https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:51:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews/page/2#post-1115666 Mon, 16 Dec 2013 20:03:02 +0000 rachylou 1115666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to make Halloween costumes for dd and her cousins on the clothing front, and I've made curtains and that sort of thing. This weekend, I ran up some paper bunting on the sewing machine, this year's X-mas craft.</p> <p>Anyways, I just thought I'd mention that the sewing machine tortures me. Every time I get it out, it's a whole long process to get into *the zone*, where I have a feel for what it's doing. This is because I don't know what the settings on the knobs mean. The markings are extraordinarily strange and unidentifiable. For example, the stitch length control has a series of lines that are all the same length! What is up with that? But it really matters - fabric v. tension v. stitch length v. stitch width v. needle v. foot v. thread. You have to have the right combination of all these things.</p> <p>I had to call my mother, because I didn't know where to start after sitting for an hour twiddling knobs and having nothing change.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews/page/2#post-1115616 Mon, 16 Dec 2013 18:56:10 +0000 Alassë 1115616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently learned basic alterations, but sewing whole garments frustrates me (note I do not have a can do attitude, as Alexandra suggests!). On the flip side, the few garments I sewed or helped sew I was very proud to wear - something about crafting something wearable and beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1115350 Mon, 16 Dec 2013 09:43:40 +0000 Anonymous 1115350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Amy, I just ordered some fabulous boiled wool coating in a warm red and I am planning a cocoon style coat. I intend to by some thin wadding and make a quilted lining so that it's extra cosy. I also recently made a couple of plaid skirts, one of which I wore here : <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-feeling-plaid-all-over" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....d-all-over</a>. Oh, and I have some pure wool coating in gunmetal grey to make a pea coat too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1115328 Mon, 16 Dec 2013 07:06:33 +0000 Alexandra 1115328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just made a silvery shimmery long-sleeved dress last week. You can see it here: <a href="http://www.studio-alexandra.com/2013/12/fall-sewing-shimmer-gray-dress/" rel="nofollow">http://www.studio-alexandra.co.....ray-dress/</a><br /> It doesn't look like much on its own (it's a T-shirt style dress) but works well under a cardigan. Right now I'm fitting a jacket pattern I drafted based on the dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1115106 Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:02:55 +0000 minimalist 1115106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the replies. What a wealth of experience out there.</p> <p>karymk, bf takes shirts he's made to a shop for buttonholes. Doesn't sound like cheating to me!</p> <p>amiable, bras?! That's impressive. Where do you get all the different materials?</p> <p>carter, I just posted pictures of my first attempt, in Off Topic.</p> <p>Firecracker, bf sews for himself, mainly dress shirts and lounge pants. He made a dress for me, more or less copying a picture I showed him, but this year won't have time to sew even for himself. </p> <p>What are you all working on lately? Those who mentioned possibly returning to sewing, what projects are you considering? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081198 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:50:42 +0000 annaj 1081198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew! It all started (again - I used to do a bit as a teenager, although never very successfully) when I was pregnant with my baby girl. I was able to "whip up" simple, but beautiful little things for her, in no time at all, and with very little fabric. I mastered techniques by practicing on her things, and I now venture out to more complex patterns and fabrics. I'd like to learn to draft my own patterns next - although it might take me a while to learn properly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081182 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:36:32 +0000 Glory 1081182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have enjoyed this thread so much as I used to sew everything years ago. Recently, probably because my children are more independent now and allowing me more free time, I can feel my interest somewhat renewed.<br />Previously I sewed almost everything in my wardrobe, from winter outerwear to fancy evening gowns. However, tipping my hat to Amy, I have never tried a bra :).<br />Sewing was taught in school as part of the middle school curriculum - to girls only. That is where I got my start. In grade 7 we had to make an apron. However, back then many people sewed and crafted. In the past few years sewing has been on the downswing and many fabric stores have closed their doors. I think Diane mentioned above that sourcing fabric has become quite a challenge.<br />It may be time to dust off my machine :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081148 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 13:33:10 +0000 amiable 1081148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to get back to this thread so late! &nbsp;What great comments!