The One Where I Start Making My Own Clothes...

   

I promised myself that I will learn proplerly how to make clothes (and knit and crochet...but more on that later). Primarily because I can never find anything that I like and that fits properly - the two seem to be mutually exclusive. Consequently, this week I finished my very first ever dress - wohoo! I grant you my little denim pinafore is quite possibly the simplest design that has ever existed in dressmaking (in fact it looks rather like the sort of thing the BFG would make) but I like simple things and I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew for my first attempt because it would just put me off. So I drew out a rough shape of what I thought might work on some lining paper, made up a toile in some cheap cotton... and it was a hideous sack. Many adjustments and two more toiles later I finally have something entirely wearable. In fact I am wearing it right now, which makes me indescribably proud and happy.

It probably would have been easier to work from a ready-made pattern, but what I wanted was so basic and I knew I would need to alter it so much to fit that it seemed pointless to get one. There aren't any fastenings at all, so once I had the pattern right it was really easy to put together. I mainly wanted to make sure the fit was right and that everything was finished nicely on the inside, and in the process I taught myself how to insert darts into a pattern and how to make and use bias binding for the neckline and armholes. I french seamed everything because I loathe overlocked seams, and I figure if you are going to take the time to do something, you might as well do it properly so that it will last. It looks a little odd on my dress form as she is breastically-challenged, but it fits me beautifully with no puckering or gaping. I actually tried putting one of my bras on her (I wish I was joking). It didn't work. It looked as though I had stuffed socks down her top (which obviously I had). Embarrassing. So I just left it looking all strange and gathered at the front - please ignore that part. It probably would have made more sense for me to show you a photo of me wearing it, but I am not in the habit of plastering pictures of myself all over the internet so I'm afraid you will have to take my word for it.

Anyway, next up something a little more ambitious. Maybe this or this or this.

I am just finishing up sampling colours for the new kits so am on the home stretch now. I can't wait for you to see them. I am so excited about these ones...

Delilah x

Comments

[Ali]

That looks wonderful! I am fed up with unflattering garments that don't fit properly too, but lack the patience to sew them really well myself as well. I think learning how to do better alterations is probably the answer.

[Delilah]

Thanks Ali! I have a loooong way to go still but feel better now I have at least made a start. It all seemed really daunting before (much of it still is) but it starts to make sense once you get going.

[Jo]

The first thing I thought when I started reading this was "she'd like a Merchant & Mills pattern or two", and one of your possible future projects is, indeed, one of theirs!

[Delilah]

Absolutely! I am saving up my pennies...