Help a would-be fashion designer?

[mysngoeshere56]

Hey everybody! :-)

So, I've been doing some shopping for clothes, but I've discovered that not very many retail stores really cater to my own style. I have found a couple stores to my liking, but even they seem to have a limited amount of things I'd actually wear.

I think most of those who cater toward my preferred style work in other countries. But, I don't have the money to have their products shipped here, nor do I have time, money, or even the desire to move overseas. I also don't really care for wearing the same stuff all the time...

And so, I'm thinking I might as well just learn how to make my own clothes. I'm willing on make just about anything - shirts, pants, accessories, etc. However, I could use some tips on how to get started.

Do you guys have any good sites to recommend? Any cheap sewing machine brands that I should look out for? Anything?

[Atria35]

Yeah- if you want a sewing machine that will last, go for a Viking or a Singer. Those are quality brands. Do NOT buy a cheap $100 in any old store. You will get screwed over badly. My mother got one of those. Died the first time she used it. That was money down the drain. Definitely go to your local Jo-Ann's or whatnot to get something reputable. Check reviews online.

Even those brands can seel doozy's, so I'm really warning you and telling you to watch out for the cheap ones.

[mysngoeshere56]

What'd the average price of a relatively good machine be?

[Atria35]

From $100-$400. If you want to stay reasonable, of course. Shop around, watch for sales- my mom got me an $800 machine for $400 because they were old enough that they were just going to be sent back to the companies for new ones the next day. I think they were floor models, too, and that helped. But even $100 can be iffy *points to example of $100 that mom bought and broke after first time*. If you research enough, then you could probably find some good ones for that price. Defintiely pay attention to complaints, though, about a model.

[UniqueAngelStar]

Wow! I love it when people want to dress in their own individual unique style!
I'm doing the same too!

When you began sewing, you should search for sewing patterns such as simplipity, Butterkick etc by art stores or online.
Make sure to measure yourself before buying the patterns so it fits your size.
When you like the patterns, buy them and find fabrics that goes well with it.

In the meantime, you can look at other styles around that are inspiring to you.
It helps me to dress unique with style!

Good luck! Can't wait until your outfits comes up!

[mysngoeshere56]

Thanks you two! :-) I'll have to keep my eyes out for some good machines (and for their dropping prices). I did sew for a short period of time, but that was for a required elective I took back in grades 5 and 6. Quite some time ago, to say the least... Though, I admit, it certainly doesn't feel as long as it really has been.

In the mean time, I think I'll stick to simple things that I can sew by hand. Stuff like editing t-shirts and the like. I've already found one YouTube channel that has a bunch of ideas that I like. Does anybody else have links (or even book recommendations) for people who would like to start designing outfits?

And for now, it doesn't really even have to *exclusively* be outfits. It's been years since I've sewn anything, so I'll take whatever simple practice I can get. Pillows, bean bags... whatever. :-)

[Asuka Neko]

PM Neko-hime. That's what I would do...

She sews a lot, so she could probably help! I personally know nothing about sewing, though, so I will be no help.

[mysngoeshere56]

PM Neko-hime. That's what I would do...

She sews a lot, so she could probably help! I personally know nothing about sewing, though, so I will be no help.

Neko-hime? I looked on the members list but didn't find somebody with that username.

[Makachop^^128]

Go on Etsy its a really good store for cool unique clothes some of the stuff is pretty cheap too but go do quality, I like etsy and just thrift stores my self XD if you like Vintage stuff at all try Red light.

[c.t.,girl]

Etsy is an enemy to my wallet. XD

I totally agree with UniqueAngleStar about Simplicity and Butterick (not Butterkick lol), however, my mom (who makes my clothes and costumes) says Simplicity is the best and the easiest, more so than Butterick.

ALSO! My mom informed me that for sewing machines Brothers, Kenmore and, of course, Singer. She payed a little over $200 for her Kenmore at Sears and it's pretty big...she's also had it since I was a little kid. A Brothers sewing machine "can be about $159+." Finally the Singer machine, "for a good one, expect to pay $3-500."

[mysngoeshere56]

Hey everybody, so I've finally started hand-sewing some outfits together. I plan on trying to find a way to save up for a machine soon, so could you recommend any sewing websites that might help me make my decision? Maybe even Amazon could help me find reviews on models to help me find the most useful one, and then I could see if Jo-Anne has it...