"Ha, ha, why this old thing? Oh, it's just something I whipped up the other night."
Since I apparently desperately need another hobby (reading, cooking, exercise, running, painting, and blogging aren't enough), I have gotten the sudden yen to learn how to sew. I took home ec and learned the basics (ahem, fourteen years ago), but can't remember a thing. However, if I could sew I could whip up all the little shifts and sun-dresses I wear all summer, as well as basic sheaths for work! So often, I become incredibly frustrated because I have a specific simple dress in my mind, yet can't find anywhere to buy it. Post-sewing classes, I will simple create it- voilà!
Then I started perusing dress patterns, specifically Vogue Patterns. Well, that sealed the deal- check out these dresses, especially the vintage ones like above. I am in love.
I could have MADE my Nine O'Clock dress.
How cute are these aprons? Imagine as gifts in cute Amy Butler-ish or vintage fabric?
Yes, please!
Perfect lady lawyer attire, no?
Then there are the Vogue Easy patterns- surely I can do these with a little instruction? Please ignore the fabric/styling on these and focus on the garment.
I could make these as short as I like (I'm petite and like to at least show a little knee). The first two above would be great for work, and I would never have to spend money on dreaded work clothes again! Just add a blazer and I am ready to roll.
So readers, who out there knows how to sew? How did you learn? Could a beginner produce any of these with a little teaching and practice?
I love scouring Vintage Vogue patterns! They are definitely a little bit harder than they look and require a TON of fabric for the full skirts. That said, I think with some practice they would be great. Simplicity and McCall's have several similar patterns that I think may be a touch easier. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I, too, have been wanting to learn to sew for awhile (not that I have alot of free time for that or anything!). I used to "know" how to sew when I was younger, around 12-13, but I don't remember a thing as to how to operate the machine. I'd love to learn so I can make some cute things for both me and my daughter. This post has given me some more motivation to learn how to sew!
ReplyDeleteI want to take a sewing class real bad. Great designs.
ReplyDeleteIt would be amazing to know how to make these!
ReplyDeletePlease keep us updated on how you decide to learn! I'm dying to be able to sew and would love to make such fabulous dresses. (And cute things for our little guy, too! And window treatments and pillow shams and the list goes on!)
ReplyDeleteI took a home ec class in high school and actually made some cute outfits (a sundress, shorts and a top). Alas, I no longer know how. I would love to get back into it. Especially when I see how easy some of the cuts are (Lilly Pulitzer shifts, for instance). Love the black dresses you featured. You ought to visit J. Peterman's Web site. They have some fabulous vintage-style frocks that are good for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYou should get in touch with Diary of a Southern Belle if you don't read her blog. She has started learning how to sew, and she might be of some help. Y'all might end up helping each other. Just a thought:)
ReplyDeleteAnd, now I want to go browse patterns and talk my MIL into sewing me some dresses.
ReplyDeleteI learned to sew in Girl Scouts and my sewing machine has been broken for a lifetime but I still have a heart for it! I like you, have a million hobbies and am always looking for more! You can absolutely do this!! I'll be excited to see finished products! xoe
ReplyDeleteI wish, I wish! My aunt who's been battling cancer is fantastic behind her sewing machine. I keep hoping she'll get strong enough to spend the summer teaching me some of her trade.
ReplyDeleteAlso: petite?! I'm always fascinated to hear how tall or short my blog friends are. We should have our height listed on our "About Me" :-). Who knew?!
Can't sew. My mother was a master seamstress--she made her wedding gown, she altered everything I owned she made quilts--oh, she was amazing. I do not have that gene. I would love to learn how to sew and would love to sew my own stuff. I have a friend who just whips up a skirt now and then.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll need to take some classes!
I have been learning to sew for a few years now. Although it's slow going because I don't work on it regularily enough. My grandmother has been teaching me and I made two vogue patterns under her supervision, one was for college graduation and was very similar to one of the ones you showed and the other was a vintage vogue pattern for my wedding dress. They were both very difficult patterns. i have found mcalls and butterick to be much easier. However, vogue patterns fit much better. I would definately start with the simple vogue. What is most difficult is reading the pattern and knowing what it asking. Patterns, especially vogue patterns tend to assume you know more than you probably do. There is a better homes and gardens sewing book that I use a lot to look things up. I also find that my sewing machine manual is very helpful. Most likely you can figure a lot out through trial and error. You might do your first pattern in muslin for practice before trying it in actual fabric. hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteOhh please keep us updated - I would LOVE to try this!
ReplyDeletePictures like that are exactly the reason I long to sew! One day I will conquer that sewing machine that my husband bought me four years ago. Maybe after I see you do it....?
ReplyDeleteI am going to HIGHLY encourage this hobby. I love sewing! And talk about a money saver, learning to hem my own pants has saved my enough to cover the cost of my machine (if it hadn't been a christmas gift that is...). I also want to see what neat things you would come up with as you're so fab!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I am desperate to learn to sew. :)
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