</p> <p>Deborah - I get frustrated shopping for bras because it takes hours and multiple shopping trips to find one that I like how it fits. &nbsp;Then it costs way too much for the amount of fabric in it. &nbsp;I have lots of fabric, so I bought a bra pattern and started experimenting with altering it to the fit and shape that I like. &nbsp;I figured that once I had that figured out, a typical bra would take me no more time to make than shopping for one, I'd be guaranteed to have one by the end of the time, and I could pick and choose those times rather than arranging to get out of the house, without my kids, for a couple of hours at least, while stores are still open. &nbsp;</p> <p>In short, sewing at home, after my kids are in bed, in little chunks of time here and there, is more convenient than shopping. &nbsp;So far, I've made 3 bras for a total of around $30, and the third one fits just like I want it to. &nbsp;I started the forth bra last night, and I'm really excited because it's out of prettier fabric &nbsp;(After this, I should have two wonderfully wearable bras for about the price of one that I'd bought at the store, and a well tested pattern for the future, which will drive the price of individual bras down rather quickly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081111 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 12:13:49 +0000 Vildy 1081111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was lucky in that I had a mother and friends who sewed, back in the day, and the patterns available had excellent step by step instructions for whatever techniques might be new to you.&nbsp; </p> <p>Sewingplum is very good at presenting resources and describing the various methods by which people learn. For example, do you like photos, drawings, classes, videos...&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://sewingplums.com/7-speedy-patterns-technique/#learn" rel="nofollow">http://sewingplums.com/7-speed.....que/#learn</a></p> <p>When I was young, there were few fashion magazines and my mother would have given me the fisheye if I had brought home Vogue, even spending my own allowance. So I looked through the pattern books when they came out and that's how I got an idea of style and trends. But today, if I decide I want to make something from a pattern, I find it near impossible to start with the criteria of what features I want and then pop up suitable choices. I *wish* someone would think to index patterns by particular features. </p> <p>My mother could sew professionally but could not work with patterns at all and she did draping. She could copy anything and sometimes I would borrow a dress from a friend and she could make me a copy. As I am older now, I do extensive remodeling of my clothing and I find I also do draping. I recently got a book that was photos of alterations and it was a lightbulb moment. It was what I do already. Look at wear it is pulling or sagging and trace that back and correct. A kind of semi-draping method. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081096 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:56:32 +0000 Anonymous 1081096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Amy, sorry I'm a bit late to this thread.Too much in the way of sewing orders keeping me from YLF! I learned to sew by watching my mum since I was little and made my first tailored jacket at 15. These days I suffer from constant frustration at not having enough time to sew for myself. I have to say sourcing fabrics has become increasingly difficult over the years as fabric departments and shops have gradually closed down.</p> <p>&nbsp;The trench pattern you've shown looks great,&nbsp; I guessed it was a Marfy, though I've never used them. I have actually been on the lookout for the perfect purple trench coat fabric for ages, I'm after a cotton with a glazed effect in purple. Sometimes I have a specific fabric in mind for something and trawl the internet etc and other times I may see a fabric and it sparks off an idea. I use Vogue, Butterick, Simplicity, KwikSew, Burda, Mcalls and New Look patterns, but often I just use bits of patterns and make my own designs and adaptations. 5 years ago I did a diploma in pattern cutting and design and found it really useful.</p> <p>The influence of YLF has helped me no end in discovering trends I want to try and then I look for fabrics to get the look I want, sometimes adding my own spin on it. I was lucky to find a nice gunmetal grey wool last week and I want to make a J Crew type Pea coat&nbsp;like some of the lovely fabbers are wearing lately.</p> <p>You said that the dress your bf made was not your current style. I find that you do have to cherry pick patterns created for sewing as I find they aren't always absolutely fashion forward and also you do need a good imagination to visualise what a drawing will look like when it's made up. Maybe you should use images from fashion magazines as a starting point and then search for a pattern that is close to it and could be adapted. I do this a lot.</p> <p>Also try on styles in shops and see what fabrics they have used. Not always so easy to replicate fabrics though, but you get a good idea of what's used.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081088 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:24:32 +0000 froggiebecky 1081088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew, too, and have taught a few friends to sew as well...or walked them through a pattern, at least. I've got 2 sewing goals--I'd like to make my entire wardrobe one day, and I'd like to make a Chanel jacket. (It's possible to order fabric from the same house that produces their fabric) Since I don't have my machine with me right now, these goals are on hold... :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I would strongly recommend enrolling in a sewing class, and being patient with the project choices--you need to learn techniques, so don't worry about styles. I would also recommend getting a decent machine--really do your research, because there's a lot of junk to be had at the lower price points. I spent a lot of time fixing friends' junky machines--it's no fun struggling to learn when your machine is holding you back. Patternreview.com is a good resource--they have reviews of machines and patterns, and a search function. Do some research and get a machine you don't have to fight with.