make my own clothes

Another scarf, a little summer top and half a jumper. I’d like to make something my sewing machine for my holidays. I might try to knock together a circle skirt at the weekend…

I’ve made a lot of totally impractical things this week. A 100% wool hat and scarf, a furry shawl, and a couple of bags.

I’m just waiting for materials to arrive in the post now before I can start any new projects. I’ve got some cotton jersey arriving and lots of yarn. Damn my impatience!

I’m making a scarf. It is June. I should have my head examined.

I had a brilliant weekend on this; I made 2 bags – one drawstring, one with a gusset and a lining – and a skirt with a lining and a drawstring waist. They all look pretty amateurish but they’re good enough for hanging around the house/beach/park etc They’re all made of the same piece of yellow cotton covered in strawberries with various bits of red ribbon.

I’ve ordered 4 patterns online to make 3 dresses and a skirt. I’ll probably make a few more incredibly simple things before making them just to get some practice in. I’m thinking of a simple A-line dress, and a-line skirt and a cute strapless dress with ribbon ties.

Some progress: bought ‘Yeah, I Made It Myself’ which seems to be a really good guide to making very simple clothes for beginners. Got some cotton with little strawberries all over to make a skirt with, some lining material, yellow thread and a packet of hooks and eyes. I’m feeling really excited about this. I might leave it until the weekend when I can concentrate and not be tired until I start. Oh, and I’ve got a million ideas for the next dozen or so things i want to make!

I’m going to buy a sewing machine next week because I’ve got 3 pairs of curtains to turn up and I’m far too lazy to do it by hand.

It’d be a total waste if it went in a cupboard for year though so I’d like to put it to good use making clothes. I’d love to be able to make skirts and dresses in whatever fabric I liked too.

Once I’ve got the machine I’ll play around with it and see how comfortable I feel about making something (I’ve got some offcuts from the curtains to play with).

I’ll have a look around for evening classes too although I bet there’ll be more in autumn rather than over the summer…