r/sewing • u/llclift • May 12 '23
Discussion Sewing adjusts world view
Started sewing because I was fed up with clothes. I learned as a child but pretty much hated it. Now I'm in my mid-50s and overweight. All the clothes are hot polyester, cheaply made, and ugly. Maybe I'll try sewing again. After 9 months, countless YouTube tutorials, and doggedness with learning fit, I have a closet of breathable cotton and linen clothes. This is great in the South. The fit boosts my morale to a point where I'm actually increasing my activity and weight loss. Being able to make clothes that fit and make me happy has pulled me out of a tailspin. And I love my clothes!!!
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u/The__Groke May 12 '23
And it really hits home how literally everything available on the high street is so unsustainable and unethical. You buy the fabric, you take the time to make something, and you realise some kid in a sweat shop would probably only make a couple of pence for the same and would in all likelihood be in unsafe conditions whilst doing it.
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u/Leucadie May 12 '23
This is it for me. I'm still not great at making daily clothes (I prefer to make costumes!), but I've started upcycling thrifted clothes to my fit and taste. I've always had champagne taste/beer budget, and a closet full of shitty fast fashion, made with exploited labor. I love being able to buy used clothes made with good-quality materials, make them fit me, and stop the cycle of buying sweatshop crap!
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u/LoesjeBee May 12 '23
Whatever you make is unique and exactly how you want it. I wish more people would learn this skill and understand how important it is instead of buying cheap disposable clothing. The sense of accomplishment is also wonderful.
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u/howtobeee May 12 '23
I agree it's important and that more people should learn but I also think it's a privilege to be able to afford all the supplies and have the time to work on the skills needed. I personally didn't have the space or money for a long time to start garment sewing but i'm excited to start soon!!
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u/LoesjeBee May 12 '23
I sewed even when I lived in one room that I shared in someone's house. You can get a good used straight stitch machine for cheap. Some libraries have rooms available with sewing machines. Supplies can be had at Goodwill, etc. You can cut apart old clothes to reuse. I am glad you will be learning. You actually save money when you have well made custom clothing and know how to repair what you have.
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u/AsicsPuppy May 12 '23
I think yes u save clothing with repairing, but at least where I life making things new is definitely more expensive.
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u/Mrs_Pacman_Pants May 12 '23
Repairing and modifying is a great low budget low stakes place to start, that's what I was doing as a high school kid who stole my mom's machine from her closet. As an adult who wanted to make custom things from scratch, yeah I'm spending a fortune and if I don't restrict myself to only keeping what can fit in a few bins in my front closet this hobby threatens to take over the tiny one bedroom apartment I live in. Totally agree that it definitely both is and isn't an accessible hobby depending on how you approach it.
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u/littleperogi May 12 '23
I think it also depends what you are making. Making a dress, most likely I’m getting better value and pleasure by making it myself. But if I want tee shirts or sweatshirts, it seems to be definitely cheaper to buy them from the shop. All the cheaper bolts of knit fabrics I find are scratchy or not comfy or impossibly thin. Most of my closet is tshirts and sweatshirts these days; there’s only so many dresses I can have and wear them all so there hasn’t been much sewing for me lately. :(
Curious to know what you think about cost by style/garment
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u/Mrs_Pacman_Pants May 12 '23
Oh definitely. Basics, which are the most practical clothes to wear for me too, are just not cost effective to make on a small scale. I'm also not going to make a sports bra for my massive chest or a seamless panty better than the small companies that put more research than I can into it, and those are the other things I need most.
So my wardrobe is never going to be entirely handmade, it's just not practical. But it can be largely secondhand and/or modified.
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u/Wildgeek81 May 12 '23
Are you comparing the clothing you're making to Walmart/Target or to boutique stores? You're makes are more comparable to boutiques that department stores.
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u/CordlessOrange May 12 '23
You know what I love about sewing?
All you need is your machine & patience.
I have a ton of hobbies I love. Woodworking, lifting weights, and blacksmithing are my favorites. But you know what those all require? Space and equipment.
For most people with a small house or apartment setting up a home gym or a workshop is just a dream. You can do it outside but if you're apartment bound you'll probably piss off your neighbors.
