Joser
member
Reged: 12/03/2008
Posts: 52
Loc: N.I.
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Hi, I have recently "come back" to revisit an old hobby of dressmaking. Years ago I wasn't too fussy and just made everything very roughly(and it showed)Now I like to use proper patterns and do it properly. However, i have found in my old stock , some inherited materials, lovely the are too, duchesse satin, tweed and moire taffeta, but they are only 36" wide. the problem is that all modern patterns seem to cater for 45" or 60 " patterns. Has anybody any tips for suitable patterns or ideas that may help me out?
Thanks, Joan.
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debenjane
member
Reged: 11/01/2008
Posts: 403
Loc: suffolk
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Can't help woith the problen but am jelous you have such a wonderful stock of gorgeous fabric. Don't often use patterns but would think you could make up skirts by dividing the width of the pattern pieces , say on a six gored skirt and making it into an 8 gored skirt. Does that make sense? It did in my head. Have fun though. Original designs and all your own work.
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blossom97
member
Reged: 02/02/2008
Posts: 1205
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I use used to do lots of dressmaking in my teens and early twenties.I made my evening outfit for my wedding out of green velvet.Haven't done anything since but would like to make some curtainsSorry i cantt help with you rpatern.I am drunk
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Flo2604
member
Reged: 29/09/2007
Posts: 1045
Loc: South Wales
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You just have to have at least a metre more fabric than you would allocate for a 45" fabric - more perhaps if you have a one way design.
The way you fold your fabric before cutting could help too, but I suggest that you just fold the fabric lengthways and you will have to place the pattern pieces under one another instead of two pieces facing - d'you know what I mean ??
PM me if you need clarification.
Also, try Googling dressmaking patterns for 36" material. or Vintage dressmaking patterns.
Do you know any old ladies who were tailoresses or dressmakers ? Try the museums...V&A perhaps ???
Lucky you finding that lovely fabric. What are you going to make ??
Flo
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Your smile is your greatest weapon
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Loo
member
Reged: 09/01/2008
Posts: 329
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I used to do a lot of dressmaking too, years ago before VAT was added to everything and doubled the price.
My only suggestion would be to buy a pattern and then lay it out on a plan of 36" material. You could measure out an area 36" wide on the floor perhaps. Don't forget you need left and right sleeves etc. so the material has to be folded in half either lengthways or widthways, and allow extra material for nap so front and back each lay in the same direction.
Good Luck
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....as in Looby Loo
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susieblue
member
Reged: 16/03/2008
Posts: 491
Loc: Devon
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I used to do some dressmaking many years ago but didn't like it and quite often it would end up thrown in a corner. I didn't do tacking, and if the sewing up didn't go right straightaway I wouldn't unpick it for hours. Of course, those were the days (poor old lady!) when it was cheaper to sew clothes rather than buy them. My mother used to make my clothes when I was a kid because I was always very small for my age (I blossomed later!) and there wasn't anything trendy in my size.
Will sew the odd pair of curtains now but that is all. However, have taken up knitting again but that is only because they are baby clothes and am doing it for love, and not to save money, as I did with my own kids. Once he is big enough for toys though, that will probably stop.
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Lorraine50
member
Reged: 19/11/2006
Posts: 141
Loc: Epworth, North Lincolnshire
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I loved dressmaking when my daughters were small and made outfits and costumes for them (and loads of their friends) whilst they were at dancing classes. I do occasionally make things now but it is so hard to find a decent material store. The ones that are left charge stupid prices for fabric and haberdashery supplies that it makes it too expensive to make your own clothes.
I will, however, eventually be making a christening robe with a 2 metre peice of silk from my daughters wedding dress. It was a sash, I haven't cut the dress! I also used to knit but it hurts my hands now. Same applies to wool though, hard to find and flipping expensive!
Lorraine
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Blessed are the cracked for they let in the light!
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Joser
member
Reged: 12/03/2008
Posts: 52
Loc: N.I.
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thanks everybody for your responses.
I have a Butterick pattern for a little evening jacket i thought I would make up in the silver grey moire silk..
I mentioned a longer style coat to E.D. in the purple velvet but she said no thanks, i mIght look like Willy Wonka!?
I dont know any old ladies who could help, Im scared of wasting the material by ruining the garment, but I suppose the way to look at is that it has been lying around for years, no use to anybody, why store it my airing cupboard for another 50 years?
Joan.
There is about 2.75 M of the grey fabric but I need to extend the pattern all over for the 6ft daughter!
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xxxSummerxxx
member
Reged: 29/03/2008
Posts: 776
Loc: Billericay,Essex
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Sorry i dont have any tips only a confession....my Husband bought me a sewing machine 3 years ago this coming JUne and i promise you i havnt even taken it out of the wrapper.I had all intension of trying to do some straight forward machining but alass never got round to it. my 82 year old mum made shirts many years ago so im sure she could give me a few pointers although shes elderly now. I often look at A line skirts and think how easy it must be to make but hey heres hoping!!! lol
BIlly
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Joser
member
Reged: 12/03/2008
Posts: 52
Loc: N.I.
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Listen Billy I'll let you in on a secret... whispers.Its fun!
I can zoom zoom away and fell quite pleased with the end result. Mind you, when I went classes about 25 years ago, that makes me sound so old, but Im not, only 47, I earned myself the nickname of "Mrs Do-rightly" 'cause I always said " ach, that'll do rightly" when others would unpick and resew!
Ah, happy days.!
Jaon.
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wispa
member
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 899
Loc: Suffolk,
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Joser,
I've got a book by Liberty which has tops, skirts, jackets, that can be used for day or evening depending on the fabric. Complete with patterns/diagrams, and never been used.
PM if you are interested
..wispa
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