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I'm rather confused by this cutting layout for the Merchant and Mills Gyo dress pattern which seems to contradict the labels on the pattern pieces and the dire warning not to cut the pieces out of the proper orientation. Pictures and more details inside. [more inside]
posted by crush on Jul 17, 2019 - 4 answers

For once, I'd like to actually fall in love with a fabric and then come up with something to make with it, rather than getting an idea for a garment and never actually finding anything I want to make it with. [more inside]
posted by cilantro on Oct 22, 2018 - 9 answers

Hello MeFites. I have a lot of clothes that are a bit big for me. I'd like to learn how to take things in properly. I'm looking for beginner resources but something more advanced than just being told to sew things up both sides. Can you recommend blogs or youtube channels? [more inside]
posted by stellathon on Aug 10, 2018 - 3 answers

I did an ask mefi search, and the responses were out of date and centered around NYC. Sigh. Anyone know of any actual walk in stores that offer a decent amount of clothing fabric? I live in North Central Ohio. [more inside]
posted by LaBellaStella on Jan 7, 2018 - 7 answers

Years ago I bought a length of beautiful, tactile watered (?) silk, as well as a length of translucent finer textured silk (?) of the same pattern. I'd like to make it into a simple double-layered dress (niece's wedding coming up), but would prefer to work with a pattern. What's the right search term for this type of dress - "overlay" does not work - or could you make a specific suggestion?
posted by mmiddle on Jul 2, 2017 - 7 answers

I’d like to order a dress from eshakti, but the sizing is off for me, so I thought I’d do the custom-sizing. However, the form for entering your measurements only accepts whole numbers, whereas all my measurements end in fractions of an inch (you know, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2). I'm having trouble reconciling this, as there is an huge difference between X overbust and a X+1 overbust measurement, particularly when you bother to take a bust and underbust measurement as well. So I’m having trouble reconciling this. [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick on Dec 1, 2014 - 8 answers

I absolutely love everything about this suit pattern. Could you help me find a modern day equivalent? [more inside]
posted by the webmistress on Oct 29, 2014 - 9 answers

I'm totally into the idea of slow fashion. I'd like to take up sewing again and sew some simple but stylish items using Very Easy Vogue patterns or similarly easy patterns. The difficulty is that I'd like to do it by hand and want to know if this is practical. If not I may buy a basic sewing machine, but I'd love to try sewing and finishing by hand. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy on Apr 3, 2014 - 19 answers

I saw this dress on Pinterest and fell in love. I don't want to buy it--I'm trying to get away from buying new clothes entirely. I have extremely basic sewing skills (curtains, sunglasses cases, skirts) and I'm tempted to try to make this dress on my own. [more inside]
posted by chaiminda on Mar 14, 2013 - 7 answers

Help me work out how to alter this dress pattern for a big bust. A friend walked me through doing one with a bust dart, but I want to avoid frustration with this and hopefully get it right myself. [more inside]
posted by mippy on Jun 7, 2012 - 13 answers

I used an overlocker (serger) for the first time yesterday, and I was impressed. I'd like to get one when I am in a position to have a proper sewing space (hopefully in the next year), but can I survive without one for dressmaking well enough? And what should I be looking for in a first machine? [more inside]
posted by mippy on May 17, 2012 - 13 answers

So I've bought a sewing machine. Now what else do I need to get going? [more inside]
posted by guessthis on May 7, 2012 - 22 answers

What are good pattern resources for sewing a basic, A-line dress? [more inside]
posted by amicamentis on Apr 18, 2012 - 20 answers

I rather like this 1940s reproduction dress. However, although it fits everywhere else it doesn't on the bust. Are there any similar patterns or adaptable patterns out there? [more inside]
posted by mippy on May 3, 2011 - 12 answers

I've made a dress. It doesn't fit. Do I need to take the whole thing apart, re-cut and sew back together, or can I alter it another way? [more inside]
posted by mippy on Mar 21, 2011 - 10 answers

I will make you a dress but I will also make you pants. [more inside]
posted by bendy on Oct 3, 2009 - 10 answers

I am looking for free dressmaking patterns. Skirts, blouses, pants, tops, etc. [more inside]
posted by sconbie on Aug 15, 2005 - 6 answers