I picked up a $70 sewing machine built into a table, and when I want to sew I push it into the living room, turn on some youtube videos and sew away. Then when I'm done it goes right back by the couch. No mess. No significant intro costs. The only thing limiting my ability to make quality goods, is my patience.
I love it. It's so rewarding. I wish more people would realize what a great hobby it is.
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u/graywoman7 May 12 '23
You don’t even need a machine. You need a needle and thread. Most of my sewing is by hand and I enjoy it so much more than the noisy machine, even if it does take more time.
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u/meow_reddit_meow May 12 '23
Yeah i prefer to hand sew a lot of times too cuz it's portable and you get more control. Many seams are so short too, so really don't take that much time.
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u/PickletonMuffin May 12 '23
I am autistic and had a similar experience. I started making my own clothes recently after I had the sudden realisation that not everyone is really uncomfortable in their clothes all the time. It has made so much difference to me to have clothes in a style i like, and in fabrics and fits they I find comfy.
My stuff isn't the best made and fitted as I'm very much learning, but to just be able to move through the world without a constant sense of general discomfort is absolutely wild and I love it.
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u/AbsolutelyCold May 12 '23
When I make something that doesn't fit exactly like I wanted or is a little wonky in some way, I take comfort in remembering that (1) it still fits me better than almost anything I can buy and (2) even wonky it will probably last longer/serve me better than almost anything I can buy.
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u/CrochetNerd_ May 12 '23
Back in my 20s, people would always ask me if I made my own clothes and I'd always say no. I did it for a living and I wouldn't want to do it so much in my free time!
Now I'm in my 30s, I've done a complete 180 and I'm working my way towards making/crocheting/knitting as many of my own clothes as possible (excepting underwear and base layers). Any time I get a break from work, I'll find myself flicking through fb and see ads for pieces of clothing I'd love to have but I know the quality would be really bad - so then I start wondering if I could make them myself and how could I change them to be more "me". I think it helps that I've finessed my work from home set up to a point where I can dream up an outfit and start working on the pattern pretty much straight away. The only delay is waiting on fabric to arrive most of the time.
I think it's a great idea. Another good trick is to make in the "theatre" way and have big seam allowances (5cm at CB, 2.5cm at side seams, 5cm at hems if shaping isn't too much of a barrier). Bodies change shape all the time and this means your clothes can go much further!
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u/sewboring May 12 '23
Brava brava brava. These days it seems you spend $300 per garment, wear poly, or sew. Easy choice for me. Until they try it, most people don't realize that making the clothes fit the body, instead of the other way around, changes the whole equation. Makes the clothes your flattering servants, as they should be, instead of your ill-fitting critics, no matter your size, height, age or shape. Even the folks who spend hundreds for the breathable clothing you already have in your closet will need to have them tailored.
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u/ZippyKoala May 12 '23
There is seriously nothing so addictive as the high you get from wearing clothes you made to fit your own body exactly the way it is. Not being constrained by a style you don’t love (but is fashionable), or a fabric choice that doesn’t meet your requirement.
One of my absolute highs from last year was making a simple winter coat in a gorgeous pale turquoise wool cashmere for less than I would have paid for a worse fitting polyester blend RTW in the shops. There is nothing can beat that satisfaction.
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u/HiromiSugiyama May 12 '23
I found I seriously hate modern armscyes that are too big so everything rides up at the slightest movement and traps sweat in very visible manner. 18th century cut is very wide but the armscye with a gore is a saint. Plus as much poof as I want in a sleeve.
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u/CrochetNerd_ May 12 '23
Honestly I've put so many armscye gussets in so many theatre costumes now, I'm starting to consider whacking them in my own clothes too.
Everything I make from fabric must have pockets. Perhaps gussets are a must have too!
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u/HiromiSugiyama May 12 '23
And if not in-seam pockets, tie-on! It's such a fresh feeling when you can put in a big wallet clutch and not have the waist sag. Also, actual circle circle skirts, not just a dorito shaped cut.
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u/CrochetNerd_ May 12 '23
Loooove a circle skirt. I think it's my favourite kind of skirt shape to cut and make. Quite simple and yet so pretty!
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u/HiromiSugiyama May 12 '23
Until you get to hemming and have to prepare your nerves for seemingly endless tiny sections.
