Finished DD's Cinderella dress yesterday. She preferred hugging it to wearing it, but now that it's hemmed to her height, I'm hoping she'll enjoy wearing it more. I know this will be a dress-up staple for a couple years!
Rather than follow the tutorial for the bodice like I did with the Belle dress, I used the Scientific Seamstress Precious pattern for the bodice--though without a printer. I had to just measure the screen (with proper scaling) and draw the lines. I must have accidentally cut on the empire waist measurement, b/c it was way too short. A simple band fixed that (folded over with interfacing to thicken/substantiate). I'm happy but do plan to try my hand at a better one this spring. The hem is bubbly (haven't pressed to see if that'll help) and it's big. I'm hoping to make a truly beautiful gown for WDW in May. Thanks for looking!
Warning: I had coffee after dinner. No sleeping for me, so this turned into a book. I'll highlight the important bits in case you want to skip the commentary.
First thing I would do is just play with the machine. Get some cheap fabric (no slippery stuff, no velvet, nothing too stiff, stretchy, or sheer) and make some rectangles. Then stitch the rectangles into pillow cases (not necessarily as large as a regular pillow). Turn them right side out, and look at your stitches; if they look wonky or pull apart easily, or you get a mess on one side of the fabric, get someone to condition the machine for you (clean, oil, set the tensions, etc.). You do not want to try to learn to sew on a problem machine.
Once you are happy with the machine, there are a few things you will need to get started.
Scissors: get a nice pair of approx. 8 in. bladed ones (maybe $20 to $30 dollar range - better yet, check for sales at your local big fabric store or use a coupon so you can get those nice ones for about $15). Now HIDE them. Do not let anyone use them for anything other than fabric. Write on them with a permanent marker, tie a ribbon on them, heck, buy a lock for them, do whatever it takes. Using my fabric scissors is a hanging offense around here.
Also get a small pair for snipping threads. These don't need to be expensive, as long as they are sharp. I like the U shaped ones you just squeeze.
Eventually you'll want a rotary cutter and mat, but they aren't really necessary at first. If you decide to do quilting where you cut lots of tiny little pieces, then you'll want them.
Sewing machine needles: Start with general purpose needles. You only really need the different types if you start doing specialty sewing or using difficult fabrics.
I used to only change my sewing machine needle when it broke. Since I started doing quilting and embroidering, I've learned that a sharp needle makes a big difference. Keep extras on hand so that if your previously well behaved machine suddenly starts breaking threads or making bird's nests you can change out the needle.
Thread: Buy good all purpose thread. It doesn't have to be the super expensive specialty thread - Coats and Clark is fine. Just don't buy thread out of the bargain bin or at the dollar store. You will regret it. Also if it is shiny or silky looking it is most likely embroidery thread. You can sew with it, but it tends to break more easily - a hassle you don't need.
You don't really need lots of colors to start with (gasp, thread buying is addicting)- if you aren't going to be top stitching you can get by with black, white, tan, and some primary colors. Once you start making things you really care about, you'll want to match your fabric a little better and fill up bins with your various colors, shades, thicknesses, textures, types, etc.
Straight pins: I like glass headed ones, but the ones with plastic balls are fine as long as you don't iron them. You don't want ones with no heads, they will kill your fingers. And stay away from the cute ones, they often have bad tips and/or burrs or bend too easily. (BTW if you bend one, throw it away. They'll cause you all sorts of problems, and somehow, the bent ones are always the ones you grab first.)
Ok, now some easy stuff: Vinyl Tape measure, seam ripper (sorry, you're going to need this. We all still do), marking pencil or pen (chalk style or disappearing ink), and an iron if you don't have one.
As for dungarees, it depends on what you mean by that. If you mean heavy denim with a fly, a zipper, pockets and lots of top stitching, I would not start there. If you just mean some easy, comfy pants, that will probably work fine. Pajama pants, a simple skirt, an apron, or a bag of some kind are some other good starting projects.
