I've wanted to sew my own clothing for a while now, but haven't ever gotten up the nerve to do it. I have childhood memories of pins and tissue-paper patterns, chalk and scissors, scraps and threads littering the kitchen as Mommy made a pair of pants or a skirt. She never did a shirt, because they were much more time consuming and complicated than leg coverings.
I've selected my first project, and it is indeed a shirt. A button down with a collar and set in sleeves and it looks very complex. (I figured that I should make something I'm going to actually wear.) Although I've already cut out and marked the pieces, I'm finding the array of triangles, circles, x's and squares, not to mention the notches and lines for aligning and centering, overwhelming. What are they all for? Why so many different symbols? And how the heck do you accurately transfer those markings? I think I've managed it, but we'll see for sure when I finish the shirt.
On top of all of that, there are almost 100 individual steps, accompanied by illustrations meant to clarify but which simply confuse. Terminology that I don't understand. Phrases that inspire fear. And I haven't even threaded my machine yet.
I spent $10 on the pattern and a bit more than that on material and notions. Miguel said, "If you wanted a shirt, I would've bought you one. It would have cost less." ::sigh:: I'm beginning to think I should have done just that. . . .
Well, I'll let you know how it turns out. . .maybe you'll see a picture of me in my new shirt one day soon!
4 comments:
Sure, it's cheaper to buy a shirt. But this way, when someone says, "What a lovely shirt!", you'll have a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing you made it yourself.
Patterns are terribly confusing in my experience. It's okay. Just plug along, doing the next thing. Revel in the wonder as you turn it right side out and think hey, it worked! I made doll dresses for the girls last christmas, and I was amazed everytime that it actually worked. It never seems like it should.
I hope you have better luch than the "Puffy Shirt" of Seinfeld fame!
Just kidding...I am sure it will turn out fine. My advice is to measure yourself and go by the measurements, not the size you usually wear. I made a dress and was certain a 10 would fit, as that is what I wear in the store. It was way too small.
Yes . . . I agree with Jessie. The mot scary part of clothing for me is figuring out the right size. It's such a shame to go to all that work and finish a beautiful shirt only to find it doesn't fit you!
I've made a few things that one is supposed to wear ( I have this great pattern for a jacket!) and I, too, was overwhelmed by the array of symbols they use. But, amazingly, it really does work. Just have faith in the pattern!
Good Luck!
Patterns...well, I've been known to read those like "more like guidelines" to quote my most recent favorite Pirate movie.
And yeah, they are so expensive, so be sure to pick something you think you might like to make more than once so you's get your money's worth.
But it's good to be a do it yourselfer, and even if it doesn't turn out just perfect you'll be better for the effort and will gain some new skills you might not have had before.
Nice to meet you!
Susanna
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