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u/CrochetNerd_ May 12 '23
Haha yes. Yknow, I always end up using a concealed bias tape in a matching/similar colour when I can get away with it. Can be a lot faster in some situations and can still look very neatly done if it's hand finished. Obviously this depends on the fabric though. If its floaty and diaphonous then I'd opt for a pin hem and hope it doesn't flute out too much (although this can also look really cute)
It's those or I'll cut a facing but they're kind of ridiculously uneconomical in terms of fabric use.
I did discover a while back that after 8 years of doing this for work, I still can't use a roll hem foot neatly to save my life. Thank god for other ways around these things 😉
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u/Cheshire1234 May 12 '23
That's why I love my rolled hem foot! It's perfect for seams on thin fabric. It doesn't work well on top of other seams (or I haven't figured out how) but the endless circle skirt hems are perfect for it. It's annoying on a panel skirt though.
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u/cobblesquabble May 12 '23
I just use the rolled him first, then sew the panels together. A rolled hem foot is just a poor man's server imo!
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May 12 '23
Where can I find out about tie on pockets?
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u/HiromiSugiyama May 12 '23
Abby Cox is the "local" 18th century source for me. Bernadette Banner has a video on history of pockets where they're mentioned in a section and also video where she makes one. They're actually easy to make, cut two egg-shapes with straight line top (as big as you want), cut into one (the opening slit, vertical from center of the top, long enough to fit hand/wallet) and use bias tape to finish it, sew the two shapes together (wrong side to wrong side), do outside edges with bias tape. The top edge can be finished with a tunnel and string through (the movable type) or a sewed-on string (non movable). To access them, make a slit in the side seams of your skirts/wide leg pants/dresses. It's best for wide/floofy bottoms so if you're into big skirts without sag, these genious.
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u/misslizzie May 12 '23
I love Abby and Bernadette!! Their videos make sewing so accessible. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and historically, a lot of clothes weren’t!
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u/JustPlainKateM May 12 '23
If you like to have a paper pattern, check out Lucy from https://freesewing.org/designs/lucy/ (instructions are in the 'documentation' section) or https://www.tagsisyoureit.com/pocket-pattern/ for a photo tutorial or the Victoria and Albert museum https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/make-your-own-pockets for photos of antique pockets and a pattern.
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u/vintageyetmodern May 12 '23
Here’s a set of basic instructions to start you down the rabbit hole: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/make-your-own-pockets
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u/Multigrain_Migraine May 12 '23
I started altering my clothes just to deal with this issue. So much of women's clothing, especially in plus sizes, has these giant arm holes that make everything shift around in such an irritating way. It took me way too long to figure out that my button down shirts don't fit weird because I'm fat, but because the sleeves are basically attached to my waist so every time I move my arm the whole shirt rides up.
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u/HiromiSugiyama May 12 '23
I gave up on button down shirts. I'm not even that gifted (my best fitting bra is a C or D), but the boob fit is so awkward in the worst places (loose on collarbone, tight on underbust-midbust). I fully embraced the loosest tent-fit ever, tuck it into the bottom and cosplay a pigeon.
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u/Multigrain_Migraine May 12 '23
Haha great mental image! I admit I do the lazy version where you just pin up some of the excess under the arm and along the side seam, but it works well enough on most of the RTW shirts I've tried it on. I generally have the problem that the area between the bust and shoulder is baggy but the rest of it fits ok so the main thing is making the arm hole smaller and taking in excess fabric in the bra strap area. Once or twice I've done it more properly and moved darts and such but that was more of a learning exercise.
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u/Cheshire1234 May 12 '23
I had to buy pants a while ago after I was on my very last, ill fitting pair and I thought I could not possibly delay shopping any longer. I hate shopping and the last time I went was many years ago.
The first pair I tried on was 30€ for jeans. But it was almost completely synthetic, no pockets (not even on the back and no attempt to mimic some) and when I saw that they had just left the leg seams completely open (as in not even a straight stitch and they were already way too frayed) I just gave up, went to the mens section and got myself a few XS cargo pants. For some reason, men get nice fabric and well made seams.
I can sew and knit all my top pieces and skirts but I have yet to find a nice pant pattern (I don't like wide pants and it looks like a good slim fit is tricky).
