sewing, dress pattern question

elpgal

I am learning how to sew in curves and want to attempt something more than curtains or cushion covers. I would like to be able to sew a simple loosely-fitted lounge dress.

I have been reading about it and so far, I have figured out that I need to choose a printed fabric (to better conceal mistakes), no checks or stripes in cotton (not jersey) for ease of sewing.

I am stuck when it comes to patterns and I was hoping some of you talented seamstresses could weigh in here. Joanns has piles of patterns. Is there a brand that is better than others? Are there simple patterns you can recommend?

14 years ago

General

8 replies

Latest reply was from Lynne

Queen Mum

Veteran

most of the pattern companies have an "easy": line. Look in the pattern books and you should find a section that is labeled such

for McCalls, look at their "stitch n save"
http://mccallpattern.mccall.co.....php?list=0

Butterick is see n sew
http://butterick.mccall.com/se.....es-678.php

Simplicity
http://www.simplicity.com/c-160-its-so-easy.aspx

and I can't remember what they are called, but there is usually a circle rack in the pattern department with an easy type pattern line.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

if you see a pattern that interests you, post it here and perhaps the seamstresses can take a look and let you know if it looks easy or complicated.

14 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Kim, Thank you; I was hoping you'd weigh in.

I like the coral and the white dresses from Butterick. Do these sound good?

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14 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

Congrats on taking your sewing to the next level! You will love it, I am sure. I agree with you re stripes and plaids, unless the print is very fine (say, a 5mm stripe that you would never try to match). FWIW, I think the white dress will be easiest to do first, and the coral top second, as the top has the obvious facing on the neckline that sits just under your face. Where you will scrutinize it endlessly :). Can't wait to see these!

14 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Good catch, Lynne. The white dress does not have sleeves; not sure if that makes it easier or more difficult.

14 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Does the white/print dress have a fitted waist and a zipper? If so I'd say the tunic would be much easier. All of the Big 4 (Simplicity, Butterick, Vogue, McCalls) have a similar fit, and tend to run a bit bigger than the measurements on the back would actually suggest. Do you have a hard figure to fit? If not, any of them will probably work fine for a loose unfitted dress.

The simplest dress to try would: be made for wovens, not knit; no sleeves or cut-on sleeves, pull on over the head (no zippers/buttons), and have minimal seams.

I made New Look 6803 a while ago (version A) and I think it could be a good choice.
Here's a few more NLs that could work - or look for similar styles in whatever line you choose. 6001, 6022, 6866.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

Elpgal- Do you have a friend who can help you with a zipper? If not, I think I'd suggest that you start with a zipperless pattern. The New Looks that Laura linked to all look good.

14 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

I suspect the neckline and sleeve facings on the dress will be more forgiving than the facing on the tunic, where you need the two sides to align.....but really, I am sure you will be fine with either :). I learnt to sew by following pattern directions - they're usually quite good. Have fun!

14 years ago

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