&nbsp;</p> <p>Unlike Firecracker, I prefer more structured things. This is partially because of my fashion preferences, and also because it appeals to my engineering side. I don't mind altering patterns or tackling complicated projects. That being said, I was also taught these things--one of my college jobs was drafting patterns for the a university theatre department...so I've taken courses in fitting, flat pattern drafting, corsetry (fitting and construction), and hat-making. Learning in a class (or from another person) is much easier.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I was actively sewing, I had a little notebook with rough estimates of how much fabric I needed to make any particular garment. I also had a list of garments I needed/wardrobe holes/things I just wanted to make. That way, if I was ever out shopping and I found a good fabric, I could consult and buy. This prevented over-buying, or buying without a purpose (which a lot of people struggle with)</p> <p>Also..you're never too young to learn. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081087 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:21:43 +0000 Lantana 1081087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been sewing all my life (long) and still consider myself an apprentice. I endorse all the above excellent advice and make the following suggestion: Deconstruction.<br /> Buy a little tool called a seam ripper and a range of clothing items. They need to be well made but inexpensive since you're going to pull them to pieces, so I suggest sourcing them from a thrift store.<br /> Now literally pick them apart.<br /> This process will reveal a great deal to you, not least why well made clothes are pricey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1081081 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 09:52:45 +0000 RunswithDolphins 1081081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems that sewing is becoming popular again.&nbsp; Where I live more sewing classes are popping up every day.&nbsp; Maybe you could start checking that out in your area.&nbsp; Definitely start&nbsp; with something fairly simple like a skirt.&nbsp; If you wander around a fabric store it's hard to be attracted to a beautiful fabric and maybe that will give you inspiration.&nbsp; Sometimes if the fabric is a bit pricey it's a good idea to try a mock up in a cheaper fabric to see if you like the style on you first.&nbsp; Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080975 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:58:57 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1080975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, after the book I wrote above I thought I should add: I get a LOT of ideas about what styles I want to make by reading YLF and trying on clothes in stores. I also get a lot of info about what fabrics to use by shopping in stores and online. I read content labels almost compulsively. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080973 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:51:38 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1080973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Amy K-- so you have a boyfriend who sews for you, and you are interested in sewing for yourself as well? Or you are wanting to know what's involved in his sewing for you? Either way, the questions you ask are good ones to consider before jumping into a sewing project.</p> <p>I guess I do sew for a living, in a sense, as Angie asked; I sell sewing machines and teach sewing classes. But I still feel like the sewing I do is mainly for myself and for my own pleasure. </p> <p>Sewing takes a lot of time. There are patterns out there that say "1 hour" or "2 hours," but I find nothing goes together that quickly until I've tested the pattern and altered it to fit me. And I second everything Amy says above. My process, once I find a pattern and fabric I want to make up, is to test the pattern by making it in a similar fabric to my "final" fabric, seeing how it turns out and whether I do want to continue with the pattern or not. And I make alterations to the pattern, based on my test. These changes are first for fit and often also for style (I want to change the sleeve or where the waist hits or something like that). </p> <p>How to decide what to sew and what to buy: I sew 1) what I <i>can</i> (i.e., what's within my capabilities, 2) what I <i>want</i> to spend my time sewing, and 3) what I can't buy more easily or readily. So, for example, I don't sew my own jeans, although I'm sure I could if I put my mind to it; per #3, I can find them more readily in the store. I know some women who just can't get the fit they want in jeans, so they make theirs. I love to sew knit t-shirts in various styles that I like to wear, because knits are easy for me to fit and sew, and I can get unique tops that suit my wardrobe and that I would never find in the store. I like to sew clothes that are relatively unstructured (hence, easy to fit, less time involved in the pattern-testing) and that mimic pieces I could not afford to buy. While it's true that you don't save money by making your clothes, in the way we used to do while I was growing up, I find that there's a point at which you can save money by sewing; last year I made a coat inspired by one I saw online for around $2,000.