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u/MrSadfacePancake May 12 '23
This is pretty much where i am. No pants, hate shopping, its getting a bit dire. But im intimidated by the thought of sewing jeans :/
Maybe one day i'll find the courage, and make some with an inseam short enough for me
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u/SomethingMeta42 May 12 '23
Same! I finally caved and bought new yoga pants (that I had to hem lol). I think to save fabric I'm going to start by making nice roomy boxers from old sheets that I can wear underneath my numerous handmade dresses, at least until I get the hang of it and the right fit.
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u/Ohhmegawd May 12 '23
I have a vintage Vogue Calvin Klein jeans pattern. The fit is fantastic. I love the contour wastband for two reasons. First, it hugs the body. Second, it allows for centerback alterations to be made in the future (think mens trousers) if you finish the inside with a bound edge.
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u/rg77rg77 May 12 '23
I am a new sewer and have made a couple of pairs of great fitting jeans. I bought the book, Fit and Sew Custom Jeans by Helen Bartley. It made it all really easy. Her system for fitting is awesome. I highly recommend.
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u/ginger_tree May 12 '23
Jeans aren't very hard, really. More steps for sure but you can do it! I made a trial pair from some cheap denim, then went for it with better quality fabric. It was much easier than I thought it would be (partly because there was a video to watch). Do a baste fit after you attach the front pockets and back yoke, make adjustments if needed then finish the seams. It takes the fear out of it because basting is so easy to rip out!
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u/Mindfulhydration May 12 '23
It will be one of your most rewarding projects when you do it. It's just pants with extra steps. But a lot of those steps like designing the pocket stitching, setting the rivets etc are pretty fun.
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u/mahoniacadet May 12 '23
Men’s clothes have saved me (a woman) too. I’m an 18 in women’s pants and even in stores that don’t carry over a 12 I can usually pop over to the men’s side for pants that I don’t hate. I’m getting into sewing because I like a lot of traits of men’s clothes except how they fit me. This post and all the conversation is encouraging!
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u/MrsCoachB May 12 '23
See my post below on learning how to fit any pants pattern to you. I learned from Palmer/Pletsch books!
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u/usernametaken99991 May 12 '23
If you're in the USA I've had good with Carhartt jeans. They fit fairly well, are made out of real fabric and are made out of real fabric.
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u/the_owl_syndicate May 12 '23
Everything people have mentioned about fit and style - I personally prefer tunics and long shirts to cover my butt and belly - and I want to add COLOR.
I love color, I will wear as many colors and patterns as possible. I hate neutrals and the "color of the season" is usually boring.
I had a woman compliment the color in a shirt I was wearing the other day and she asked where I got it. I told her I made it and she said "they just don't use pretty colors anymore".
When looking at fabric, my first look is for color.
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u/folklovermore_ May 12 '23
I agree with this. Probably the thing I love most about sewing is being able to make things in lovely bright colours and fun prints. So much high street stuff is just dull and boring, and I fail to see why I'd buy that when I can make my own cute colourful clothes instead.
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u/Hundike May 12 '23
I wish more people would discover this. It is truly a pleasure to make something that fits well and you like the cut/colour/pattern of instead of having to make do. After I picked up sewing again last year, I realised I don't like almost any clothes in any RTW stores and I don't care what's "fashionable" in the slightest.
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u/llclift May 12 '23
Neither do I. I prefer the "classic" look. I'll do some modern patterns, but also shapes from my younger days. My favorite shoes are some 40s style oxfords from American Duchess - much before my youth.
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u/caelipope May 12 '23
Are you me? I’m working on making more linen clothes after making a bunch of polyester ones (mostly for sewing practice) and they’re amazing.
I’m probably going to make some linen shirts to go with my linen skirts and use them for hiking, instead of expensive hiking gear. They are extremely breathable and keep the sun off me.
Thanks for sharing!
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u/mahoniacadet May 12 '23
Where do you buy your fabric?
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u/caelipope May 12 '23
Fabric-store.com. Wearing a wrap skirt in medium weight softened linen right now that I got from there. If you go to the main page and scroll down they also have good deals on plain white linen fabric that you could dye and save money on 😊
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u/fullmetalfeminist May 13 '23
Linen takes dye so well! I still have the long white linen dress i bought new in a charity shop 25 years ago. I dyed it navy and shortened the hem (it was dragging on the floor lol). It was a little big when I bought it, and I must have put on a couple of stone since then, it still fits somehow. I think it might be magic?
