I sewed my first pattern since highschool

[Deleted]

I'm all excited! I inherited my grandmother's sewing machine years ago. I've used it for hemming and simple stuff but nothing from scratch. For years I've been thinking I wanted to try sewing some of my own clothes. So often I can't find the style I want or the fit I want or the length I want...what I hate the worst these days is all the super thin fabric.

Anyway now that I am an empty nester I signed up for a sewing class and last night I made a pair of pajama pants. I know it's a simple pattern but I am so happy! I love the material I chose and they are a great length! Now I want to make a couple of tops to go with them. They are so perfect for hanging out around the house. I didn't necessarily save money in the short term, but I think over time these will be a great investment. Even if I hadn't saved money, being so happy with an article of clothing is so worth it.

Next week I'm going to make a sheath dress.  

[Jaguar]

Good for you, I used to sew when my mum was alive, but haven't touched it in 15 years. I also don't own a sewing machine either, cause my sister wanted mom's sewing machine.

[Blonde Granny]

I looked at my first pattern in years a week or so ago....egads, from $1.99 to $19.99 for a pattern? With the cost of fabric, I just might stick with quilting. I was looking for a warm-up pattern as I used to make a lot of my own.

Congrats Later on your project, isn't it a great feeling of accomplishment!!!

[Deleted]

It is! The pattern wasn't as cheap as I would have liked but it is a pattern I think I will use many times so I'm doing a per use thing in my head.

[Blonde Granny]

Post a pict. of it, I can't wait to see. Were there other pattern pieces in there you can also use?

[Deleted]

    

Sorry the finished pic is blurry. But you get the idea. Now I want to make 2 tops to go with them.

Ignore the lack of décor in the room I'm in, it's one of the rooms I have for Foster Daughter's, I try to decorate kid specific when they are there.

[Deleted]

Pat I was thinking of you when I posted this. You often mention sewing your own clothes. I know what you mean about addictive. I'm so anxious to do tops this weekend and can't wait to do the dress next week. It is sooooo nice to be able to make something just the way I want it.

[Blonde Granny]

I had one rule when sewing, and it applies to my quilting also. I never started the next project until the current one was finished. I also never bought fabric just to buy it....well, at least not until I started quilting. I can always use even small 3" squares when needed.

The missing pattern company is McCalls.

[Blonde Granny]

I always like the patterns that would give 5-8 different patterns in one: skirt, pants, jacket, vest etc. I felt I was getting much more for my money, and I was. The ones I looked at recently didn't seem to be as good as those I remember from 1990.

[Deleted]

I'm with you about finishing one thing before I start the next and not buying too much material ahead. I've been purging and I don't want to undo my hard work. I'm also looking at old patterns from various sewing friends. I like a minimalist style so often the old patterns work great.

[Blonde Granny]

This is a McCalls pattern I liked: M 6474   and M 7134

I just did a simple search online to find them.  I don't know how to link just the picture of the pattern.

[Deleted]

Those are cute

[Deleted]

So I went to the fabric store to get some material to make my pajama tops. Being new to this I wasn't sure exactly what kind of material I want so I asked a "sales lady" what material would be best. She says to me "it's easier just to buy t shirts to use as the tops" True story!

[msventoux]

Good for you!  I have my Mom's sewing machine but have never used one before.  I have a client that runs a sewing school and I've thought about taking a class from her.  Haven't pulled the trigger on it yet, but I thought it might be fun to take up quilting and maybe eventually clothing as well. 

[Blonde Granny]

Quilting is addictive! And I love my addiction! It can be a little expensive to buy the beginning basics of equipment, so I always watched for the ads for Joann and Hancock fabrics. Many times quilting supplies will go on sale at 40-50% off and that's the time to buy.

Go ahead, take a class!

[Ombud]

Joann's has great sales. I got the upholstery fabric for 8 chairs on sale for under $50. The upholsterer charges a minimum of $100 per chair .... DIL did for free

[chiver78]

Oct 2, 2015 10:28:31 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

It is! The pattern wasn't as cheap as I would have liked but it is a pattern I think I will use many times so I'm doing a per use thing in my head.

this is pretty much how I roll with the stuff I crank out. I don't sew past patching/hems anymore, but I do crochet. I crank out a handful of patterns, mostly granny square afghans, but I tend to wait until the yarn I like goes on sale.

[chiver78]

Oct 2, 2015 13:51:12 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I had one rule when sewing, and it applies to my quilting also. I never started the next project until the current one was finished. I also never bought fabric just to buy it....well, at least not until I started quilting. I can always use even small 3" squares when needed.

The missing pattern company is McCalls.

I know you're older than I am, but maybe you remember this? my mom had this old "designer trainer" setup when I was a kid, I f'in loved this. it was this little plastic "desk" that lighted up when you plugged it in, other than the light-up surface, it was orange. I remember the McCall name all over the place. the desk had plates that you could interchange, and transfer like the old charge cards - it was a slide stamp thing.

[Apple]

They look comfy!

My mom and her family can sew anything/everything (my mom made my wedding dress, combining three patterns to make it exactly how I wanted it).  I had her teach my son some basics (he's sewn bags, and helped her sew ties for my sister's wedding).  Now I need to learn.  I made a windsock in jr. high, but that's about it.  I want to learn so I can make pj pants and aprons.  

I really want to make one like this:

[Deleted]

That is so cute! lol

[NoNamePerson]

Every now and then I get the urge to buy a sewing machine. I sewed back in the day. But now I let the urge pass and remind myself that I live in jeans since retiring. But I did love to sew at one time.

Good for you for taking it back up and enjoy!! Nothing like people giving compliments and saying "love that dress or whatever" where did you get it 

[TheOtherMe]

I inherited my mom's sewing machine.  It's even in a cabinet.  I need some comfy winter pj's.  This might be a cheaper option than buying something.

[Blonde Granny]

Even if it's not less expensive, it gives me such pride of accomplishment that I can say "I made it"

go for it TOM.

[Ombud]

Between pattern ($19.99) + fabric, it's not cheaper. But you can get exactly the color / pattern you want.

[TheOtherMe]

Patterns cost $20?  Just did a google search for pajama bottoms and there are free patterns out there.  If all I am going to do is lounge around the house, that is all I need!  Frugality.

[Blonde Granny]

Vogue patterns are now up to $30.

[Blonde Granny]

I just received my morning email from Hancock Fabrics. Simplicity patterns are on sale until Oct. 13th @ 5/$5.  McCalls are $1.49 and Kwik Sew patterns are $6.99

[Deleted]

So tonight I am making a dress. Wish me luck!

[Blonde Granny]

Whoa! big step for you. Can't wait to see the finished product.

I'm going to hit Hancock Fabrics later this morning. 2 of the patterns I was interested in are McCalls, and will certainly take a second look at the Simplicity book.

[Deleted]

Oct 8, 2015 7:27:04 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

So tonight I am making a dress. Wish me luck!

Good luck.