Good Sewing Websites/Forums?

[Jenlaana]

I'm still hunting for a sundress pattern so was wondering if anyone knew of a really great sewing forum/website for me to continue my search at? Thanks!!

[sabrinat]

I don't recall, were you looking for one for you or a child? If for you I'd say patternreview.com ( you don't have to join to look a some stuff) or if you want something for a child I'd start by checking out sewingmamas.com (you have to join, tell them sabrinat sent you

[Jenlaana]

for me I'm pregnant so suddenly need very comfy clothes in a few sizes larger than what I wear atm. Thanks!

I'll check out that forum, and the other one too since I'd love to make something for my DD with smaller amts of material

[art4babies]

I use eBay for ideas.

[Earthy Mama]

Can you do shirring with elastic thread? If so,

Cut two rectangles of fabric, as long as you want the dress to be plus hemming.
And each piece will be your bust/2+10" or add more or less " depending on how much gathering you want. Hand wind elastic thread on the bobbin. Sew rows of stitches about an inch down from top and at 1 inch intervals down as low as you want (usually a few rows under the breasts). Add straps and hem top and bottom! Voila! Nice shirred full skirted sundress!!

Like this!

[Jenlaana]

I havent tried shirring yet but it didnt seem *too* hard. I did have trouble finding elastic thread last time I hit the craft shop but maybe I was looking in the wrong spot.

I'm going to the store tonight for fabric so maybe I can find it. Thanks for the tutorial! I added it to my favorites to give it a whirl. I just feel like I"m getting bigger and bigger and so far my attempts at handmade dresses have yielded comfy but not acceptable for public wear kinda outfits.

[Earthy Mama]

I forgot one important step: attach the front and back panels together!!!

And shirring is super easy. Seriously.

[Upside]

Sewing Mamas is a reallly fun forum I just joined. I don't know what all they have in the way of patterns, but everyone has been really great responding to my beginner's questions....

[p.s]

hugs