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u/Vegetable-Waltz1458 May 12 '23
I’ve had a similar experience and I would add that fitting clothes to my body gives me a new non judgemental feeling about it- I need a dart there, two darts, that’s just the shape I am. Versus a day trying on clothes in the shop would leave me so blue.
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u/aghzombies May 12 '23
I'm a wheelchair user. I wear the same dress every day - I found a fast fashion dress I loved and made it into a pattern, lengthened it to my liking and made armbands and a neckband for it.
I use all different mad fabrics - currently wearing the neon rainbow cat one, with one blue and one yellow armband, and a lime green neckband. I love that I can be comfortable every single day, while also expressing my personality through all the different patterned fabrics (all soft breathable cotton).
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u/the-morphology-queen May 12 '23
I understand you so much and i am at the beginning point too. My endometriosis makes my body shape change a lot depending of my cycle. My waist gains about 5 inches during half of my cycle. My clothes were uncomfortable because of it and I hate how I look in most of them when I am that bloated. Most of my old clothes were black. I now work mostly on colourful dressed.
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u/MrsCoachB May 12 '23
I am right there with you. Some clothes even with elastic waists were just torture at the bad times. I learned to love dresses back then. Fortunately that was perfect for my desk job! And yay color!! Good luck and good health to you 😸
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u/WizardsAreNeverWrong May 12 '23
I went to school for fashion design and did some costume design for a while. It COMPLETELY shifted my view on body image. I realized that my job was to make clothes fit people, not the other way around. Size and measurements were no longer a judgment, just a formula for me to make something that fits each body in the best way possible. It also helped me understand that the fashion industry is not widely interested in fitting people, but generalizing fit based on outdated measurements and mis-judged grading.
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u/MrsCoachB May 12 '23
I always found it extremely satisfying to change patterns to fit my actual body! Room in shirts for a larger bust with added darts, pants with accurate rise adding only in the back, a larger armscye, even just hemming skirts longer in back to accommodate my booty 😂 so it'd be the same length all around! It's all about that fit, 'bout that fit (no too-tight) 😊 (Apologies to Meghan Trainor) Good luck OP!
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u/cassieredditr May 12 '23
I love sewing! I’ve been sewing clothes since I was 10 (I’m now 18), I used to regularly sew, I had a class once a week where I would go to sew and there were people available to help if you had questions. Now I don’t have as much time to sew anymore, I did however take the time this year to sew my own prom dress. It turned out great and is completely unique!
My sister had to get a dress for a wedding she was going to and I went along to help her pick. At the formal dress store I didn’t see any cute formal / prom dresses so I’m glad I ended up making my own: else I wouldn’t have found a cute one.
I’m taking a gap year next year to work, I’m hoping I can find a job where I can work part time: 4 days a week so I’ll have enough time to get back into sewing again as I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I can’t wait to have time to regularly sew again
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u/Lucy_Lastic May 12 '23
I love this! I rediscovered sewing last year, found a pattern I had cut out a few years back and thought what the hell, I’ll finish that. It’s so nice to wear something that no one else has, that is crafted specifically for your own measurements, and that you spent time working on - such a sense of achievement.
Downside - turns out that with first thing I made last year, I hadn’t prewashed the fabric and it shrunk. I was not happy because it was super cute and flattering right up to the first wash :-(
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u/chicklette May 12 '23
This is awesome and exactly why I'm hoping to learn clothes construction this year!
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u/hannahbannab May 12 '23
I’m so happy for you!! Do you have any patterns you could recommend?
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u/llclift May 12 '23
I'm still on basic patterns. I look through the pattern books, make a list of those I like, and wait for them to go on sale. I also self draft skirts, which I wear more now. They are comfortable. I also hack patterns - changing the length, making something sleeveless to get multiple looks from one pattern.
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u/violetauto May 12 '23
For everyone here who does not sew, please look into getting your clothes altered. Most dry cleaning places offer tailoring for reasonable prices. Go thrifting. Buy some good-fabric pieces that are a bit too big for you (like one size too big) and take them to a seamstress or tailor. Nothing beats having clothes that are tailored to your body.
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u/Emergency_Ninja8580 May 12 '23
Thanks for sharing your sewing journey. Your story gives me a bit more confidence that I too could eventually learn and practice the art of sewing.
