Anyone sew for themselves?

[chrfath]

I am really tired of wearing jeans all the time. I want some comfortable clothes.

Does anyone have any favorite patterns, website, what have you for making clothes for mama's?

I don't know if I want skirts, I am chasing a toddler all day and we go for bike rides when the weather is nice. Hmm, but maybe some would be nice.

Sorry for rambling.

Thanks!

[CrunchySheba]

If I can't find a pattern for something, I'll use what I want a clone of and make it from that. I made a fluttery skirt recently by measuring the pannels carefully and with no pattern.
I don't know about jeans because those tend to be fitted and more detailed, but if you don't mind "pajama"-style drawstring pants, Simplicity has some patterns (I made a couple pairs from their patterns a few years ago--get the next size up, though, if you don't want them giving you a butt-lift! :P).

[fibre_artist]

Check out Jalie patterns http://www.jalie.com/ - well designed, casual patterns that are usually in sizes from childrens to plus all in one package. You have to trace them off, but being able to use them for everybody sure makes the cost a lot less. I've made the 2005 t-shirt about 10 or 15 times with different neck shapes and sleeve lengths - it's my favourite. The bootleg 'jean' pattern works great in twill/khaki too.

[chumani]

I sew a lot of what my kids and I wear, even some of dh's wardrobe. I am getting started on 4 summer maternity dresses for me. http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4...ternity&page=2 Summer here is SO HOT (110+)! I have made my own capri's, skirts, nursing shirts (most patterns are really easy to modify) and for the kids, shorts, capris, shirts, dresses, skirts, diapers, covers etc. etc. I LOVE sewing.

My best tip for frugal patterns is to keep a list of pattern #'s you like and when Joanns has them for $.99 I stock up. I now have patterns in every size range and style from birth to adult. I am always on the lookout for new patterns though.

Have fun sewing!
Sarah

[auntieM]

Ottobre released it's first issue of patterns solely for women. I have not made any of them, but like several. I've enjoyed sewing the children's patterns I've attempted.

http://www.ottobredesign.com/

[Janessa]

I just made my first couple of shirts from ottobre's womens edition and am very impressed so far.

pictures not great but it's the best fitting t-shirt I've sewn so far
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2.../Sewing117.jpg
family4 if you need a password lol

[mehndi mama]

My not-so-spendy pattern favorite is New Look - you get nice styles, and the techniques aren't overly complicated.
My all-time favorite is Kwik Sew, though. And they have patterns for jeans, undies, jean jackets....all sewn using professional time-saving industry techniques.

[AinNJ]

Originally Posted by mehndi mama

My all-time favorite is Kwik Sew, though. And they have patterns for jeans, undies, jean jackets....all sewn using professional time-saving industry techniques.

Kwik Sew is one of the few patterns I haven't tried! You really like them that much? Oh Poo!! Now I have to go out and buy a new pattern! LOL!!

I really like New Look patterns too. Cute, trendy, easy to stitch. this has got to be my favorite shirt pattern! It's really simple to stitch and it looks great. It's just a basic, no-nonsense shirt pattern.

[ladywolf]

My favorite pants are actually the tap pant pattern from Folkwear patterns. I increased the inseam to match mine, put four buttons on the side, and make a larger facing.


Also, I will use other simple clothes for the basis of patterns, ie skirts. If I find a skirt I like, I have a tendency to use it as a pattern.

Depending on your style and what you are willing to pay for pattern and fabric, you can sew anything you can buy. Most of my clothes, even work, are homemade.

I find it very relaxing and fun, even if it is only five minutes a day of sewing.

[auntieM]

Originally Posted by ladywolf

My favorite pants are actually the tap pant pattern from Folkwear patterns. I increased the inseam to match mine, put four buttons on the side, and make a larger facing.

I found folkwear patterns, but couldn't find tap pants. Do you have a pattern number?

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your ideas. Janessa, thanks for the pic. I couldn't see a whole lot of detail, but what I saw looked nice.

[kozmickreations05]

Make it into what you want

I have been sewing handmade patchwork clothing and slings for 7 years now and my favorite way to make clothing fit and comfortable is to alter already made stuff! I take a pair of shorts that i like and put patches down the side...or I take dresses I see that I like and turn them into tops or even skirts. I cant use patterns they drive me bonkers!! I do out of my head have some basic instructions for making really flowy hippie skirts and apron tops if you are interested! I also can tell you a really easy way to make a nursing top that you would loooovvveee in the summer!

[mystic~mama]

Originally Posted by kozmickreations05

I have been sewing handmade patchwork clothing and slings for 7 years now and my favorite way to make clothing fit and comfortable is to alter already made stuff! I take a pair of shorts that i like and put patches down the side...or I take dresses I see that I like and turn them into tops or even skirts. I cant use patterns they drive me bonkers!! I do out of my head have some basic instructions for making really flowy hippie skirts and apron tops if you are interested! I also can tell you a really easy way to make a nursing top that you would loooovvveee in the summer!

i'd love to hear about the nursing top

[p.s]

I've mentioned this before, but my favorite website for ideas of what people are making is www.patternreview.com.

I love Loes Hinse and her less formal line, Textile studios, patterns, easy peasy to sew and so very comfortable. The patterns are on the pricey side though, and I haven't figured out a way to get them cheaper. But for the way they look, and easy in construction, I think they're very worth it.

One line I've looked at but never got around to buying is brown paper bag patterns. Check out patternreview's favorite patterns section.