</p> <p>Like Amy, I love the creative process of sewing. I learned to sew from my mother, and I've been sewing since I was a teenager, off and on. But there's a fair amount of what I sew that does not see the light of day outside my sewing room. Much of the unworn sewing is test garments, but there are a lot of things that just don't come out the way I envisioned them. Sometimes I adjust my desires to fit what I ended up with; sometimes I turn "mistakes" into "design opportunities." And sometimes I just end up tossing a garment in the donate pile and chalking it up to the product of a day spent doing what I love to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080944 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 03:45:30 +0000 Karie 1080944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew. I don't usually say when I've made something, as I am a bit bashful about it since my sewing skills aren't that great. I would steer clear of Marfy patterns (and I'm not a beginner) - they are hard to follow and assume your skills are advanced. Simplicity, Butterick, and McCall's are your best bets for patterns. Look for their easy-to-sew lines. Simplicity makes several "How to Sew" patterns.<br />I would take a sewing class first to see if this is something you really want to pursue. Sewing is fun and rewarding, but it can be time consuming and frustrating when things don't turn out as you'd hoped. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080922 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 02:53:51 +0000 Carla 1080922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew and knit, though much more when DS's were younger (wanted colourful and fun clothes vs boring stuff that was usually available for boys) and fanciful costumes every Halloween. Also special shirts for DH and fancy dress for myself (best was a lined velvet sheath dress with beading around the neckline for 40th birthday and that Christmas.). Converted my sister's wedding dress into a cocktail dress, and a baptism gown for her first born with the remnants. Used to make dresses for nieces x 5 every Christmas for years. I've also had pictures of quilts I've made in 'Quilter's Newsletter' magazine. </p> <p>Mostly do alterations or some customization for DS's and DH, and a bit for myself. Haven't made a complete garment from scratch in a while, but can really appreciate what goes in to such a project. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080901 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 02:22:57 +0000 Alexandra 1080901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew (and knit) as a hobby. It's fun and it allows me to have the clothes I want in the colors and shapes I like. Sewing is not difficult, the learning curve is quite gentle, especially if you have a can-do attitude. Fitting is a separate skill, a bit more difficult for many, but there are excellent books and videos on the subject to help you along the way.</p> <p>The process consists of patternwork (selection, fitting, adjustments) and the actual sewing. Most, if not all, patterns have suggestions for fabrics that will work well. This can help you with fabric selection, as can fabric swatches from online vendors. Once your pattern is ready, you cut the fabric and start sewing. Sewing is easy and doesn't take long. The part that can slow you down is pressing (with an iron). </p> <p>Once you have a pattern that fits, you can just add different details (collars, cuffs, various necklines, etc) without having to spend much time on patternwork. This way you can churn out many variations on one pattern in a fairly short time, and with different fabrics, no one will know it's the same pattern.</p> <p>Some people like to start with the fabric and select the right pattern for it. Other start with a pattern and look for the right fabric. Still others are inspired by RTW and look for both a pattern and a fabric to replicate the effect they liked. It depends on what you want.</p> <p>Hope this helps.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080869 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 01:33:21 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1080869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do, although recently I do more buying of sewing stuff than I actually sew. I don't have a serger and I'm not that good at complicated garments yet, so mostly I make simple knit tops, pjs, that sort of thing. I try to buy fabric and patterns with my limitations in mind, but I do get a little over ambitious at times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080864 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 01:26:12 +0000 Amy 1080864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was a Stay at home mom, I sewed and knit all of my clothes. Sewing can be very rewarding, from being able to select the materials you want, altering for fit and style; however, it can be time-consuming and as-expensive or even more expensive than buying ready to wear. </p> <p>I LOVE the creative process. I'm ok with a certain amount of failure too. It's a learning process. </p> <p>Before investing in a sewing machine or anything like that, I would suggest enrolling in sewing classes. Some places have studios already set up with machines which you can try out. Also, be open to sewing something as a learning project that may not be your style. They are often selected based on the techniques required to complete them.</p> <p>Sewing a trench coat would not be a beginner project, especially from a Marfy patterns. They are complicated, involve advanced techniques and thei instructions often assume you know a certain amount.