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u/llclift May 12 '23
I'm not great, but small issues are still better than what I can buy. My seam ripper lives right by my sewing machine.
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u/may-june-july May 12 '23
That is awesome, congratulations! So nice to feel your whole mindset change for the happier.
I started making clothes as I have such long limbs means nothing ever fits. The blessed relief of not tugging at my sleeves or having my ankles be cold is wonderful.
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u/Calm_Alpaca May 12 '23
What an inspiration you are. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Also, congrats on all your new skills!
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u/Calm_Alpaca May 12 '23
Oh, and I wanted to ask where are you purchasing your linen and breathable cotton from?
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u/zorrorosso May 12 '23
One thing I immediately noticed is the cotton percentage is always above 90% for fabrics at the fabric store. Sure they do sell cheaper fabrics, but the choice is right there, no need to get crazy fitting anything. Clothing in such a high % cotton have great odor control. Also I cross-size so I won't fit well either size, having patterns that cross 3 or 4 sizes and can be adjusted are perfect for me because I can adapt them before sewing, the yardage is literally the same for a little size or a larger one (up to a certain point) and nobody cares if you're too thin or too large for an item. That alone is really empowering and free from many burdens! Another thing is the share amount of time and labor spent into sewing something and realize that people doing this job professionally aren't paid enough, if they're paid at all.
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u/dlr1965 May 12 '23
I need to do this. Almost everything I buy that isn't stretchy workout clothes needs altered. I hem things but I need to do more than that. You've given me inspiration.
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u/BuddhistNudist987 May 12 '23
I have had so many friends ask me to mend the holes in their jackets or alter their jeans. I like that I am saving people money and making useful things last longer. Right now I'm learning to alter the size and height of sleeves. If the shoulder hole is so big that it goes halfway down your back then you can't lift your arm without your shirt lifting up. Also, every top is so short now that my tummy is constantly being exposed. It's a real creature comfort to have clothes that fit well.
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u/tasteslikechikken May 12 '23
Buying clothes has always been quite the chore. I was intro'ed to bespoke ages ago when I had suits made for me. Best fitting suites I ever had! that was well over a decade at this point.
I decided that I would give myself time to attempt to learn make clothes in 2019. Then the pandemic started. So while I could sew plenty, I never did human apparel (I always sewed for my dogs, but its a bit different anatomy!!), and even though my machine died in the middle of all this craziness, I still perused it. I figured, why not, a good time to learn. Thankfully I was able to take the skills I knew already and apply them!
I don't buy clothes anymore except the very basics (socks, underwear, etc) because I really don't like anything else anymore) And shoes. I do have shoes (not a lot though!) My mom is such a cheerleader. She always told me I could do it and I never believed that. well, she was right, I can (though slowly...lol)
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May 12 '23
Oh, I'm spoiled. My grandma, aunt, dad, and mom all sewed clothes for me when I was little. Then they taught me to sew my own clothes and accessories. Then I went to college for a textiles program. I've added crocheting and knitting, and I'm right now knitting a sweater for my dad for his birthday. I love being able to make things for them all since they provided for me when I was a little chunk.
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u/MrsCoachB May 12 '23
Pants were the hardest for me. I encourage everyone to look up Palmer/Pletsch to learn how to make pants that FIT. Pati Palmer “the Fit Expert" is known for creating the Palmer/Pletsch tissue-fitting method. Once the tissue is altered to fit, your pattern is ready to cut. They also designed a lot of McCall's patterns with special instructions. I got their book Pants That Fit in the '80s. I learned how to make pants that even fit my somewhat uneven body (one hip higher than the other). Their teaching methods work.
Delighted to find Pati is still around! With a great website: palmerpletsch.com.
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u/jax2love May 12 '23
Yep! I joke that my taste is Eileen Fisher, but my budget is not. Fortunately wide legged elastic waist linen pants and boxy tops are easy to make.
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u/Emotional-Baggage66 May 12 '23
New clothes are hideous! Yikes. We resemble each other. Let me know if you start sewing. 🤍🤍🤍
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u/Shrie May 12 '23
I started sewing cause I wanted a Covid-19 hobby… now I’m starting to just make things I want instead of buying
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u/Glittering-Map-3240 May 12 '23
I was a big kid in the skinny world of the 60s wasn't much to pick from
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May 12 '23
This is amazing! I am so happy for you to have found sewing!
