Dressmaking patterns....on the scrounge!

[Clara]

I really need a kickstart to my ambitions on the dressmaking front, my problem is I lack access to decent patterns (real ones that is, not the download and piece together a million bits of A4 type!)....

Does anyone have any gathering dust anywhere? I´m a size 8 or 10 (depending on who´s asking ) and DD wears clothes for 2 year olds. Anything basic, more in style than technique, don´t do frills! Though if it´s super quirky I might make an exception

I´d be glad to try and find something suitable to swap them for, if you let me know what you´re into.

Cheers me loves, Clara x.

[Ratty]

If you let me know what sort of clothes you are after (dresses, trousers?) then I can certainly send you some for yourself - I hoard all the ones from Prima! I don't currently have any child patterns spare as I'm trying to get of some myself. I know you can get nice patterns for little girl dresses very cheap on Eb@y. I'm after ones for tall boys!

PM me if you're interested.

Ratty

[marshlander]

The only pattern I have at the mo is from a 1921 womens magazine - it's for a pair of bloomers! Truely.

I'll keep an eye open for you.

[hamster]

The only one I have I'm currently making, but if you remind me in 10 years when I've finished it, I'll pass it on! I have altered it for my rather unusual shape, though...

If you only want simple things that fit, you could get a tracing wheel and some dressmakers' paper and then you could copy some clothes you already have.

[Urban Ayisha]

i used to work in a fabric shop and they used to chuck out (actually chuck out!!!) all the 'last season' patterns, so ive hoarded looooads. i was the same size as you until i got preggers (!!) so would be happy to send you some! got a great pattern for thai fishermans trousers that are pretty simple to make i would be happy to trace for you as i cant part with the original pattern!! and in exchange..... a week at your andalucian palace? he he he only joking. on a side note the OH (check my netlingo usage!) and i are hoping to eventually settle in granada u know... living your kind of lifestyle too!

[Clara]

Thank you for all your lovely offers (I´ll pass up on the bloomers....though it sounds like it would probably look wicked framed).

Ayisha - have you been to this part of Granada ( Do I remember seeing some photos of you at the alhambra?), where I live was the last stronghold of the Moors. Beautiful.

[kathleen]

There's a great book called 'Yeah! I made it myself!' by Eithne Farry, it has clothes & other random things which you can make without a proper pattern, I've used it for a few dresses & skirts with great success One day I think I'll have to buy it, I constantly have it out from the library!

[contadina]

Also check out some of the tutorials at http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php I've made a few funky things I've seen here - all have been pattern-free, wearable and have helped build my sowing confidence.

[mrsflibble]

I second the craftster thing. I got given the link on here, went on and was in awe of things on there... for munchkin I recommend searching under "cheytown" for her shirt dress tutorial, it's so easy to follow, easy to adapt and soph's just started growing out of her first one so I@m off to town later to look for another shirt to cut up lol!!!

[snapdragon]

I'll check the stash for you - most of them will be 30+ years old - apart from my Mums, some of which are 60 yrs old


Ratty - for tall cut the pattern a few inches above the hem, (sleeve or leg)another below the waistband (trousers) (above waist for tops/shirts) and add the appropriate amount of length to a standard pattern there.
burda and other german make patterns seem to cater for taller children in my experience.

[Ratty]

Clara - just to let you know that I HAVEN'T forgotten you! Just that I've been extra busy lately. Pattern in the post to you this week. In the meantime, I just found this http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/free-bab ... terns.html which might be of some use? Hope so!

[Clara]

No worries, everything takes longer than you think, especially with an ankle biter in tow eh? Thanks for the link. Cx