, I do "fittings" as I go, but I do not have "narrow shoulder/wide butt/short waist/long waist" adjustment issues.

I'm heading over to Amazon in just a minute to see if I can find either of those books! I think I'm going to need them for more and longer than a library check out would provide. :) Thank you for the suggestion!

back when i sewed........clothes......i would pin the pattern to the daughter to see if it was a good fit. bodice, length, bust okay, back wide enough, shoulder seams where i wanted them. skirt hips...fit... waist long enough, etc. you can even do that to yourself if you are careful.

Vogue patterns tend to be harder, in my experience. I prefer Butterick but I have used all of them....

http://www.sewingwithnancytv.com/ind...ink=true&chn=1

I watched these videos when they were shown on TV and want this set myself. It is amazing the way she teaches you to measure and adjust any pattern to fit you exactly.

I have found that the instructions on the patterns from the 50s and 60s are much easier to understand than the ones you can buy now. Some of the current ones seem to have been written by people for whom English is their second language, plus they use some really funky ways of putting stuff together in some cases( or at least the instructions make you think HUH??? if you are an experienced seamstress).

If you can find an old Singer sewing book probably published late 40s/early 50s (big page hardback book about an inch or so thick) it gives excellent instructions on every aspect of sewing from how to make necessary alterations to a pattern to constructing the garment to darning by machine.

Barnes & Noble has one of the Singer Sewing Books in the out of print books section for $12.99 from a third party reseller. The next one listed is priced at over $50.00.

If you have any questions as you are sewing, please PM me and I will gladly answer as soon as I get back on the computer.

I ordered the Simplicity book from Amazon used, for a whopping $1.14. The shipping was three times as much. :)

Thank you very much to all the ladies who have offered their help to me. I very well may need to ask a few questions here and there. Luckily my step mom sewed a lot when I was younger so I have her to go to also.

I know I just ordered the patterns today but I'm ready to get started already! :)

When I took sewing classes a few years ago, the instructor told me to always make the size of the pattern that is one size up from what you normally would wear. Example...if you are a size 6....go up to a size 8. Depends on the pattern as well....measurements always seem to be different. You can buy current "remake" patterns at Butterick and Simplicity. Just type in "retro" or "vintage" in the search and some patterns will come up. Then, when Hancocks or Joanns run them on sale for $1.00 or $1.99, pick them up then. Hope this helps.

I learned to sew before I quilted.