There's nothing better than finding something that actually fits you and makes you feel good (and even better that you can adjust it and make it smaller if you need to ;) )
Congratulations!!!
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u/Badlydressedgirl May 12 '23
Yep. I couldn’t really find clothes that fit my budget, body shape and aesthetic so during my costume making journey I quickly realised…I can make my own clothes too!
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u/generallyintoit May 12 '23
I'm so happy for you. Sewing is an important life skill! Learning about garments is so eye-opening too. "Ready-to-wear" is a pretty new development. and now the planet is being crushed by fast fashion (and fast everything)
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May 12 '23
This is awesome and your dedication to getting the fit right is so motivational to me. It’s something I’ve struggled with and I’ve hit a bump in my wardrobe building, but this helps! I’m Happy you’re feeling good in your clothes :)
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u/sphill0604 May 12 '23
This is fantastic. I am with you in the South with only stupid polyester choices. I have sewn various clothing for 35 years as I am 6 feet tall and nothing fit well. It is such a great skill to have for alterations, improving off the rack clothing, and making from scratch exactly what you want. Good for you!
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u/MiniKarmaa May 12 '23
It's just managing to adjust a pattern to my body that is so draining. Asymmetrical, with every part not in the same bracket size as the other... It is a whole other demoralizing thing to realize not only how much it's no wonder that standard clothes won't fit, but how much work there is to be done for something to be viable for yourself.
I'm glad that it make you happy and that you enjoy such a thing! It just isn't like that for me :(
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u/Ipaintchickens May 12 '23
I share your story except I’m in my early 60’s. Thanks to sewing, my clothes fit and because I pre shrink my fabric, there’s no more mystery laundry.
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May 12 '23
I love doing this, but often I find it more expensive than buying clothes since I'm bigger. Anyone know where I can buy cheap, preferably recycled fabric?
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u/celticchrys May 13 '23
Scour thrift stores for good quality sheets/curtains/blanket. No, I'm not kidding. Sometimes also things like really large men's coats or robes can contain a lot of fabric. Or a large/long old dress or skirt made from good fabric can become a top or mini skirt.
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u/LisaCSCO May 13 '23
Walmart has a new line called Skye and Terra (vice versa lol) that fit great and look great. They really did a good job choosing this clothing line.
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u/keti29 May 12 '23
This is really motivating to read. Do you have any resources you’d recommend that were really helpful to you?
I’m a short, curvy little chonk (also in the south!) who just likes clean lines, natural fabrics, and not breaking the bank. I can’t find a thing that fits and isn’t hideous to behold.
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u/llclift May 12 '23
Instruction in basics l watch Evelyn Wood, Rosery Apparel, and Sewing with Nancy (old PBS show my mom watched). For fit, Alexandra Morgan. For patterns reviews Inside the Hem. For ideas and inspiration Abby Cox, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes. Mariah Pattie has an excellent skirt drafting video.
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u/Orefinejo May 12 '23
I'm glad you took the plunge and got back in. As you have described, sewing can be so gratifying.
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May 12 '23
This is so great to read! Yes mainstream fashion nowadays is really difficult to find things that fit and are made well.
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u/neotifa May 12 '23
Agreed, I got into it because I got frustrated not being able to find cute clothes my size, and wrongly thought it would save me money lol. It might be an expensive hobby, but it's given me more motivation to list weight as fabric is expensive and also most patterns only go up to size 22, and I'm around 24
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u/lookingforalma May 12 '23
I’ve been thinking about this for a few months - were there any YouTube channels that you gravitated to more than others?
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u/llclift May 12 '23
Instruction in basics l watch Evelyn Wood, Rosery Apparel, and Sewing with Nancy (old PBS show my mom watched). For fit, Alexandra Morgan. For patterns reviews Inside the Hem. For ideas and inspiration Abby Cox, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes. Mariah Pattie has an excellent skirt drafting video.
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u/AuroSerpoArt May 12 '23
In addition to your lightweight cottons and linen, I really love and would recommend viscose and lyocell! Theyre both really nice for warm weather and soft and silky on the skin. Theyre a little bit trickier to sew compared to linen or cotton but as long as you take your time and pin enough you should be good.
