sewhungryhippie

Sewing your own clothing has to be one of life's trickiest endevours. It's so easy to mess up (at least for me). I have tried so many patterns, including the big four --- but every time I go back to my favorite Indie designers. They seem to know something the commercial companies haven't grasped yet.

1. Fit:  Indie designers have a modern concept of fit and sizing. It makes sewing the garment infinitely easier. The numbers are closer to what I wear off the rack- and the waist bands aren't up North of my belly button. (Not a good look for most people- ya know?) 

2. Comfort: I don't want to spend days sewing something that in the end sits on my closet shelf. Fabric is expensive, that sh*t should feel good to wear -- and fit so I don't have to hold my breath when I sit down.

3. Ease of sewing: I'm not quite sure who pattern tests the commercial sewing patterns, but dang if they confuse the hell out of me! More than once I've found mistakes (go with it, don't say it was me)--and then after thinking for a month moment on it, I figure out a much simpler way to get the job done. Indie designers have their patterns refined and tested by ---wait for it---- REAL people. Real sewers like you and I, who possibly don't know what "under stitch" actually means. 

*I love you Google.

Here are my favorite pattern makers so far, most of which I found through my friend Sonja over at GingerMakes. She always has inspiring posts --I think her entire wardrobe must be sewn.

If you're new to garment sewing, I would stick with simple projects like The Akita top by Seamwork, or the Sorbetto tank by Colette Patterns (it's free!)-- something to build confidence and work on honing skills like binding armholes and making facings. Leave the buttonholes for another day.   ;)  (I'm still not there yet really.)

More beginner patterns I found easy and worth the effort because the end result is very wearable:  the Scout Tee by Grainline Studio, the Washi tunic and dress by Rae Hokestra, the Mission Maxi  dress by Jamie Christina, and the wrap skirt pattern by LoveJill on Etsy.

But wait- I wrote this blog post so I could tell you how much I love the new Luna pant pattern by Rae. I made my first pair the day the pattern launched. I'm serious. I used the lovely Frances Newcombe "African Safari" print in turquoise-though it's more green to me (LOVE).

African Safari was supposed to be a quilt backing, but Luna won out instead. 

 Here I'm showing how roomy the pants are--which is my fave. I need to move in comfort. However next time I will wear a more form fitting top to balance it out better.

OMG that looks like a crazy hanging boob doesn't it?! LOLOLOL
It's NOT I promise!

Today I finished making another pair in a lovely emerald green challis. I lined these as it was pretty see-through fabric, and I am so in love. I will wear these into the ground, I can tell already.

The slinky feel of the challis is a dream, and it was easier to sew with than I expected. I had one tiny bunch/wrinkle in one cuff that I guess I didn't press right, but it's hidden due to the elastic cuff design.
Genius Rae.

Here I'm looking at my very dirty floor--but not feeling guilty enough to do anything about it. 

No shame. 

The pockets are the best part of these pants, and then the elastic waist which sits low enough that it's not annoying. So often elastic waists on adult garments make a person want to set that sh*t on fire. You know what I mean? I get chills just thinking about the fashion faux pas of elastic waist Mom jeans with those endless zippered crotches.      ewweeeee

Mom jean clip SNL

Luna can be made in any quilting cotton fabric, but I have found that I like the drape and feel of Art Gallery fabrics the best. I stick to AG when making clothing, but it's personal pref as everything is.

I super love the Schoolhouse Tunic by Sew Liberated.
The fabric is Emmy Grace by Bari J of Art Gallery Fabrics.

peach voile

green challis

Moneta pattern

I have yet to learn why some necklines come out wavy-ish with knits. For now, a sweater over top is an instant fix. I love this dress with tights and clogs, and my super chunky fisherman's sweater/jumper I bought in London at a resale shop. 

This one:

These pink pants are a Burda pattern, but the three rows of elastic in the waist annoy me, so now I will only make Luna.

Washi in black voile with optional bow tie neckline. I wear this so much I had to reinforce the bust darts the other day. Next I may try a FBA (full bust adjustment) on the Washi, as I'm right on that cusp of needing the adjustment. 

It's fun and rewarding to mix and match self made clothes.
I won't kid you- I've made more pieces that I "can't" wear than pieces I "will" wear. But that is part of the process, the journey of finding what suits you. I don't worry too much if something isn't quite right for me-I give it to somebody else (and then sit back and laugh and laugh)....   hahahaha
Just kidding.


Maybe.

Here are some makes I may have "given" you:

Anyways, the point is "have FUN". Learn with each experience and enjoy the journey.

Isn't that the point with life anyhow?

Here is a list of 26 simple ways to make your life more exciting-- and "learn something new" is #10.

It's worth 90 seconds to read over. 

Happy Week to you!