</p> <p>To make things that fit well, you may have to sew multiple iterations of an item. I usually sew a "muslin" or "toile" of a garment out of cheap fabric, and once I have the alterations figured out, I'll sew it out of the fashion fabric.</p> <p>How long it takes varies with the item. An unlined a-line skirt can take a couple of hours. A tailored jacket can take weeks.</p> <p>I buy fabrics locally, but a good fashion fabric store is a rather rare thing these days. Most are filled with quilting fabrics. Good online sources include fabric.com, vogue fabrics, gorgeous fabrics, Emma one sock, mood and sawyer brook. Inter facings are important.</p> <p>I usually choose patterns based on what I want to wear. Sometimes, I have a piece of fabric that dictates what it should become, so I look out for suitable patterns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080862 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 01:23:01 +0000 Aquamarine 1080862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can sew but have not done so in a long time. I don't have a dedicated sewing area so have to set up everything (machine, ironing board, etc.) each time and then put it all away so it kind of killed my mojo. </p> <p>Currently I prefer knitting because it is more portable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080857 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 01:13:43 +0000 RunswithDolphins 1080857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to sew a lot, mostly out of necessity.&nbsp; In fact my first full time job was in a fabric store.&nbsp; In the early '70s I designed and made my wedding dress and also the bridesmaid gowns.&nbsp; Then as a young mom in the '80s my kids would draw a picture of the costume they wanted for hallowe's and I would figure out how to make it.&nbsp; I've made more tutus for entire ballet recitals than I care to remember! Over the&nbsp; years though I've fallen off the wagon.&nbsp; I still sometimes look at a $200 skirt and figure out the amount of fabric and the simplicity of the design and think that I should get back to it.&nbsp; I still own my original Bernina machine and the serger from the tutu years.&nbsp; I've recently been contemplating retirement and am considering getting the machines overhauled and trying my hand at it again.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080795 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:50:13 +0000 Deborah 1080795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hijack, but Amy what has inspired you to make your own bras? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080785 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:37:12 +0000 carter 1080785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking forward to following this thread. I hope folks will post pics of some of the things they've made. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080770 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:28:42 +0000 amiable 1080770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew (Deborah mentioned so), but just as a hobby (and it's rather occasional). &nbsp;I alter a fair amount of my clothes, but don't sew originals very often. &nbsp;I'm currently perfecting making-my-own bras. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080767 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:21:00 +0000 MuseumGal 1080767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew, although not as nearly as much as I'd like to for the last several years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080757 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:14:00 +0000 Vildy 1080757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure what teddy fur is but sewing with faux fur fabrics with a pile is a bitch. You have to make sure that every bit of the fur is not swallowed into the seam. Or tease it out again carefully. ugh </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080756 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:13:25 +0000 Angie 1080756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane G sews for a living, and so does Firecracker - I think? Amy sews quite a bit and Diana knits up a storm. I'm sure they will chime soon.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080752 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:10:59 +0000 karymk 1080752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry! You can get a simple sewing machine pretty inexpensively. I have never had a fancy machine an still have cranked out so much. I cheat in that i take the garment i am making to the tailors to get buttonholes and hems. </p> <p>Do you think you will try to sew? You could easily start with a simple teddy fur jacket along the lines of Topshop. </p> <p>Good Luck!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-who-sews#post-1080751 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 23:07:49 +0000 karymk 1080751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sew. I have to be really motivated and ready to be patient. But picking a basic style in a shift dress or top isnt too hard to construct and can usually be made up pretty fast. The best part of sewing is looking at gorgeous fabrics and trims! My best thing lately was a simple tunic style dress, very jackie kennedy, in a pink and white hibiscus floral print by oscar de la renta. I took a lot of care to do a good job, and i really love it. </p> <p>Sometimes if i cant find what i am looking for in the shops (say its an off year for a favorite color) i try and find a similar pattern. </p> <p>Sewing has been a lifelong hobby, but I am still not that great. I know if i invested more time and took some classes, i could get better at modifying patterns and learning new techniques for fit, etc. </p> <p>You can get a simple sewing machine f </p>