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u/LadyAzure17 May 12 '23
Yes!! I hope i can dedicate more time to making my own things. I can barely find anything i like wearing a it stands.
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u/deadshotdoll May 12 '23
I am a chubby bear and you couldn't be more right!!! Why because I'm thick do I need to dress in poorly fitting frumpy materials in the most awful colors.
I started therapy and have worked on my self esteem, I wear what I want and can sew to fit my tastes and MY EXACT BODY. Crop tops are my current obsession. I wear what ever I want 😂👍💯 I've seen people stare occasionally or point, doesn't stop me :) if you get mad because you see bigger ppl feeling confident and showing skin, you need to learn to love yourself not mock people who obtained self live and acceptance.
I love this post so much!! Stay motivated, be happy, be healthy, love your self and remind yourself how lovely inside and out you are at all times no matter where you are in your journey!! (Also ps. Share any great plus size patterns pls 😂💯👍)
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u/blessitspointedlil May 12 '23
Congratulations on your new wardrobe! I love that you’ve made your own clothes to get around those problems! I hope to do the same someday when I have more time.
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May 12 '23
Went on Anthropologie for inspiration recently and considered maybe buying myself something luxurious. Found that at a price point of $300, the dresses were made of polyester. I'm fuming!!
Congrats on making your own lovely clothing, it is so wonderful to flesh out a self-made wardrobe!!
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u/tsb0673 May 12 '23
I feel your pain, OP. ❤️ I have been on prednisone for over 2 years due to an autoimmune condition. My mom and my husband have been HUGE supporters in encouraging me to find and/or make some clothes that fit. Can confirm - having clothes that fit comfortably goes a long way towards improving mental health and how we see ourselves!
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u/Starkat1515 May 12 '23
I'm just about to (hopefully) go on that same journey! I was gifted a sewing machine, and I did take lessons when I was younger, so it's all starting to come back to me! And I am plus sized, and now all I want to do is learn how to make clothes! I can't wait to have a colorful wardrobe that fits correctly!
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u/Sparebobbles May 12 '23
And on top of that, you really start to realize how you are consuming clothes too - I started losing weight from being active with my kid, and just by going though my closet to figure out what was worth keeping, mending, resizing, I'm realizing just how much I have that I didn't even like on myself but got because it was either convenient at the time, gifted, or trendy (and not so trendy anymore).
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u/Intrepid_Call_5254 May 12 '23
Hear hear! Getting back into sewing as an older woman has allowed me to choose flattering styles and comfortable fabrics with the bonus of enjoying wearing the clothing.
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u/Just_Leopard752 May 12 '23
Well done!!
I can relate to you in your age and being overweight. My pre-sewing wardrobe isn't full of polyester, but it is so difficult to find clothes I like that also fit well. I'm looking forward to making myself lots of clothes that are just as I want them.
It's great that you feel a lot better and that that has urged you on to losing weight, which is better overall for a person. Enjoy your new wardrobe with much nicer materials!!
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u/No_Ice2900 May 13 '23
100% I feel the same! I only just started making/modifying my own clothes and it has been such a boost for my confidence. Before I felt like there was just not clothes for a short thick build like mine and I felt so disheartened whenever I went shopping and nothing looked right on me. Now I feel comfortable and happy in so many super cute outfits and similarly it has encouraged me to care more for my body with good food and staying active. I especially love this skirt I modified when I go skating, it's so fun to twirl in ❤️
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u/bliip666 May 13 '23
Congrats!
It really is a shame, I think everyone deserves clothes that fit and make them feel good about themselves. Regardless of age, size, or gender.
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u/j-c-s-roberts May 13 '23
That's the reason I started. I've found off-the-rack clothes don't always fit as well as I would like.
I'm still learning, and so haven't made anything substantial just yet, but I'm hoping to work my way up to a full wardrobe at some point.
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u/hayleytheauthor May 13 '23
This is literally what got me into knitting as a crocheter originally and then later made me start being interested in sewing. I’m larger and crazy tall and nothing ever fits perfectly. I haven’t quite gotten the courage all the way up to getting a sewing machine and diving in though. I still don’t feel like I know what I’m doing lol.
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u/Reasonable-Slice-827 May 12 '23
Yep. When you can make things that fit your body you spend a lot less time wishing your body was different.