The patterns you can buy at the store are often complicated and use jargon that they don't explain. Patterns you find for free on-line sometimes are sketchy and leave steps out. I hear lots of good things about youcanmakethis.com Clear instructions, lots of pics, and a bit of humor. They have some free ones you could get started on; then if you like the way they do patterns, you can go for something a little more advanced.
Have fun and post some pics of what you make!
As usual - thanks for letting me share!
D~
here is some of the sewing I did for this trip, we leave Sunday, only 3 park days.....my spouse is not as into WDW as I, so I'm just happy to go while DD #1 is 5! so a great age! I did do some boy tshirts (applique) but his are already packed and I wasn't going to look for them.
DD4 is obsessed with animals....and Lady and the Tramp!
Princess Costumes.....double as Halloween Costumes when we get back! Simple Sweet, easy fit capris, and Portrait Peasant size 1/2...so tiny!
I found a new blanks supplier for girls shirts.....blanks boutique....love them since Walmart is always out...Jiffy's girls' shirts seem to run short....and my girls are long in the belly.
The romper pattern took a little longer than I normally like. but its so cute on. I wanted to make more of those but afraid it would've been cold and then unable to wear them all (it has an open back with x straps).
I have to share this funny moment from last night. I was planning on having DS wear a costume I made for DD two years ago for Halloween. I decided to try it on him last night to see if alterations were needed, and he HATED it. So that plan is out. BUT DD decided she had to try it on. So I let her, thinking how am I going to explain to her why it doesn't fit. And she actually squeezed herself into it. And she LOVES it. She could hardly lift her arms and the legs are about 3 inches to short, but that didn't matter at all to her. So, looks like I'm making alterations after all - but to make it bigger not smaller.
pyrxtc said:
sewdisney said:
Hi D!!!! I can't keep up on your TR anymore, I keep trying, but its sooo much right now, don't know how you do it. I had my second miscarriage last month and am having a hard time doing more than the necassary. I hope to sew my daughter a dress soon. I missed out on your bags due to silly unreliable internet at work. BooDMGeurts said:Everything posted recently is fantastic!!! I really need to get caught up here!
Sorry if any of these are duplicates...
Here's a few of my latest bags...
And then I made a DRESS!!!! Yes, me, I made a dress! Can you belive it???? I had been hoarding this fabric since I first began sewing 3 years ago... I loved it so much - but I had no idea what to make with it.
When youngest dd was searching for a pattern for her next custom, she found a vintage type pattern maker (you all know how I feel about vintage... LOL) - so I ordered dd's pattern and a few for myself...
My oldest dd took me out for a photoshoot on Sunday - who btw - has become quite the photographer since getting her camera for Christmas last year... DD is 15 y/o.
So, I just had to share a few of these pictures with you - if you want to see more, I have a TON posted in my TR (link in my siggy)...
As usual - thanks for letting me share!
D~
maybe next time. Unless I actually get around to making my own bag. These bags are awesome!!!!! Love the Lady bag the best!!! Glad you had a great time at wdw. The dress is awesome!!!!!! And your daughter took amazing photos!!!Meshell2002 said:
livndisney said:
PurpleEars said:
I would love to see them, I am sorry a misunderstanding is keeping you from posting. BTW, I tried making bows once, and it was not easy at all, I have a lot of admiration for those of you that can make them.
I'm a 32C in bra size.
do i have a bust.......not really!
Hi everyone.
So I just finished my first ever attempt at sewing and LOVED it!! I've been a long time lurker to these threads and always said I'd try it but never have!
Anyway I picked up some material from a local fabric shop and chose a pattern! Here's the results as modeled by my little princess!
I'm pretty pleased, I think it's wearable and everything!!
So I'm doing a second practice piece and I've ordered my Disney fabric!! Nowhere in the uk seems to have the designs available in the us so I ended up ordering from eBay USA and having it shipped over!! Believe it or not compared to what we pay over here it wasn't that bad even with shipping!! The wait is going to kill me!!!
Sorry for posting non-Disney pics but I wanted to share! After looking at all of your beautiful creations over the last few years I was inspired by all of you to just go for it and try out sewing!! I think you may have all helped me find something new to love!!!
