Question about Garment Sewing

Hi everyone -

My sister will be getting married next October and I just found out that we'll be making our own bridesmaid gowns. Years ago I made my prom dress, but I've mostly stuck to quilting since then.

Can anyone recommend a good book for basic garment sewing, alterations, etc.? We still need to look at patterns and fabric, and I plan to lose some weight before the wedding. I also will be making my daughter's flower girl outfit.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give...

Kristie

Reply to
Kristie
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Pop over to my web site (URL below) and look up my Book List. There are several books reviewed there that might suit you, including the Reader's Digest one, Sewing for Dummies, and a couple of good ones on altering patterns BEFORE you cut the garment out.

If your sister chooses a fabric that is a pain top work with (like a poly satin!), we will nurse you through the project, don't worry! Just remember that like quilting, you need the right needle for the job, and a new one for every garment - at least! Some fabrics blunt needles quicker than a quilt sandwich!

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Phew - no pressure, then!

Books are all very well, but a sewing class wouldn't hurt, if you can find one - your gown could be your project and you'll get lots of help and input from the teacher.

Re a pattern - EVERYONE plans to lose weight before a wedding, and if I were you, I'd err on the side of caution and make it to fit you now. However, if you do lose weight, you'll find it much easier to alter a sheath style dress, with side or princess seams, than you will a style with a separate bodice and skirt, especially a gathered skirt - they can be murder to fix.

Re style, you'd be best to pick something simple and concentrate on getting a good finish. I go for Very Easy Very Vogue, though others might recommend other manufacturers. I'd choose something that you can wear for evening afterwards, and maybe keep back some fabric to make a matching wrap - you'll be putting a lot of work into this and you'll want to get some wear out of it. Given that the wedding's in autumn, does it have to be a gown? Could you get away with a bodice and skirt...?

When sewing, cut your seam allowances wide, finish the raw edges and press the seams open, so you can easily sew a new seam - don't overlock the whole lot together or make French seams you'll have to unpick, or you're just making work for yourself if you do lose weight. Same with a lining - if you make a lined garment and then you lose weight, you'll have to resew the lining as well as the main garment.

As for fabrics, the world's your oyster, but I'd go for natural if you can. Apart from having nicer drape, natural fabrics behave better in the machine

- IMHO thin polyester satin was invented by the Devil just to vex us sewists. A heavy satin-backed crepe is always nice, though - even in poly. Most big shops have a good selection of bridal fabrics, but it's worth checking out

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in the luxury fabric section - they have some gorgeous things.

For your little girl, the main thing to remember is to build in growing room - almost any style looks nice on a child.

Once finished, get the dresses professionally pressed at a good dry cleaner

- it makes a world of difference.

HTH. I'm sure other people have other ideas.

:) Trish

Reply to
Trishty

The latest update was recently released. It made the front page of the Lifestyle section of the Houston Chronicle the week it 'hit the shelves'. Emily

Reply to
Emily

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